Washington State Broadband Office — Digital Equity Plan
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- 2024 Wsbo Digital Equity Plan Leg Report Final E755163A 2C0A 4846 8832 9B57
Summary
A legislative report fulfilling requirements per RCW 43.330.539, issued by the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) on April 1, 2024 to present Washington's Digital Equity Plan. The executive summary recommends a state revenue source to match the federal Lifeline Program, since Congress has not authorized funds to continue the Affordable Connectivity Program, and expanded funding for the Digital Navigator Program, including for tribes. The report defines key terms, sets out the plan's vision, three goals and six strategies with measurable objectives, and describes the covered populations and their systemic and unique needs. Its appendices close with lists of libraries that expanded public Wi-Fi with Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Funding, a tribal outreach plan, and a summary of public comments from a 60-day comment period that ended October 31, 2023.
Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used
Cite this document
“Washington State Broadband Office — Digital Equity Plan.”
Original at app.leg.wa.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/2024-wsbo-digital-equity-plan-leg-report-final-e755163a-2c0a-4846-8832-9b57/
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Washington State
Broadband Office —
Digital Equity Plan
A legislative report fulfilling requirements per RCW 43.330.539.
April 1, 2024
WASHINGTON STATE
BROADBAND OFFICE Report to the Legislature
Director Mike Fong
v3.4
Acknowledgments
Washington State Broadband Office
Aaron Wheeler, Director
Erika Henry, Deputy Director
Lisa Heaton, Broadband Equity Unit Managing
Director
Connie Rivera, Broadband Infrastructure and
Finance Manager
Devin Proctor, Policy and Communications
Manager
Sean Ardussi, Strategic Planning Lead
Jason Freeze, Broadband Infrastructure Manager
Sarah Clark, Digital Equity Contracts and
Operations Manager
Brittany Pouley, Digital Equity and Broadband
Planner
Patti-Jo Farr, Digital Navigator Program Manager
Jeff Rasmussen, Broadband Equity Engagement
Coordinator
Crystal Schoelkopf, Administrative Assistant
Washington State Broadband Office
Aaron Wheeler, Director
Aaron.Wheeler@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-2972
1011 Plum St. SE
P.O. Box 42525
Olympia, WA 98504-2525
www.commerce.wa.gov
For people with disabilities, this report is available on
request in other formats. To submit a request, please
call 360-725-4000
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 2
2.0
Table of Contents
Executive summary .........................................................................................................................................4
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................5
Digital Equity Plan: Summary ..........................................................................................................................8
Digital Equity Plan: Collaboration ..................................................................................................................12
Federal funding for digital equity...................................................................................................................19
Recommendations ........................................................................................................................................20
Appendix: Washington's Digital Equity Plan ...................................................................................................25
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 3
Executive summary
Overview
The Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) submits this legislative report to fulfill the requirements
outlined in RCW 43.330.539.
(3) By December 1, 2023, the office must submit a report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the
legislature, including the following:
(a) The digital equity plan described in subsection (1) of this section and measurable objectives described in
subsection (2) of this section;
(b) A description of how the office collaborated with the membership of the digital equity forum, state agencies, and
key stakeholders to develop the plan including, but not limited to, the following:
(i) Community anchor institutions;
(ii) Local governments;
(iii) Local educational agencies;
(iv) Entities that carry out workforce development programs; and
(v) Broadband service providers;
(c) A description of federal funding available to advance digital equity in the state, including any available information
on the extent to which state residents have enrolled in the affordable connectivity program through an approved
provider; and
(d) Recommendations of additional state law or policy that can be targeted to help improve broadband adoption and
affordability for state residents. This may include recommendations of ongoing subsidies that the state can provide
to low-income individuals and anchor institutions, as well as identification of revenue sources that other states or
jurisdictions have developed to fund such subsidies or discounted rates.
This report summarizes WSBO’s Digital Equity Plan, its collaborative efforts, federal funding for digital equity,
and policy recommendations.
Highlights
Washington's Digital Equity Plan creates a vision, goals, strategies and objectives to overcome the digital
divide for all residents. Sub-objectives prioritize populations disproportionately affected by this divide to
address group-based discrimination and intersectional barriers.
Digital equity is a statewide issue requiring a coordinated, collaborative approach by state agencies, tribal
and local governments, community-based organizations, and other key partners.
Digital equity cannot be achieved in Washington without additional legislative policies and funding.
Recommendations
Provide a source of revenue to match the federal Lifeline Program to subsidize affordable low-cost
broadband subscriptions since Congress has not authorized funds to continue the Affordable Connectivity
Program (ACP).
Expand funding for the Digital Navigator Program, and
Provide funding available to all tribes for digital navigator services based on their digital information needs
to sustain cultural values while enhancing equitable access to digital literacy skills.
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 4
Introduction
Background
In 2019, the Washington State Legislature established the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) to
promote broadband access and achieve speed goals for residences, businesses and communities. The WSBO
has implemented programs like the Digital Navigator Program, Broadband Action Teams (BATs) and State
Broadband Matching Grants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the WSBO also created a Drive-in Wi-Fi Hotspot
Finder. The WSBO has supported organizations that increase digital device distribution, educational and
navigation services, and access to broadband through enrollment programs and free Wi-Fi locations.
In 2022, the Legislature enacted the Digital Equity Act (Chapter 265, Laws of 2022). It established the Digital
Equity Forum to develop recommendations that advance digital connectivity in Washington.
In June 2023, President Biden’s administration announced that Washington state will receive federal funding
from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)’s Broadband Equity, Access,
and Deployment (BEAD) and State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program to expand high-speed internet
networks and digital equity programs statewide. Per RCW 43.330.539, the WSBO developed Washington's
Digital Equity Plan in collaboration with members of the Digital Equity Forum, state agencies and other key
partners. The WSBO submitted a final draft of the Digital Equity Plan to the NTIA in March 2024.
Key terms
The WSBO recognizes that discussions involving broadband and digital equity can be confusing and
exclusionary if commonly used terms remain undefined. The Digital Equity Plan uses the following key terms
and definitions to create a shared understanding for all Washington residents.1
Broadband: The term broadband commonly refers to high-speed internet access that is always on and
faster than traditional dial-up access. For the Federal Communications Commission, broadband
capability requires consumers to access actual download speeds of at least 100 megabits per second
(Mbps) and actual upload speeds of at least 20 Mbps.
Broadband Access: The availability of high-speed, reliable internet and related equipment, including
having internet connections and technology at home or in community institutions, such as free public Wi-
Fi or public computer centers.
Broadband Adoption: Daily access to the internet: (1) At speeds, quality, and capacity necessary to
accomplish common tasks, (2) With the digital skills necessary to fully participate online, and (3) On a
personal device and secure, convenient network.
Community Anchor Institutions: An entity such as a school, library, health clinic, health center, hospital
or other medical provider, public safety entity, institution of higher education, public housing
organization, or community support organization that facilitates greater use of broadband service by
vulnerable populations. Vulnerable populations include, but are not limited to, low-income individuals,
1 A complete list of terms and definitions are on pages 10-12 of the WSBO's Digital Equity Plan.
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 5
unemployed individuals, children, the incarcerated, and aged individuals. The National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) also allows the state to propose additional
types of institutions that should qualify as community anchor institutions. The list of community anchor
institutions is included in Section 3 of the Initial Proposal Volume I.
Covered Population/Underrepresented Communities: “Covered Population" describes the eight
population groups NTIA identified as underrepresented communities:
1. low-income households;
2. aging individuals;
3. incarcerated individuals;
4. veterans;
5. individuals with disabilities;
6. individuals with a language barrier, including individuals who have limited English proficiency or have
low levels of literacy;
7. individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group, and
8. individuals who primarily reside in a rural area.
WSBO also included two population groups identified in the definition of 'covered populations2,' when
applicable:
1. children and youth in foster care and
2. individuals experiencing housing instability
Digital Equity: The condition in which individuals and communities have the information technology
capacity needed for full participation in the society and economy of the United States.
Digital Inclusion:
1. The activities that are necessary to ensure that all individuals in the United States have access to and
the use of affordable information and communication technologies, such as:
a. Reliable fixed and wireless broadband internet service;
b. Internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user; and
2 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. No. 117-58 (2021) https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/PLAW-117publ58
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 6
c. Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency,
participation, and collaboration; and
2. The skills to utilize communication technologies including:
a. Obtaining access to digital literacy training;
b. The provision of quality technical support; and
c. Obtaining basic awareness of measures to ensure online privacy and cybersecurity.
Digital Literacy: The skills associated with using technology to enable users to find, evaluate, organize,
create, and communicate information.
Digital Navigation: The National Digital Inclusion Alliance defines digital navigators as trusted guides
who assist community members in internet adoption and using computing devices. Digital navigation
services include ongoing assistance with affordable internet access, device acquisition, technical skills,
and application support.
Digital Skills: Any skills related to operating digital devices or taking advantage of digital resources.
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 7
Digital Equity Plan: Summary
Vision, goals, strategies and objectives
The WSBO seeks to describe Washington’s “digital divide” by building a layered framework that ensures our
work will be completed measurably and equitably. The “digital divide” refers to the gap between people who
may or may not have access to broadband infrastructure, technology and skills needed for essential online
services, educational opportunities, job prospects or civic engagement.
Figure 1: Vision, goals, strategies, and measurable objectives framework
Source: WSBO's Digital Equity Plan, page 17
Vision
In 2022, the Digital Equity Forum developed a vision for digital equity that the WSBO adopted as the vision
statement for the Digital Equity Plan:
“Everyone in Washington has affordable broadband internet technology as well as the tools and skills needed
to participate in our digital society before 2028.” 3
This vision also aligns with WSBO’s goal from RCW 43.330.536(3) that all residents have access to high-speed
broadband – 150 megabit per second (Mbps) download and upload – by 2028.
Goals
Three primary goals serve as the guideposts for the strategies and reflect themes captured during public
engagement.4
1. Eliminate barriers: Provide Washington residents with infrastructure, devices and tools to access
reliable, affordable, high-speed broadband service to bridge the digital divide.
2. Empower residents: Provide Washington residents with the information, support, and skills to obtain
and cultivate digital knowledge and skills to improve access and reap the benefits of digital inclusion.
3 WSBO's Digital Equity Plan, page 19
4 WSBO's Digital Equity Plan, pages 17-18
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 8
3. Advance sustainability: Establish and build partnerships to deliver and sustain broadband service and
support programs for learning and engaging in civil society.
Strategies and objectives
The WSBO uses six strategies and measurable objectives to address digital inclusion gaps and improve
outcomes in various areas, including education, healthcare and workforce development.5
Strategy #1: Expand broadband availability and increase affordability.
