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Press release
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) has named Portland a 2024 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer for the ninth year, recognizing its leadership in digital equity. The City’s initiatives, in tech access programs and digital skills training, highlight a commitment to closing the digital divide.
Published
Portland, OR – The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) has named the City of Portland a 2024 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, marking the ninth consecutive year the City has earned this prestigious recognition, showing that the City has deeply integrated digital inclusion and leading in digital inclusion innovation . This honor celebrates Portland's sustained leadership and innovative efforts to close the digital divide and foster digital equity for all residents.
Portland joins a record-setting group of 60 municipalities, counties, and regional governments recognized as a Digital Inclusion Trailblazer this year for their commitment to building digitally inclusive communities across the United States. The Trailblazer designation reflects Portland's dedication to addressing the diverse needs of its residents by providing equitable access to high-speed internet, affordable devices, and digital skills training.
“In today’s interconnected world, digital inclusion is not just a privilege—it’s a necessity,” said Seema Gadh Kumar, chief of community technology. “This recognition highlights the work we’ve done, but it also motivates us to continue collaborating with community partners to ensure every Portlander has the tools and opportunities to succeed in a digital age.”
Angela Siefer, NDIA’s executive director, applauded Portland and other awardees: “In the past decade, we’ve seen local governments step into the important role of building digital inclusion ecosystems, where organizations that provide services can connect and thrive. NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers celebrates these critical efforts to bring digital opportunities to all residents.”
Portland’s status as a Trailblazer reflects its innovative programs and initiatives that prioritize digital equity for sustainable community empowerment and advancement, including:
Since 2016, NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers program has set the national standard for excellence in digital equity work. Applications are verified for accuracy, assessed for community impact, and shared in an interactive map and searchable database on NDIA’s website. This open-sourcing of resources enables other communities to learn, connect, and build their own digital inclusion ecosystems.
About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) oversees a world-renowned waste and recycling system and leads the country in its commitment to digital equity, open data, and protecting communities in the application of technologies. Staff collaborate with partners on neighborhood, economic, historic, and environmental planning and provide research, policy, and technical services to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as policies and actions to address climate change. The bureau also oversees the innovative Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF).
The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is part of the City’s Community and Economic Development service area, which also includes the Portland Housing Bureau, Portland Permitting and Development, Prosper Portland, the Enhanced Services Districts Program, and the Spectator Venues and Visitor Activities Program. The Community and Economic Development service area aligns City programs focused on building prosperity for all Portlanders by creating and delivering efficient, transparent, and equitable solutions for a resilient built environment – and services, resources, and experiences for our community.
About National Digital Inclusion Alliance
NDIA advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Working collaboratively with more than 1,900 digital inclusion practitioners, NDIA advocates for equitable broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training, and tech support. For more information, visit digitalinclusion.org.