• Objective #1: All Washington residents have the opportunity to access and afford broadband service.
Strategy #2: Implement innovative approaches to expand device availability and affordability options.
• Objective #2: All Washington residents can access and afford the devices needed to maintain digital
connectivity.
Strategy #3: Consolidate practices that promote online accessibility and inclusivity.
• Objective #3: Support inclusive practices that allow access to digital services for everyone.
Strategy #4: Provide services that increase digital literacy.
• Objective #4: All Washington residents have opportunities to acquire the skills and understanding to
participate in digital connectivity activities.
Strategy #5: Promote practices and leverage tools to enable online privacy and security.
• Objective #5: Advance measures that protect Washington residents online from cyber threats.
Strategy #6: Embed digital equity considerations into larger statewide efforts to advance the
sustainability of this work.
• Objective #6: Build partnerships with tribal governments, state agencies, local governments,
community-based organizations, businesses and other digital equity-focused organizations to sustain
digital equity work.
Covered populations
The NTIA identified eight population groups as historically underrepresented in digital inclusion. Additionally,
the WSBO included two population groups — children and youth in foster care and individuals experiencing
housing instability — identified in the definition of “covered populations6.” To address gaps in broadband
access, device ownership and digital skills, the WSBO wrote “sub-objectives” for each objective that can be
measured and supported by qualitative and quantitative data for each covered population. Below is a table
identifying and describing each covered population.7
5 WSBO's Digital Equity Plan, pages 18-19
6 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. No. 117-58 (2021) https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/PLAW-117publ58
7 WSBO's Digital Equity Plan, sections 3.1.1 and 3.2.2
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 9
Table 1 - Covered populations
Covered Populations Description
Aging individuals Individuals 60 years or older
All persons in state prisons, local jails and other municipal confinement facilities,
Incarcerated individuals
correctional residential facilities and correctional facilities intended for juveniles
Low-income covered households Households with income no more than 150 percent of the federal poverty threshold
This includes a) Limited English Proficient individuals: Individuals who speak a
Individuals with language barriers language other than English at home and speak English less than “very well” and b)
Individuals below literacy proficiency.
A person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or
Individuals with disabilities more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an
impairment or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment
Individuals who identify as a race other than white alone or as Hispanic or Latino of
Racial and ethnic minorities
any race
Individuals living in a jurisdiction with a population density of less than 100 persons
Rural inhabitants
per square mile or in a county smaller than 225 square miles
All persons aged 18 years and older who served in the armed forces in the past but
Veterans
are no longer on active duty
Individuals under the age of 25 (in Washington) who have been removed from their
Children and youth in foster care
home due to abuse or neglect by a parent or guardian
Individuals and families who do not have a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime
Individuals experiencing housing instability residence — for example, if they are living in a shelter, vehicle or other places not
meant for habitation
Source: WSBO's Digital Equity Plan, page 51
Systemic and unique needs
The WSBO also explored systemic and unique needs faced by each covered population, using the targeted
universalism framework.8 The universal objectives are intended to establish a baseline of digital inclusion
benefits for all people in Washington. Sub-objectives focus on how people are situated differently within
8 The WSBO used the “Targeted Universalism” framework developed by John A. Powell of the Othering and Belonging
Institute, but primarily as a conceptual framework rather than a strict adherence to methodology. The primary concept of “setting
universal goals pursued by targeted processes to achieve those goals” and developing strategies to achieve those goals “based
upon how different groups are situated within structures, culture, and across geographies” was referenced, where appropriate.
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 10
structures, culture, across geographies and how that may affect access to certain benefits, such as access to
affordable broadband services or the ability to know how to use a digital device.
Below are definitions for systemic needs and unique needs:
Systemic needs: Needs resulting from historical, political and/or economic policies affecting almost all
covered populations.
Unique needs: Needs that are specific to the covered population or particularly notable across
populations.
The Digital Equity Plan lists four systemic needs:
Affordable, reliable internet options.
Resilient broadband infrastructure.
Resources for Community Anchor Institutions.
Address overlapping barriers.
Each covered population has unique needs; learn more about the unique needs listed in the table below.
Table 2 - Unique needs by covered population
Covered populations Unique needs
Protect privacy and safety online.
Aging individuals Feel independent.
Afford internet on a fixed income.
Access to digital skill training.
Affordable and reliable internet connection within facilities.
Incarcerated individuals
Modern digital device equipment.
Widely available digital skills training and resources.
Affordable and reliable internet service packages.
Low-income covered households
Increased promotion of available resources.
Affordable computer equipment.
Promote awareness and expand digital literacy training in adult English
literacy programs.
Individuals with language barriers
Accessible language and translation services for navigating government-
sponsored services online.
Multilingual technical support services from service providers.
Accessible services.
Internet service providers (ISPs) need to include accessibility tools and
Individuals with disabilities
resources for their customers.
Affordable, subsidized or insurance-covered assistive devices and training.
Affordable and reliable internet services to power assistive technology.
Culturally sensitive online forms.
Racial and ethnic minorities Work with nontraditional Community Anchor Institutions for outreach and
engagement.
Meaningful engagement with Tribal communities.
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 11
Covered populations Unique needs
Rural inhabitants Consider rural-specific broadband needs.
More mobile-connected services in rural areas.
Veterans Digital skills training, particularly for recently separated veterans.
System and device support for Veterans Affairs programs.
Additional guidance and resources are needed for foster care management
services to ensure that youth have the tools they need to access the
Children and youth in foster care
internet safely.
Additional device lending programs outside of K – 12 programs.
Digital navigation support for foster parents.
Individuals experiencing housing instability
More public Wi-Fi locations.
Source: WSBO's Digital Equity Plan, page 51
Digital inclusion assets
The WSBO recognizes that covered populations need access to culturally relevant services and resources to
experience digital inclusion. “Digital Inclusion Assets” are programs, activities, strategies and technical
assistance that close the digital divide by helping people connect with and benefit from the internet. The Digital
Equity Plan includes a list of organizations that provide services to all Washington residents and specialize in
serving covered populations. The WSBO will maintain and update the list to reflect Digital Inclusion Assets for
all Washington residents and covered populations.9
Digital Equity Plan: Collaboration
Digital Equity Forum
The WSBO, in partnership with the Washington State Office of Equity, convened the Digital Equity Forum to
address the state’s digital equity challenges before the planning process of BEAD and the Digital Equity Plan.
The Digital Equity Forum conducted activities using state funds provided in the state fiscal year (FY) 2022
supplemental budget. These activities served as an important precursor to the planning efforts funded by
NTIA.10 These activities included:
Public listening sessions: Four 90-minute public listening sessions were held to provide an accessible
space to identify community needs related to digital equity and barriers to internet use in Washington.
An online community survey: Accessible in 17 languages (including American Sign Language), this
survey was developed to understand the challenges Washington residents face in accessing and using
the internet. The survey was available for 45 days, and more than 2,700 responses were received from
Washington residents.
Focus groups: The Equity in Education Coalition and Goodwill coordinated four in-person focus groups to
help give people the opportunity to share their experiences and stories. Focus groups were held in
Ephrata, Pasco, Seattle, and Tacoma, Washington.
9 The Digital Inclusion Assets list is in the WSBO's Digital Equity Plan, Appendices 7.2.
10 WSBO's Digital Equity Plan, page 142
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 12
Four key themes emerged after analyzing results from the listening sessions, online survey and focus groups
conducted in 2022:11
Higher quality broadband service is needed: Faster and more reliable service needs to be available to
more people at more affordable rates and from more providers.
Expanded access and digital skills are required: Expanded broadband internet access must be coupled
with culturally informed efforts and multilingual outreach to elevate digital literacy and skills for broader
adoption.
Higher quality equipment is needed: Varied quality of internet access equipment (such as modems, Wi-
Fi routers, etc.) negatively affects broadband access, and individuals need access to quality equipment
to benefit from broadband-level speeds fully
Active role of state government: There is a desire to address internet service provider deficiencies
through effective regulation and the development of new state programs and initiatives to serve
underserved communities more effectively.
During 2023, six Special Digital Equity Forum meetings were held on Sept. 7, Sept. 21, Oct. 5, Oct. 19, Nov. 2,
and Nov. 16, 2023 to invite members’ comments and recommendations on the following federal draft plans:
Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) 5-Year Action Plan
Draft Digital Equity Plan
BEAD Initial Proposal Volume I
BEAD Initial Proposal Volume II
The members were invited to form small group meetings to discuss their feedback and provide a presentation
at each Digital Equity Forum meeting on these six dates. Each group was provided information to access a
SharePoint site the Department of Commerce set up to save files and prepare their responses using Word and
PowerPoint templates for the four documents listed above. The template materials used for these six
meetings, along with a set of guidelines, were provided to the Digital Equity Forum to provide their feedback.12
The recommendations and comments from the Digital Equity Forum were woven into the Digital Equity Plan,
and all other public comments were submitted to the NTIA. The specific major themes of the
recommendations and comments from the Digital Equity Forum are:
11 WSBO's Digital Equity Plan, pages 142-143
12 All of the Digital Equity Forum's Word documents and PowerPoints can be accessed on their website under each meeting's date.
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 13
Table 3 - Digital Equity Forum's feedback
Comments on accessibility and
Comments on public and stakeholder Comments on the strategies, objectives
cultural/linguistic appropriateness of
engagement and core activities
resources
Ensuring outreach/engagement
opportunities are meaningful, Expanding partnerships and
ongoing and targeted to include the collaboration with other state
voices of underserved and agencies, organizations and Tribes
Ensuring accessibility of the Digital
historically marginalized for implementing the Digital Equity
Equity Plan (translated into multiple
communities. Plan and tracking and measuring its
languages, plain language, visual
Plugging into already existing success.
aids, publication of a high-level
community meetings, events and Reducing the focus from Digital
summary).
high-foot-trafficked spaces. Navigator programs to include other
Ensuring cultural/linguistic and
Addressing gaps and limitations of digital skills training programs.
general accessibility of programs
previously conducted public Interest in the Digital Equity
and services to serve covered
engagement. Dashboard and recommendations to
populations.
Outreach to “intermediaries” to help build on this tool for tracking the
Ensuring cultural/linguistic and
with the distribution of consumer success of strategies/core activities.
general accessibility of outreach
information. Clarifying how funding will be used
events, including campaigns, focus
Clarifying what resources will be and how populations/locations will
groups, listening sessions and
needed to ensure meaningful be prioritized in the distribution of
surveys.
engagement with communities that the funds.
often have no voice in planning or Emphasize funding gaps that affect
governance. digital equity efforts.
Source: DE Plan Public Comment Review PowerPoint from Guidehouse, Nov. 7, 2023, slide 19
Digital Equity Plan: Public engagement
From July 2022 – January 2024, the WSBO and its partners conducted 95 public engagement activities and
engaged with more than 4,500 Washington residents. Although not statistically representative of the state’s
population, the WSBO made efforts to include underrepresented communities from diverse regions. These
activities took place in-person and virtually in libraries, food banks, festivals, bus routes and other locations.
Additionally, the WSBO collaborated with community-based organizations and local and tribal governments to
create Community Action Plans (CAPs) that address specific assets, barriers and solutions for different
counties. Below is a table describing the type of engagement, number of events, number of people engaged
and covered populations reached by the WSBO while drafting the Digital Equity Plan.13
13 To learn more about the WSBO's public engagement process, see WSBO's Digital Equity Plan, section 4.1.
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 14
Table 4 - The WSBO's public engagement activities
Number of People Covered Populations/Organizations
Engagement Type Number of Events
Engaged Representing Covered Populations
Interviews 32 56 All
Focus groups 33 262 All
Community events
5 157 All (except incarcerated individuals)
(mobile engagement)
Listening sessions 12 267 All
Public comment open
3 31 All
houses
Internet for All webinars 8 1,161 All
Aging individuals; individuals who are
members of a racial or ethnic minority;
Surveys 2 2,745
individuals who primarily reside in a
rural area
Total 95 4,679 All
Source: WSBO's Digital Equity Plan, page 144
The WSBO identified Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs), local and tribal governments, educational
agencies, workforce development entities, internet service providers and other partners that work alongside or
represent individuals from covered populations. Tribal governments and stakeholders are essential
implementation partners, so it is important to identify different types of stakeholders who will play unique roles
in expanding the reach of both outreach activities and program impact. Appendix 7.5 of the WSBO's Digital
Equity Plan contains a list of 236 partners/stakeholders by type. The list will be updated as additional tribal
governments and partners are reached through engagement activities. Below is a table showing the number of
partners/stakeholders by type as of December 2023.
Table 5 - List of partners and stakeholder type
Partner/Stakeholder types Number of partners/stakeholders
Civil Rights Organization 2
Community Anchor Institution 15
County and Municipal Government 28
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 15
Partner/Stakeholder types Number of partners/stakeholders
Economic Development 3
Health or Telehealth Organization (direct service and policy
3
focus)
Hispanic-Serving Institution 1
Indian Tribe, Alaska Native Entity or Native Hawaiian
3
Organization
Industry Representatives or Association (501c6) 7
Institutions of Higher Education (if not listed above) 6
Internet Service Provider 32
Labor Organization or Union 1
Local Education Agency 7
Nonprofit Organization (501c3) 15
Organization that Represents Covered Populations 9
Other 25
Port 6
Predominantly Black Institution 1
Public Housing Authority 2
Public Utility 11
State Agency 24
Tribal Government 20
Workforce Development Organization 15
Total 236
Source: WSBO's Digital Equity Plan, page 149-150
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 16
Tribal consultation and engagement
Both formal tribal consultations and informal engagement are important components to developing
partnerships with tribes in Washington. The WSBO developed a tribal communications and outreach plan for
continued engagement, which is included in Appendix 7.8 of the Digital Equity Plan. The WSBO uses the
following methods of engagement with tribes:
Formal government-to-government consultation.
Regional consultation events in locations identified by and hosted by tribes.
Virtual and in-person listening sessions.
One-on-one conversations between subject matter experts.
Monthly office hours hosted by the WSBO team.
On March 2, 2023, the WSBO sent an official Dear Tribal Leader Letter to chairpersons of all 29 federally
recognized tribes in Washington. In the letter, WSBO identified funding opportunities with the BEAD and Digital
Equity programs and invited tribal leaders to engage in consultation. Additionally, the WSBO utilized a variety of
methods of outreach to maintain open lines of communication with tribal partners. The WSBO collaborated
with the Department of Commerce’s Office of Tribal Relations to identify key contact points within each tribe.
Once these points of contact were established, the WSBO worked to provide regular updates regarding
opportunities for engagement and consultation.
The WSBO also hosted opportunities for consultation at the 2023 spring and fall of conferences for the
Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI), at the Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council in October
of 2023, the Federal Communications Commission Tribal Workshop hosted by the Lummi Nation and the 34th
Annual Centennial Accord Meeting hosted by the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs. The WSBO partnered with
the Spokane Tribe of Indians and the Nisqually Indian Tribe to host regional consultation events in August
2023.
Informal opportunities for engagement have included three virtual listening sessions, which all 29 federally
recognized tribes in Washington were invited to attend, as well as monthly tribal broadband office hours.
These tribal broadband office hours began in August. They directly resulted from a suggestion made during
the Spokane regional consultation event. Finally, the Commerce Tribal Advisory Committee has announced an
intention to convene a subcommittee of representatives from Washington tribes to provide feedback to the
WSBO on broadband and digital equity matters. The WSBO will continue to seek opportunities for engagement
and consultation with tribal partners throughout this process.
In 2023, the WSBO engaged in formal tribal consultations with 16 tribes and participated in 25 other tribal
engagement activities.14
Steering Team
While developing the Digital Equity Plan, the WSBO created a Steering Team consisting of representatives from
organizations such as the Office of Equity, the Department of Social and Health Services, the Washington
14 For a detailed list of WSBO’s tribal engagement, please refer to pages 159-162 of the WSBO's Digital Equity Plan.
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 17
Utilities and Transportation Commission and the Washington State Department of Transportation. The WSBO
will continue to consult with the Steering Team as part of the implementation process for the Digital Equity
Plan.15
The WSBO's ongoing public engagement strategy
The WSBO intends to implement an ongoing public engagement strategy involving five related activities.
Please note that there isn't a single outreach method that covers all populations. The WSBO will consider the
intersectionality and diverse needs within each covered population to support holistic engagement.
Ongoing public engagement strategy16
Identify partners and stakeholders: To capture full public engagement from distinct covered populations
and stakeholders, focusing on a specific population with a related outreach method is helpful.
Determine method of outreach: Consider various data gathering measures, as underserved communities
are often hard to reach using traditional, digital methods. Offline methods may include door-knocking or
texting residents.
Clarify intended result of outreach and engagement: Depending on the outreach method, clarify the
intended result of public engagement efforts – e.g., give updates on project rollout, provide opportunities
for feedback, or facilitate forums for larger discussion.
Establish and allocate necessary resources: Resources may include funding, staff, time, or content
creation.
Incorporate feedback into digital equity work: Iterative understanding and incorporation of partner and
stakeholder feedback can act as a benchmark for success in meeting community needs.
Applicant and sub-grantee technical assistance and feedback
The WSBO perceives the need to provide potential sub-grantees with technical assistance before application
submittals. This assistance may include workshops and events like technical assistance webinars or in-person
information sessions. The WSBO plans to continue running monthly webinars through at least 2024.
Additionally, once sub-grantees are selected and awarded funding, the WSBO will establish regular check-in
meetings with sub-grantees for two-way feedback. This will ensure that sub-grantees comply with federal and
state requirements for the BEAD and Digital Equity grant funding.
The WSBO is also monitoring our grants' demographic and geophraphic data to ensure equitable funding
processes are built into our standard procedures. It is critically important that underresourced groups have
access to grant funding and we will continue to seek and use the best grant practices to ensure our application
process can be easily accessed by all groups.
15 WSBO's Digital Equity Plan, page 151
16 WSBO's Digital Equity Plan, page 148
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 18
Federal funding for digital equity
Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program
The Digital Equity Plan is a foundation to show how Washington will use the NTIA’s Digital Equity Capacity
Grant Program to reach the WSBO’s statewide goals. The NTIA's Notice of Funding Opportunity was
announced in late March 2024. It will provide $15.9 million to support the implementation of the Digital Equity
Plan up to five years of funding.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The federal government requires BEAD funding recipients to ensure affordable internet options for consumers
benefiting from subsequent broadband projects, such as the ACP. The ACP was a Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) program that provided different internet service discount options according to tiers of
eligibility for individuals living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participating in various
assistance programs. As of Feb. 8, 2024, the ACP stopped accepting new enrollees; funding for the ACP ended
April 2024.
Even though over 1.1 million Washington households were eligible for the ACP, less than 30% of eligible
households were enrolled. The graphic below shows the significant number of Washington households that
face financial barriers to experiencing digital inclusion.
Figure 2: Estimated percentage of eligible households enrolled in ACP (as of November 2023)
Source: WSBO's Digital Equity Plan, page 89
Below is a table comparing the financial assistance the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program provides
compared to the Lifeline Program.
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 19
Table 6 - ACP vs. Lifeline Program17
ACP Lifeline Program
Provided eligible households up to a $30 per month Provides eligible households with a monthly discount of up to
discount on internet service. $9.25.
Provided eligible households up to a $75 per month Provides eligible households living on tribal lands a discount
discount if a household is on qualifying tribal lands. monthly discount of up to $34.25 per month.
One-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop,
desktop computer or tablet from participating providers.
Although similar programs to the ACP exist (e.g., the FCC’s Lifeline Program), residents must navigate the
challenges of finding and enrolling in these programs. Residents may be able to find discounted internet
service or digital devices by:
Contacting their local internet service providers (ISPs) to ask about discounted subscription rates.
Contacting their public utility district (PUD) to ask about discounted subscription rates.
Contact their school district to learn about options available for school-aged individuals.
Contact a digital navigator to help find local resources.
Recommendations
Overview
The Digital Equity Plan presents a current snapshot of the digital divide in Washington. It supplies a vision,
goals, strategies and objectives to achieve digital equity for all Washingtonians. The WSBO recognizes that
this Digital Equity Plan is merely the starting point for broader conversations around broadband access and
adoption, and digital inclusion and literacy. Washington requires a coordinated approach among state
agencies, tribal and local governments, community-based organizations and other key partners to address
digital equity issues. The WSBO plans to implement strategies in partnership with various agencies and
organizations to increase digital access, affordability and adoption among covered populations. In addition to
expanding successful programs, the WSBO aims to implement innovative ideas for broader reach.
Coordination between partners is crucial for successful implementation.
Digital Equity Plan implementation
The WSBO designed strategies and key activities to address the unmet needs of covered populations currently
unserved by state, local, tribal or private entities. Below is a summary of the critical activities and the six
strategies in the Digital Equity Plan.
17 Information about the Affordable Connectivity Program and the Lifeline Program accessed on Mar. 26, 2024.
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 20
Table 7 - Implementation strategies and key activities18
Implementation strategies Key activities
Coordinate with Washington’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment
(BEAD) program to align with digital equity goals.
Leverage partners to help increase enrollment in low-cost and subsidized
broadband service for low-income communities.
Strategy #1: Expand broadband availability and
Utilize Washington's Digital Equity Dashboard to track progress in
increase affordability.
broadband services for covered populations.
Support Washington Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) to improve and
increase the number of free public Wi-Fi locations.
Solicit innovative solutions that can increase broadband affordability and
adoption among hard-to-reach covered populations or subgroups.
Partner with internet service providers (ISPs), CAIs and device distributors
Strategy #2: Implement innovative approaches to to develop awareness campaigns to promote low-cost broadband service
expand device availability and affordability plans, mobile hotspots, and free, subsidized or low-cost device programs.
options. Develop innovative programs like statewide device repair, refurbishment,
reuse and recycling programs to increase device affordability and
availability.
Strategy #3: Consolidate practices that promote Partner with programs and organizations that are trusted messengers to
online accessibility and inclusivity. share information about digital assistance and online accessibility with
covered populations.
Build upon lessons learned through the Washington State Digital Navigator
Program and statewide organizations that offer digital navigation, digital
literacy or digital skills training to expand programs designed to address
the unique needs of covered populations.
Leverage existing programs to expand community partnerships that
Strategy #4: Provide services that increase provide increased knowledge and skills, enabling covered populations to
digital literacy. participate in changing workforce and societal needs.
Build on existing partnership with the Washington Office of Superintendent
of Public Instruction (OPSI) to implement innovative and proven
approaches to expand student and family involvement in digital literacy
services.
Develop a standardized, publicly available digital skills training curriculum
and resources.
Leverage the Digital Navigator Program and other digital skills education
providers to conduct outreach and engagement, provide in-person
Strategy #5: Promote practices and leverage trainings, tools, and educational resources related to online privacy and
tools to enable online privacy and security. cybersecurity.
Support the Statewide Cybersecurity Strategy to protect the data and
privacy of covered populations online.
Partner with ISPs to promote cybersecurity education.
Work with partners to explore sustainable funding mechanisms that allow
Strategy #6: Embed digital equity considerations
more state agencies, CAIs and community-based organizations to adopt
into larger statewide efforts to advance the
digital equity programs.
sustainability of this work.
Support collaborative impact model for reducing digital illiteracy and build
on-ramps to IT-related career paths.
Source: WSBO's Digital Equity Plan, Section 5.1
18 WSBO's Digital Equity Plan, Section 5.1
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 21
Policies
Below is a list of activities the WSBO participated in for digital equity policies.
In January 2024, the Digital Equity Forum drafted a letter supporting continued funding for the ACP. The
WSBO sent the Digital Equity Forum’s ACP support letter to Congressional leaders via Gov. Inslee’s
Washington D.C. delegate.
On Nov.16, 2023, the WSBO and the Washington State Office of Equity received a request from
Washington State Representative Mia Gregerson to ask the Digital Equity Forum members for ideas on
improving Washington's Digital Equity Act. The Digital Equity Forum provided suggestions for
improvement that were relayed back to Representative Gregerson.
Planning for the future of digital equity
The Digital Equity Plan and the NTIA State Digital Equity Capacity Grant funding should be viewed as catalysts
rather than final solutions for digital inclusion in Washington. The WSBO recognizes there are additional
considerations beyond the scope of the approved Digital Equity Plan. Below are two considerations the WSBO
identifies as needed for future planning of digital equity in Washington.
Fund a two-year, user-centered design study to collect data on the digital literacy skills needed to enable
covered populations in unserved and underserved communities to successfully and safely navigate the
internet to enjoy the full benefits of a digitally connected world.
• Washington state would benefit from a study of residents' digital literacy skills to complement the work
laid out the WSBO's Digital Equity Plan and currently funded Digital Navigator Program grants. This
study could inform future state funding for digital literacy.
Plan beyond the five-year horizon of the federally funded Digital Equity Plan to develop a vision for digital
equity that can evolve and anticipate the needs of people in Washington with artificial intelligence (AI)
and other rapidly advancing digital technologies.
• The WBSO's Digital Equity Plan was written to apply for federal funding to commence digital equity
planning and activities; this federal funding expires after 5 years. The state Digital Equity Plan, as
referenced in RCW 43.330.539, will need additional funding once NTIA grants expire.
• Washington state may benefit from using future design for long-term planning, as modeled in states
such as California19 and countries such as Wales,20 to identify recommendations on how digital equity
impacts residents and provide an opportunity to shape the future we want where everyone is connected
to affordable broadband, reliable, high-speed internet. This in turn fosters economic and workforce
growth, educational expansion, more individual control of health through telehealth, social connections,
improved civic/social engagement and the delivery of essential services.
19
By executive order in 2019, California established a Future of Work Commission which sets the overarching framework for using
future design for long-term planning related to workforce. Future of Work Commission contracted with Institute of the Future to assist
with some of their work.
20 The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales sets out a new strategy that spans 2023 - 2030 and their long-term vision.
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 22
Recommendations
The WSBO suggests legislative policies and additional funding are needed to advance digital equity in
Washington. Below are three recommendations that are currently unfunded but may be considered for
legislative policy proposals by Washington state agencies.
Provide a source of revenue to match the federal Lifeline Program to subsidize affordable low-cost
broadband subscriptions since Congress has not authorized funds to continue the Affordable
Connectivity Program (ACP).
• Washington will benefit from historic federal investment in broadband access, but without additional
resources dedicated to the affordability of monthly internet service plans, many residents will be forced
to make hard decisions about getting and staying connected.
• A state version of the ACP is cost prohibitive and running a federal program at a state level is
untenable. An estimate from WA Digital Equity Partner advocates indicated that it would cost
approximately $128 million per year to make up for the loss of ACP services to low-income households.
• However, a state match at the same amount for the federal Lifeline Program may provide a fiscally
viable alternative. As of December 2023, there were 91,349 Washington residents eligible for the
Lifeline Program.21 The Lifeline Program provides a monthly discount for households up to 135% of the
Federal Poverty Guidelines (up to $9.25 per month discount for households and up to $34.25 per month
discount for households on tribal lands).22 If Washington state implements a state match for the
Lifeline Program based on the current number of eligible residents and the $9.25 monthly discount, it
would cost annually $10,139,739.
Expand and continue funding for the Digital Navigator Program. The Digital Navigator Program's 2024-
2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) received 26 applicants requesting more than $115 million in
funding to provide digital navigation services. The Digital Navigator Program could only award $29
million for three grantees' two-year plans. This NOFO application process revealed great interest and
need for funding to expand digital navigator services throughout the state.23 With the additional $5
million dollars approved by the 2024 State Supplemental Operating Budget, a total of $35 million has
been invested in digital navigator services during this biennium.
Provide funding available to all tribes for digital navigator services based on their digital information
needs to sustain cultural values while enhancing equitable access to digital literacy skills. WSBO will
partner with the Department of Commerce's Office of Tribal Relation to define the process for ensuring
the equitable distribution of funding to be provided to tribes for digital navigator services.
• The 2024 State Supplemental Operating Budget provided $5 million in additional funding for the Digital
Navigator Program. While at least $3 million of this funding must be provided to tribes for digital
navigator services, devices and subscriptions, this amount is inadequate to build sustainable services.
21 Source: Lifeline National Verifier Quarterly Eligibility Data. Accessed on April 24, 2024.
22 Lifeline Program eligibility guidelines. Accessed on April 24, 2024.
23 Digital Navigator Program Report, page 9
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 23
Conclusion
Disparities exist throughout the state related to accessing the internet – from the inability to pay, the inability
to navigate resources for the adoption of services, the lack of broadband infrastructure in certain areas, the
lack of access to digital hardware, the lack of digital literacy or a combination of barriers – Washington faces
many obstacles to achieving digital equity. This Digital Equity Plan outlines a roadmap to catalyze the work
needed to reduce the digital divide in Washington. To fully bridge the digital divide, long-term support is
necessary across organizations and agencies in Washington. WSBO and state agencies will explore how to
create statewide partnerships and systems to embed digital equity into the delivery of all state-provided
services, request legislative support to create avenues for sustainable funding for digital equity efforts, and
collaborate and build together toward an inclusive future where all communities can benefit from affordable,
high-speed, and reliable internet.
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 24
Appendix: Washington's Digital Equity Plan
WSBO — DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 25
INTERNET FOR ALL IN WASHINGTON
Digital Equity Plan
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................. 13
1.1 Understanding Digital Equity in Washington ........................................................... 13
1.2 Charting a Course to Reach Our Digital Equity Goals .............................................. 17
1.2.1 Goals ...........................................................................................................................17
1.2.2 Strategies ...................................................................................................................18
1.2.3 Measuring success....................................................................................................20
1.3 What Happens Next ............................................................................................... 21
2. INTRODUCTION & VISION FOR DIGITAL EQUITY ....................................................... 22
2.1 Vision ................................................................................................................... 22
2.2 Alignment with Existing Efforts to Improve Outcomes ............................................ 23
2.2.1 Inclusion of Community Action Plans ......................................................................26
2.2.2 Coordination of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and
Digital Equity Planning...............................................................................................26
2.2.3 Using the Digital Equity Plan to Further Broader Goals and Efforts.......................28
2.3 Strategies and Objectives ...................................................................................... 40
2.4 Measuring Digital Equity Success in Washington ................................................... 41
2.4.1 Aligning Success with Existing Statewide Efforts ...................................................41
2.4.2 Approach to Measuring Success for the Digital Equity Plan ..................................41
3. CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQUITY: BARRIERS AND ASSETS ............................... 49
3.1 Asset Inventory ..................................................................................................... 49
3.1.1 Digital Inclusion Assets by Covered Population ......................................................51
3.1.2 Existing Digital Equity Plans......................................................................................79
3.1.3 Statewide Assets for Broadband Adoption .............................................................82
3.1.4 Statewide Assets for Broadband Affordability ........................................................90
3.2 Needs Assessment ............................................................................................... 95
3.2.1 Systemic Needs .........................................................................................................96
3.2.2 Covered Population Needs Assessment .............................................................. 102
4. COLLABORATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS & PARTNERSHIP WITH TRIBES .............. 141
4.1 Public Engagement Process ................................................................................ 141
4.1.1 Public Engagement – BEAD and Digital Equity Planning (2023 and Onwards) . 143
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 2
4.1.2 Identification of Stakeholders and Partners ......................................................... 149
4.1.3 Determine Methods of Outreach and Engagement, Clarify Intended Result of
Outreach and Engagement, and Establish and Allocate Necessary Resources 150
4.1.4 Incorporate Feedback into Digital Equity Strategy ............................................... 158
4.1.5 Tribal Consultation and Engagement .................................................................... 158
4.1.6 Applicant and Subgrantee Technical Assistance and Feedback ........................ 162
5. IMPLEMENTATION .................................................................................................. 163
5.1 Implementation Strategy & Key Activities ............................................................ 164
5.1.1 Strategy 1: Expand Broadband Availability and Increase Affordability............... 164
5.1.2 Strategy 2: Implement Innovative Approaches to Expand Options for Device
Availability and Affordability .................................................................................. 169
5.1.3 Strategy 3: Consolidate Practices That Promote Online Accessibility and
Inclusivity................................................................................................................. 173
5.1.4 Strategy 4: Provide Services That Increase Digital Literacy ................................ 175
5.1.5 Strategy 5: Promote Practices and Leverage Tools to Enable Online Privacy
and Security............................................................................................................. 180
5.1.6 Strategy 6: Embed Digital Equity Considerations into Larger Statewide Efforts
to Advance the Sustainability of this Work ........................................................... 184
5.2 Timeline.............................................................................................................. 187
6. CONCLUSION .......................................................................................................... 189
7. APPENDICES ........................................................................................................... 191
7.1 Crosswalk of Washington’s Digital Equity Plan and NOFO Requirements .............. 191
7.2 Digital Inclusion Asset Inventory ......................................................................... 193
7.3 Community Action Plans ..................................................................................... 204
7.4 WSBO ARPA Capital Awardee Affordability Programs and DE Efforts Beyond
Participating in BATs .......................................................................................... 205
7.5 Stakeholder Organizations That Participated in Public Engagement Activities in
2023 ................................................................................................................... 215
7.6 List of Public Engagement Activities Contributing to Washington’s Plan ............... 221
7.7 Library Data ........................................................................................................ 238
7.8 Washington’s Tribal Communications and Outreach Plan ..................................... 242
7.9 Public Comments ................................................................................................ 244
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 3
LIST OF MAPS
Map 1: Washington State Local Workforce Development Boards ..................................................29
Map 2: Rural Counties in Washington and the Population Density (persons / mi2) ......................72
Map 3: Percent of Households with a Broadband Subscription by Census Tract .........................83
Map 4: Percent of Population Living at or Below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines by
Census Tract...........................................................................................................................90
Map 5: Topographic Map of Washington State................................................................................98
Map 6: Community Anchor Institutions in Washington ................................................................ 100
Map 7: Percentage of Washington Residents Over 60 ................................................................. 102
Map 8: Percent of Population Incarcerated by County ................................................................. 106
Map 9: Percent of Population with Income Below 150% of Federal Poverty Line ...................... 111
Map 10: Percent of Population with a Language Barrier by County ............................................ 115
Map 11: Percent of Population with Low Literacy by County ....................................................... 116
Map 12: Percent of Population That is a Racial or Ethnic Minority by County ............................ 116
Map 13: Percentage of Population with Disabilities ..................................................................... 121
Map 14: Percentage of Minority Populations in Washington ....................................................... 125
Map 15: Percentage of Rural Population by County ..................................................................... 129
Map 16: Washington State Population Density ............................................................................. 130
Map 17: Community Anchor Institutions in Washington .............................................................. 133
Map 18: Percentage of Veterans in Washington State ................................................................. 135
Map 19: Locations of In-Person Engagement Events (May – October 2023)............................. 145
Map 20: Residential Zip Codes Provided by Listening Session Participants .............................. 146
Map 21: Location of Survey Respondents by Zip Code ................................................................ 147
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 4
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Vision, Goals, Strategies, and Measurable Objectives Framework .................................17
Figure 2: Examples of Organizations Providing Digital Equity Assets ............................................52
Figure 3: Estimated percent of eligible households enrolled in ACP as of November 2023 ........91
Figure 4: Washington’s Covered Populations ...................................................................................95
Figure 5: 2022 Stakeholder Engagement and Tribal Partnership Timeline ................................. 142
Figure 6: 2023 Public Engagement Timeline ................................................................................. 143
Figure 7: Ongoing Engagement Strategy ....................................................................................... 148
Figure 8: Percentage of Households in Washington Without Laptop or Desktop by Household
Income ................................................................................................................................. 169
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 5
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Summary of Strategies, Universal Objectives, Activities, and Goals ................................19
Table 2: Essential Service Categories from the DSHS Strategic Plan that Align with Digital
Equity.......................................................................................................................................39
Table 3: Strategy 1 with Universal Objective and Sub-objectives ...................................................43
Table 4: Strategy 2 with Universal Objective and Sub-objectives ...................................................44
Table 5: Strategy 3 with Universal Objective and Sub-objectives ...................................................45
Table 6: Strategy 4 with Universal Objective and Sub-objectives ...................................................46
Table 7: Strategy 5 with Universal Objective ....................................................................................47
Table 8: Strategy 6 with Universal Objective ....................................................................................48
Table 9: Covered Populations from the Digital Equity NOFO and ESSHB 1723 .............................51
Table 10: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets Serving Multiple Covered Population .................53
Table 11: Regional Digital Inclusion Assets......................................................................................56
Table 12: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for Aging Individuals............................................59
Table 13: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for Incarcerated Individuals ................................61
Table 14: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for Low-Income Households ..............................63
Table 15: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for People with Language Barriers .....................65
Table 16: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for Individuals with Disabilities ...........................67
Table 17: Racial and Ethnic Composition of Washington by Percentage ......................................69
Table 18: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for Racial and Ethnic Minorities..........................70
Table 19: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for Rural Inhabitants ............................................73
Table 20: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for Veterans .........................................................74
Table 21: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for Youth in Foster Care ......................................76
Table 22: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for People Experiencing Homelessness ............78
Table 23: County and Tribe Digital Equity Plan Summaries ............................................................79
Table 24: Examples of Programs Supporting Broadband Adoption ...............................................85
Table 25: Examples of Broadband Affordability Programs Throughout Washington ...................92
Table 26: Top Five Counties with Highest Percentage of People Aged 60+ ............................... 102
Table 27: Top Five Counties with Highest Percentage of Incarcerated Individuals ................... 106
Table 28: Top Five Counties with Highest Percentage of People Living Below 150% of the
Federal Poverty Line............................................................................................................ 111
Table 29: Top Five Counties with Highest Percentage of Disabled Population.......................... 121
Table 30: Top Five Counties with Highest Percentage of Minorities........................................... 125
Table 31: Counties with Population Densities at Or Below Ten People Per Square Mile........... 129
Table 32: Top Five Counties with Highest Percentage of Veterans ............................................ 135
Table 33: Public Engagement Activities......................................................................................... 144
Table 34: Summary of the Number and Type of Partners and Stakeholder Organizations as
of December 2023............................................................................................................... 149
Table 35: Currently Utilized Outreach Methods ............................................................................. 152
Table 36: Examples of Potential Outreach Methods and Partners for Future Engagements .... 155
Table 37: Digital Equity Strategy Timeline ..................................................................................... 187
Table 38: Digital Inclusion Asset Inventory (to be updated over time) ........................................ 193
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 6
Table 39: List of Organizations That Participated in Engagement Activities as of December
2023 ..................................................................................................................................... 215
Table 40: List of Engagement Activities through January 2024 .................................................. 221
Table 41: Partial list of libraries with public Wi-Fi in parking lots ................................................ 239
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 7
Key Report Abbreviations
ACP Affordable Connectivity Program
ACS American Community Survey
ATNI Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians
BAT Broadband Action Team
BEAD Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment
CAAA Washington State Commission on African American Affairs
CAI Community Anchor Institution
CAP Community Action Plan
CAPAA Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA)
CBO Community-Based Organization
CHA Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs
Commerce Washington State Department of Commerce
DCYF Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families
DEU Digital Equity Unit
DOC Washington State Department of Corrections
DOH Washington State Department of Health
DSHS Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
DSL Digital Subscriber Line
ESD Washington State Employment Security Department
ESSHB Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill
FCC Federal Communications Commission
Fiscal Year FY
Gbps Gigabit per second
HB House Bill
IFA Internet for All
ISPs Internet Service Providers
IT Information Technology
KPIs Key Performance Indicators
Mbps Megabit per second
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 8
NTIA National Telecommunications and Information Administration
NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity
OSPI Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
PUD Public Utility District
PUMS Public Use Microdata Sample
SB Senate Bill
SBCTC Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
WDVA Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
Workforce Board Washington Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
WSBO Washington State Broadband Office
WSU Washington State University
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 9
Definition of Key Terms
Accessibility: In the context of access to services for individuals with disabilities, “Accessible”
means a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information,
engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in
an equally effective and equally integrated manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use.1
Accessibility is also used in reference to the availability of multilingual content for individuals with
language barriers as relates to language access.
Broadband: The term broadband commonly refers to high-speed internet access that is always
on and faster than traditional dial-up access. For the Federal Communications Commission,
broadband capability requires consumers to have access to actual download speeds of at least
25 megabits per second (Mbps) and actual upload speeds of at least 3 Mbps. 2
Broadband Access: The availability of high-speed, reliable internet and related equipment,
including having internet connections and technology at home or in community institutions, such
as free public Wi-Fi or public computer centers. 3
Broadband Adoption: Daily access to the Internet: (1) At speeds, quality, and capacity necessary
to accomplish common tasks, (2) With the digital skills necessary to fully participate online, and
(3) On a personal device and secure convenient network. 4
Broadband Affordability: Affordability refers to the ability to afford the costs associated with
accessing the internet, including for service, devices, and fees.
Broadband Availability: Sufficient infrastructure and coverage to deliver reliable, high-speed
wired or wireless broadband services and technology tools.
Community Anchor Institutions: An entity such as a school, library, health clinic, health center,
hospital or other medical provider, public safety entity, institution of higher education, public
housing organization, or community support organization that facilitates greater use of
broadband service by vulnerable populations, including, but not limited to, low-income individuals,
unemployed individuals, children, the incarcerated, and aged individuals. Additionally, the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) allows the state to propose
additional types of institutions that should qualify as community anchor institutions. The state of
Washington is currently finalizing a list of institutions to submit to the NTIA as part of its Initial
Proposal. (NOFO Section I.C.f)5
Covered Household: As defined in the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration’s (NTIA) Digital Equity Planning Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (DE
NOFO) The term “covered household” means a household, the income of which for the most
1 Office for Civil Rights Resolution agreements (2014) definition from South Carolina Technical College System, University of
Cincinnati and Youngstown State cited by University of Washington, Accessible Technology website. Accessed at:
https://www.washington.edu/accesstech/policy-resources/resolution-agreements-and-lawsuits/#UC-YSU
2 NTIA (2016), Broadband Glossary. Accessed at: BroadbandUSA: Connecting America's Communities (doc.gov)
3 NTIA (n.d.), “What does Digital Inclusion mean?”. Accessed at: What does Digital Inclusion mean? | BroadbandUSA (doc.gov)
4 Digital Equity Act of 2021 (2021). Accessed at: 47 USC Ch. 16: BROADBAND ACCESS (house.gov)
5 NTIA (2022), BEAD NOFO. Accessed at: BEAD NOFO.pdf (doc.gov)
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 10
recently completed year is not more than 150 percent of an amount equal to the poverty level, as
determined by using criteria of poverty established by the Bureau of the Census. 6
Covered Population/Underrepresented Communities: “Covered Population" describes the eight
population groups NTIA identified as underrepresented communities: low-income households;
aging individuals; incarcerated individuals; veterans; individuals with disabilities; individuals with
a language barrier, including individuals who have limited English proficiency or have low levels
of literacy; individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group, and individuals who
primarily reside in a rural area. Additionally, we also included two population groups—children and
youth in foster care and individuals experiencing housing instability—identified in Washington
state law's definition of 'covered populations', when applicable. (NOFO Section I.C.aa)
Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity is how individuals and organizations reduced the risk of being
affected by cybercrime. A core function is to protect the devices used (smartphones, laptops,
tablets, and computers, etc.), and the services accessed online both at home and in the workplace
from theft, damage, or fraudulent uses. 7
Digital Equity: The condition in which individuals and communities have the information
technology capacity that is needed for full participation in the society and economy of the United
States. 8
Digital Inclusion: As defined in the Digital Equity Planning Grant NOFO The term “digital inclusion”
means: (1) The activities that are necessary to ensure that all individuals in the United States have
access to, and the use of, affordable information and communication technologies, such as—(a)
Reliable fixed and wireless broadband internet service; (b) Internet-enabled devices that meet the
needs of the user; and (c) Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-
sufficiency, participation, and collaboration; and (2) Includes—(a) Obtaining access to digital
literacy training; (b) The provision of quality technical support; and (c) Obtaining basic awareness
of measures to ensure online privacy and cybersecurity.9
Digital Literacy: The skills associated with using technology to enable users to find, evaluate,
organize, create, and communicate information. 10
Digital Navigation: The National Digital Inclusion Alliance defines digital navigators as trusted
guides who assist community members in internet adoption and the use of computing devices.
Digital navigation services include ongoing assistance with affordable internet access, device
acquisition, technical skills, and application support.
Digital Skills: Any skills related to operating digital devices or taking advantage of digital
resources.
6 NTIA (2022). State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program NOFO. Accessed at:
https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/DE%20PLANNING%20GRANT%20NOFO.pdf
7 National Cyber Security Centre (n.d.). Information for Individuals & families. Accessed at:
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/information-for/individuals-
families#:~:text=Cyber%20security%20is%20the%20means,work%20%2D%20from%20theft%20or%20damage
8 47 U.S. Code § 1721 – Definitions (2021). Accessed at: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/47/1721
9 Same as footnote 6
10 Same as footnote 8
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 11
Internet Service Provider (ISP): An ISP is an organization that provides services for accessing,
using, managing, or participating on the internet. ISPs can be organized in various forms, such as
commercial, community owned, non-profit, or otherwise privately owned.
Underserved Location: An underserved location is defined as a broadband-serviceable location
that is (a) not an unserved location, and (b) that the Broadband DATA Maps show as lacking
access to Reliable Broadband Service offered with - (i) a speed of not less than 100 Mbps for
downloads; and (ii) a speed of not less than 20 Mbps for uploads; and (iii) latency less than or
equal to 100 milliseconds. (NOFO Section I.C.bb).
Unserved Location: An unserved location is defined as a broadband-serviceable location that the
Broadband DATA Maps show as (a) having no access to broadband service, or (b) lacking access
to Reliable Broadband Service offered with – (i) a speed of not less than 25 Mbps for downloads;
and (ii) a speed of not less than 3 Mbps for uploads; and (iii) latency less than or equal to 100
milliseconds. (NOFO Section I.C.dd).
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN 12
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 UNDERSTANDING DIGITAL EQUITY IN WASHINGTON “Access to broadband
The state of Washington has led digital equity efforts throughout various is the single most
levels of governance to bring broadband services and digital skills to all. important economic
Washington state was the only state in the country to receive a perfect development tool in
score on the State Digital Equity Scorecard when it was launched by the our toolkit right now,
National Skills Coalition, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, and and the most
Microsoft in 2021. 11 Washington state has also been at the forefront of necessary to our state.”
convening an array of partners to solve major issues.
–Governor Jay Inslee
In 2019, the Washington State Legislature established the Washington
State Broadband Office (WSBO) and tasked it with promoting broadband
access and achieving download/upload speed goals for residences, businesses, and
communities. 12 The WSBO, established within the Washington State Department of Commerce
(Commerce), continues to lead activities that encourage, foster, develop, and improve affordable
broadband connectivity and support digital equity initiatives. Activities include funding grants and
programs such as the Digital Navigator Program, the Broadband Action Teams (BATs), State
Broadband Matching Grants, and creating a Drive-in Wi-Fi Hotspot Finder during the peak of the
COVID-19 pandemic. Commerce celebrates the success of the work conducted through the
Digital Navigator Program and investments in more than 30 organizations statewide. 13 The WSBO
has supported organizations leading the charge towards increasing digital device distribution,
educational services, navigation services, and access to broadband services through enrollment
programs or free Wi-Fi locations.
To continue that legacy, the Washington State Legislature enacted legislation in 2022 that
solidifies digital equity into the framework of Washington’s government by passing a state Digital
Equity Act (Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill (ESSHB) 1723). The legislation established
a Digital Equity Forum and included provisions related to promoting digital equity among
unserved and underserved communities. Legislation (ESSHB 1336 and Senate Bill (SB) 5383)
have also removed certain barriers to getting people connected. One example of this is allowing
public entities to provide retail broadband services directly to end users. Another initiative to
promote digital equity was the creation of Commerce’s Digital Equity Unit (DEU). The DEU’s
mission is to advance digital inclusion for all Washington residents so all can participate and
collaborate online and thrive in today’s global society. The Digital Navigator Program is housed
within the DEU. Through close collaboration, the WSBO and the DEU will work together to achieve
the goals outlined in this Digital Equity Plan.
The recent Digital Navigator Program (DNP) grant cycle for fiscal years 2024-2025 awarded $29
million to three consortiums to provide digital navigation services across Washington state. The
11 State Digital Equity Scorecard (2022). Accessed at: https://state-scorecard.digitalinclusion.org/scorecard/by_state/WA
12 Washington State Legislature (2019), RCW 43.330.532. Accessed at: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.330.532
13 Washington State Department of Commerce (2023), Digital Navigator Program. Accessed at: Digital Navigator Program –
Washington State Department of Commerce
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.1 EXECUTIV E SUMMARY 13
DNP received 26 applications requesting more than $115 million, underscoring the need to
connect more residents to the internet and to provide them with the skills needed to participate
fully in our digitally connected society.14 However, there is still significant work remaining, which
will require more funding than is currently available to improve digital equity outcomes in the
state.
A range of digital equity assets and champions has developed
“During the pandemic, medicine
from organizations that understand the advantages of
would come to my grandmother’s
connectivity for all members of society in Washington state.
door instead of her having to go the
This ranges from local libraries applying for funding to
provide low-income families with subsidized internet pharmacy. She was scared about
connection plans, to one-one technology programs run by getting sick. But Wi-Fi didn't work
school districts, to organizations empowering their for her, so she wasn't able to let the
communities by providing digital literacy workshops, and [person dropping off her medicine]
more. Washington state has seen enormous grassroots know whether she was home or not.
momentum in providing people with the devices, skills, and So, it was difficult to have a service
internet connection they need to access the full benefits of so important be in a language that
the digital world. Washington state is working together with a wasn’t her native language, and that
wide range of partners to reduce digital inequalities and needed Wi-Fi to access.”
increase digital inclusion over time.
–Sunnyside listening
In June 2023, President Biden’s administration announced session participant.
that Washington state will receive federal funding from the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)’s Broadband Equity,
Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and State Digital Equity Planning grant programs to expand high-
speed internet networks and digital equity programs statewide. Washington consistently ranks
among the best-connected state in the country, thanks to the hard work of digital equity
champions throughout the decades. However, efforts continue as there are still hundreds of
thousands of locations in Washington that lack broadband service. 15 Disparities exist throughout
the state related to access to the internet. Limited or no access can be caused by the inability to
pay, the inability to navigate resources for the adoption of services, the lack of broadband
infrastructure in certain areas, the lack of access to digital hardware, the lack of digital literacy,
or a combination of barriers prohibiting certain individuals from achieving digital access. This
Digital Equity Plan outlines a roadmap to catalyze the work needed to reduce the digital divide in
Washington. To fully bridge the digital divide, there is a need for long-term support across
organizations in Washington. This can look like statewide partnerships to embed digital equity
into the delivery of all state-provided services, legislative support to create avenues for
sustainable funding for digital equity efforts, and dedication from all digital equity champions to
collaborate and build together towards an inclusive future where all can benefit from the internet.
14 Department of Commerce (2023). Accessed at: State grants fund digital navigation services to help new internet users get online -
Washington State Department of Commerce
15 Unserved and underserved location analysis from National Broadband Availability Map data updated 01/23/24 indicates over
218,000 unserved locations and over 74,000 underserved locations. Note: These numbers are subject to change until the
deduplication and Challenge Process described in Washington State’s Initial Proposal Volume II are completed.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.1 EXECUTIV E SUMMARY 14
To hear directly from communities on the barriers and Public engagement
needs related to accessing, affording, and adopting
broadband, the WSBO and its engagement partners Between 2022 and 2024, over
conducted public engagement activities throughout 4,000 Washington residents had
Washington state. Although additional outreach is still the chance to share their
needed, the WSBO hosted more than 30 events and perspectives and stories on
engaged over 4,000 Washington residents between the digital equity challenges and
summer of 2022 and January 2024. While this number is opportunities facing their
not statistically representative of Washington state’s communities. These engagement
entire population, the WSBO’s outreach was intentional events took place both virtually
about including underrepresented and under-resourced and in person. Participants
communities from a multitude of different regions. represented organizations and
Public engagement activities were held in person across individuals from every covered
Washington at libraries, food banks, festivals, bus routes, population.
school buildings, health centers, and community centers,
as well as virtually, to allow for various avenues for engagement.
The WSBO also worked with community-based organizations, such as BATs and other agencies,
to help with outreach. Local and tribal governments were encouraged to create Community
Action Plans (CAPs) that detail specific assets, barriers, and potential solutions for their counties.
These CAPs were integrated into this Digital Equity Plan to reflect unique local and tribal
community needs and strategies.
Additionally, as per the NTIA’s requirements and Washington State’s ESSHB 1723, public
engagement was tailored to reach historically unserved and underserved communities, or
“covered populations.” 16 Since covered populations often face numerous compounding barriers
to accessing the internet, the WSBO used their stories to center the development of this Digital
Equity Plan. Based on the insights gathered from the WSBO’s public engagement, this Digital
Equity Plan categorizes Washington-specific barriers as either being a “systemic barrier” that is
beyond the control of the individual and which may affect all individuals, or a covered-population-
specific-barrier faced most prevalently by individuals who self-identify as part of a covered
population. For example, barriers to accessing the internet, devices, and digital skills training were
due to either systemic issues such as a lack of permanent housing or limited access to
transportation, or due to a defining part of their lived experience such as having limited English
proficiency or a disability. Unaffordable and unreliable services were also a barrier across all
covered populations, with many stating that one’s zip code should not limit one’s opportunities
for affordable service.
It is also important to note that populations are not monolithic, and everyone has unique barriers
and challenges that can impact their experience with accessing, affording, or adopting broadband
16 Covered populations are defined in the Digital Equity Act Planning Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) as: 1) individuals
who live in covered households (income no more than 150% of the federal poverty level); 2) Aging individuals; 3) Incarcerated
individuals; 4) Veterans; 5) Individuals with disabilities; 6) Individuals with a language barrier; 7) Individuals who are members of a
racial or ethnic minority group; and 8) Individuals who primarily reside in a rural area. Washington state includes two additional
categories: 1) Individuals experiencing housing instability and 2) Youth and children in foster care.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.1 EXECUTIV E SUMMARY 15
services and digital skills. Consequently, the analysis in this document of Washington-specific
barriers is sensitive to the intersectional needs of Washingtonians. To continue expanding and
strengthening the WSBO’s understanding of communities and individuals across Washington,
public engagement will be ongoing and integrated as a method to measure the success of
statewide initiatives to bring internet to all. Continuous steps for engagement will build upon the
lessons learned from the WSBO’s initial public engagement period for this Digital Equity Plan and
identify where there are opportunities to improve. The WSBO will strive to use outreach methods
that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and tailored to the communities they intend to
engage. By being sensitive to competing priorities, providing more sessions at different times of
the day, joining established community gathering events, and using trusted avenues of
communication, the WSBO intends to continue incorporating the diverse voices of
Washingtonians. Ongoing public engagement, building more partnerships, and receiving
suggestions on ways to improve are important to the WSBO. The state is committed to
addressing these barriers by designing actionable, tangible, and sustainable strategies that will
be detailed in the following sections of this Digital Equity Plan.
“Access to the internet is essential to participating in modern day society
including, but not limited to, attending school and work, accessing health care,
paying for basic services, connecting with family and friends, civic participation,
and economic survival.”
-Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1723 (Digital Equity Act)
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.1 EXECUTIV E SUMMARY 16
1.2 CHARTING A COURSE TO REACH OUR DIGITAL EQUITY GOALS
While there remain multiple barriers to increasing digital equity, this Digital Equity Plan
acknowledges that there are many highly engaged community leaders and partner organizations
who have invested in offering digital inclusion activities and advancing digital equity policies to
help their communities access, afford, and adopt internet services and information technology.
Through extensive conversations in 2022, the state’s Digital Equity Forum developed a vision for
digital equity that has been adopted in this document:
Everyone in Washington has affordable broadband internet technology as well
as the tools and skills needed to participate in our digital society before 2028.
Strategies that help define how the work will be completed and measurable objectives that can
be used to measure progress will serve as building blocks for achieving goals and the broad vision
for digital equity in Washington state, as illustrated in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Vision, Goals, Strategies, and Measurable Objectives Framework
Vision
Everyone has affordable broadband internet and the tools and skill needed to participate in our
digital society
Goals
Guideposts for directing strategies and lead towards the vision
Strategies and associated activities
How work is done and who is doing the work
Measurable Objectives
Tangible means to measure progress with targeted subobjectives for covered populations
1.2.1 Goals
Three primary goals will serve as the guideposts for the strategies and reflect themes captured
during the public engagement, which are to:
1. Eliminate barriers to access and affordability.
2. Empower residents with the information and digital skills they need to thrive.
3. Advance sustainability of digital equity programs.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.1 EXECUTIV E SUMMARY 17
Eliminate Barriers Empower Residents Advance Sustainability
Provide Washington Provide Washington Establish and build
residents with infrastructure, residents the information, partnerships needed to
devices, and tools, to access support, and skills to obtain deliver and sustain
reliable, affordable, high- and cultivate digital broadband service and
speed broadband service to knowledge and skills to support programs for
bridge the digital divide. improve access to reap the learning and engaging in civil
benefits of digital inclusion. society.
1.2.2 Strategies
There are six strategies that will be employed, and tracked by measurable outcomes, in the
delivery of Washington state’s ambitious goals:
1. Expand broadband availability and increase affordability.
2. Implement innovative approaches to expand options for device availability and
affordability.
3. Consolidate practices that promote online accessibility and inclusivity.
4. Provide services that increase digital literacy.
5. Promote practices and leverage tools to enable online privacy and security.
6. Embed digital equity considerations into larger statewide efforts to advance the
sustainability of this work.
Strategies for the state of Washington have been developed based on their ability to address gaps
in existing digital inclusion efforts, and to align with preestablished statewide priorities to further
improve outcomes for economic and workforce development, education, health, civic and social
engagement, and the delivery of essential services.
Each strategic category will have associated activities to help accomplish the strategy with
metrics for progress that are detailed in Section 2.3 and Section 5.1. Chapter 5 will also dive into
the ways Washington will measure success, mitigate risks, and advance sustainability of digital
equity related services in the long term. A summary is provided below with strategies mapped to
the goal that they support.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.1 EXECUTIV E SUMMARY 18
Table 1: Summary of Strategies, Universal Objectives, Activities, and Goals
Everyone in Washington has affordable broadband internet technology as well
VISION as the tools and skills needed to participate in our digital society before 2028.
1. Eliminate barriers to 2. Empower residents with information 3. Advance sustainability
GOALS access and affordability. and digital skills they need to thrive. of digital equity programs.
STRATEGIES & OBJECTIVES ACTIVITIES
Strategy 1: Expand broadband availability • 1.1: Coordinate with state Broadband Equity Access and Deployment
and increase affordability (BEAD) Program to align with digital equity goals
• Universal Objective 1: All • 1.2: Leverage partners to help increase enrollment in low-cost and
Washingtonians have the opportunity to subsidized broadband service for low-income communities
access and afford broadband service • 1.3: Utilize Washington state’s Digital Equity Dashboard to track progress
in broadband services for covered populations
• 1.4: Support Washington community anchor institutions (CAIs) to
improve and increase the number of free public Wi-Fi locations
• 1.5: Solicit innovative solutions that can increase broadband affordability
and adoption among hard-to-reach covered populations or subgroups
Strategy 2: Implement innovative • 2.1: Partner with internet service providers (ISPs), CAIs, and device
approaches to expand options for device distributors to develop awareness campaigns to promote low-cost
availability and affordability broadband service plans, mobilehotspots, and free, subsidized, or low-
• Universal Objective 2: All cost device programs
Washingtonians can access and afford • 2.2: Develop innovative programs like statewide device repair,
the devices needed to maintain digital refurbishment, reuse, and recycling programs to increase device
connectivity affordability and availability
Strategy 3: Consolidate practices that • 3.1: Partner with trusted messenger programs and organizations to share
promote online accessibility and inclusivity information about digital assistance and online accessibility with covered
• Universal Objective 3: Support inclusive populations
practices that allow access to digital
services for everyone
Strategy 4: Provide services that increase • 4.1: Build upon lessons learned through the Washington State Digital
digital literacy Navigator Program and statewide organizations that offer digital
• Universal Objective 4: All navigation, digital literacy, or digital skill trainings to expand programs
Washingtonians have opportunities to designed to address unique needs of covered populations
acquire the skills and understanding to • 4.2: Leverage existing programs to expand community partnerships that
participate in digital connectivity provide increased knowledge and skills enabling covered populations to
activities participate in changing workforce and societal needs
• 4.3: Build on existing partnership withOSPI to implement innovative and
proven approaches to expand student and family involvement in digital
literacy services
• 4.4: Develop a standardized publicly available digital skill training
curriculum and resources
Strategy 5: Promote practices and leverage • 5.1: Leverage the Digital Navigator Program and other digital skills
tools to enable online privacy and security education providers to conduct outreach and engagement, provide in-
• Universal Objective 5: Advance measures person trainings, and tools and educational resources related to online
that keep Washingtonians safe and privacy and cybersecurity
protected online from cyber threats • 5.2: Support the Statewide Cybersecurity Strategy to protect data and
privacy of covered populations online
• 5.3: Partner with ISPs to promote cybersecurity education
Strategy 6: Embed digital equity • 6.1: Work with partners to explore sustainable funding mechanisms that
considerations into larger statewide efforts allow more state agencies, CAIs, and community-based organizations
to advance the sustainability of this work (CBOs) to adopt digital equity programs
• Universal Objective 6: Build partnerships • 6.2: Support collective impact model for reducing digital illiteracy and to
with tribal governments, state agencies, build accessible on-ramps to IT-related career paths
CBOs, businesses, and other digital
equity focused organizations to sustain
digital equity work
OUTCOME AREAS
Civic & Social Essential
Health Education Economic
Engagement Services
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.1 EXECUTIV E SUMMARY 19
1.2.3 Measuring success
When possible, this Digital Equity Plan will determine current statewide baselines as well as
baselines for each covered population to serve as a starting point for describing the current state
of digital equity across Washington. Baseline data will come from a variety of publicly available
sources, such as the Public Use Microdata Samples (PUMS) from the American Community
Survey (ACS), data from the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), and state agency data
sources. As strategies are implemented, it will be important to measure progress on an annual
basis over the course of the next five years.
To achieve the three goals listed above, this Digital Equity Plan includes “universal” objectives for
all Washingtonians. Universal objectives map to high-level goals established to achieve
connectivity and its associated benefits for all. Under the universal objectives, Sub-objectives will
be designed for covered populations in relation to how these groups are situated within the digital
divide. 17 An example of a universal objective is as follows:
“Enabling all Washingtonians to have the opportunity to access and afford
broadband services.”
While a sub-objective for a specific covered population is as follows:
“Increase the percentage of aging individuals living on a fixed income who have
broadband service.”
The universal objectives are intended to establish a baseline of digital inclusion benefits for all
Washingtonians. Sub-objectives will be focused based on how people are situated differently
within structures, culture, across geographies and how that may affect access to certain benefits,
such as the ability to access affordable broadband services or the ability to know how to use a
digital device. 18
The Digital Equity Plan will identify sub-objectives for populations where both baseline
quantitative data and public engagement qualitative data reflect the largest disparities. This
approach will benefit the most covered populations in Washington while continuing to strive for
universal access for all. Further details on associated key performance indicators for all Sub-
objectives are provided in Chapter 2 of this Plan.
17 Based on NTIA feedback in an early review of the Digital Equity Plan, universal objectives include subobjectives that are specific
to covered populations to meet DE NOFO compliance requirements.
18 Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley (2019). 18 To develop goals, strategies, objectives, and subobjectives, concepts and
language were referenced from the “Targeted Universalism” framework developed by John A. Powell of the Othering & Belonging
Institute, but primarily as a conceptual framework rather than a strict adherence to methodology. The primary concept of “setting
universal goals pursued by targeted processes to achieve those goals” and developing strategies to achieve those goals “based
upon how different groups are situated within structures, culture, and across geographies” was referenced, where appropriate
Accessed at: https://belonging.berkeley.edu/targeted-universalism
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.1 EXECUTIV E SUMMARY 20
1.3 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Working towards the vision of digital equity is not something that can or should be done
unilaterally. The WSBO intends to continue cultivating partnerships with organizations that are
invested in digital equity work and to act as both a connector and a resource whenever possible.
The WSBO will work in tandem with partners that include community anchor institutions, the
Digital Equity Forum, digital navigators, and local and tribal governments to accomplish the
strategies and goals laid out in this Plan. The WSBO will continue to engage with and provide
progress updates to communities through the outreach and engagement plan described in
Chapter 4. To accomplish this and do so with the level of trust that will be required, the WSBO
intends to engage and compensate community members, when possible, in facilitating ongoing
conversations and holistic, considerate, inclusive input gathering. 19
Implementation of several strategies identified in Chapter 5 is already underway and will be
coordinated with BEAD program-related activities. In collaboration with the WSBO, the DEU
received $32.8 million in fiscal year (FY) 2023 to fund the Digital Navigator Program. This state
funding allowed the WSBO and DEU to contract with 32 partners to provide digital navigation
services. This resulted in over 152,000 individuals served in the general Digital Navigator Program
and nearly 3,000 individuals served through dedicated funding for the Digital Navigator Re-Entry
Program. 20 After the 2023 legislative session, digital navigation funding dropped to $15 million
for FY 2024 and $15 million for FY 2025. In recognition of this funding reduction from the previous
FY 2023 and the positive impact of digital navigation programs, the WSBO and DEU have
requested additional digital navigation funding for FY 2025. However, any additional funding for
the digital navigation program will only be determined based on the outcome of the current
legislative session, which ends March 7, 2024.
While there is a great deal of work that remains, progress is already being made. This work will
benefit from the input of many voices across Washington state. The WSBO encourages the public
to subscribe for updates through the Internet for All in Washington website, to contact the office
through the Internet for All email inbox (InternetforAll@Commerce.wa.gov), or through mail sent
to:
Department of Commerce
Washington State Broadband Office
P.O. Box 42525
Olympia, WA 98504-2525.
19 The WSBO will follow community compensation guidelines outlined by the Office of Equity.
20 Digital Navigator Program and Funding Review (2023). Accessed at: commerce.wa.gov
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.1 EXECUTIV E SUMMARY 21
2. INTRODUCTION & VISION FOR DIGITAL EQUITY
Washington’s Digital Equity Plan was created to design strategies that respond to the needs of
diverse communities and bridge the digital divide across the state. While resources such as
libraries and citywide technology needs assessments have been operational at the local level,
COVID-19 exposed the gaps and barriers to digital connectivity and the need to have a statewide
strategy to ensure that Washingtonians have access to broadband services in a quickly changing
digital environment. 21 While many communities were able to transition work, education, or other
social needs online, other communities were excluded and unable to participate in digital society
due to systemic challenges such as lack of adequate infrastructure or related to difficulties
utilizing technology. This Digital Equity Plan seeks to combat these challenges and provide a
pathway for all Washingtonians to have the opportunity to benefit from broadband and
information technology.
2.1 VISION
In 2019, state legislation established the WSBO with the purpose to promote, develop and
improve the affordability and quality of internet connectivity. This will support an increase in
services for residents, businesses, and communities across the state. 22 Through initiatives such
as the Digital Equity Unit’s (DEU’s) Digital Navigator Program, the WSBO has also tapped into an
ecosystem of state agency partners and community organizations to provide digital skills and
services to increase digital inclusion within Washington state.
Through extensive public engagement from 2022 through 2024, the WSBO developed
recommendations and a vision for digital equity in Washington state:
WASHINGTON Everyone in Washington has affordable broadband internet technology as well as
STATE VISION the tools and skills needed to participate in our digital society before 2028.
The WSBO has established three goals to achieve the stated vision.
• Eliminating barriers: Provide Washington state residents with infrastructure, devices, and
tools to maintain reliable, affordable, high-speed broadband service to bridge the digital
divide.
• Empowering residents: Provide Washington state residents the information, support, and
skills to obtain and cultivate digital knowledge and skills to improve access and reap the
benefits of digital inclusion.
• Advancing sustainability: Establish and build partnerships across Washington state to
deliver and sustain broadband service and support programs for learning and engaging in
civil society.
21 City of Seattle (2018), City of Seattle Information Technology Indicators Project: Residential Technology Access and Adoption
Study. Accessed at: https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/Tech/2000_Final%20Summary%20Report.pdf
22 RCW 43.330.532 (2019). Accessed at: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.330.532
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 22
These goals will contextualize the strategies created by the state to reduce the digital divide in
Washington.
This Digital Equity Plan focuses on strategies that align with Washington’s vision for digital equity,
pulling from widely accepted pillars of broadband and digital equity: availability, affordability,
adoption.
• Availability: Sufficient infrastructure, devices, and coverage to deliver reliable, high-speed
wired or wireless broadband services and technology tools.
• Affordability: An individual’s ability to pay for the total cost of maintaining reliable, high-
speed broadband services and technology tools.
• Adoption: The information, support, and skills to obtain regular, adequate access to
reliable, high-speed broadband service and technology tools.
2.2 ALIGNMENT WITH EXISTING EFFORTS TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES
This Digital Equity Plan is intended to align with the driving factors behind current state efforts
and investments to maximize positive outcomes for Washingtonians. This includes an
understanding of state efforts driven by the Governor’s five priority goals and the Washington
State Legislature, in addition to regional, local, and tribal near-term and long-term objectives.
GOVERNOR INSLEE’S FIVE PRIORITY GOALS
Executive Order 13-04 states that, “Washington state and its public servants are committed to the
continuous improvement of services, outcomes, and performance of state government, to realize
a safe, beautiful and healthy place to live and work.”23 To build toward this vision, in 2013
Governor Inslee proposed five priority goals for the state: (1) World-Class Education; (2)
Prosperous Economy; (3) Sustainable Energy and a Clean Environment; (4) Healthy and Safe
Communities; and (5) Effective, Efficient, and Accountable Government. 24
These five priority goals have shaped the areas where the state decides to invest and has directly
influenced the expedited need for broadband infrastructure and digital skills. Access to
broadband is critical to full participation in society and the modern economy, as the Washington
State Legislature declared during their 2019 Regular Session. 25 For example, to achieve a world-
class education, Washingtonians should have access to online schooling and online educational
resources. These online resources can prepare them to succeed professionally in their careers,
socially in the community, and personally as lifelong learners. Next, a prosperous, modern
economy relies on technological advancement, innovation, and a trained workforce. These are
achievable only through the expansion of broadband access and the skills and knowledge to
benefit from a digital society. Additionally, the health of Washingtonians can be improved through
the expansion of telehealth services and access to online medical or wellness resources. Being
23 State of Washington: Office of the Governor (2013), Executive Order 13-04: Results Washington. Accessed at:
https://governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/exe_order/eo_13-04.pdf
24 State of Washington: Office of the Governor (2013), Executive Order 13-04: Results Washington. Accessed at:
https://governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/exe_order/eo_13-04.pdf
25 Second Substitute Senate Bill 5511 (2019). Accessed at https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2019-
20/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/Senate/5511-S2.SL.pdf?cite=2019%20c%20365%20%C2%A7%201
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 23
able to utilize the benefits that come from internet connectivity will advance the state’s five
priority goals that drive decisions and investment.
WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE
The Washington State Legislature highlighted the importance of increasing broadband access
and digital equity in several ways: 26
Accessing broadband is critical to full participation in society and
the modern economy.
Increasing broadband access to unserved areas of the state serves
a fundamental governmental purpose and function and provides a
public benefit to the citizens of Washington by enabling access to
health care, education, and essential services, providing economic
opportunities, and enhancing public health and safety.
Achieving affordable and quality broadband access for all
Washingtonians will require additional and sustained investment,
research, local and community participation, and partnerships
between private, public, and nonprofit entities.
Investing from the telecommunications industry and the public
sector, as well as policies and programs adopted to provide
affordable broadband services throughout the state, will provide a
foundation to build a comprehensive statewide framework for
additional actions needed to advance the state's broadband goals.
Providing additional funding mechanisms to increase broadband
access in unserved areas is in the best interest of the state.
The Washington State Legislature consequently established the WSBO to “encourage, foster,
develop, and improve affordable, quality broadband within the state,” to help with job creation,
promote innovation, improve economic vitality, and expand markets for Washington
26 RCW 28a.150.210 (2011). Accessed at: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28A.150.210
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 24
businesses. 27 Overall, the WSBO is dedicated to improving broadband access for unserved and
underserved communities and populations, working towards equitable development by bridging
the digital divide. 28
The WSBO’s main objectives are twofold: to support affordable and The WSBO’s Mission:
reliable high-speed internet access for Washington residents and to
strategically implement collaborative actions to promote digital
“To enrich the lives of all
inclusion through affordable access, internet connectivity, adoption,
Washington state residents
and digital skill building. By 2026, Washington state hopes to achieve
and businesses by ensuring
1/1 gigabit per second (Gbps) speed services for all community
they have access to
anchor institutions. By 2028, the goal is to achieve 150/150 megabits
affordable, reliable, redundant
per second (Mbps) for all residents and businesses.29
and scalable/future proof
The Digital Equity Forum was established in the 2021 Operating broadband technologies
Budget in close partnership between the WSBO and the Office of ensuring the economic
Equity to advance digital connectivity in Washington.30 To date, the viability of both urban and
Digital Equity Forum has engaged with approximately 3,000 rural Washington state today
Washington residents. This has been accomplished by holding public and into the future.”
meetings and facilitating surveys, listening sessions, and focus
groups to hear from local communities and understand their lived
experiences with digital equity barriers.
The Digital Equity Forum includes representation from tribal governments, state agencies, and
underserved communities, including historically disadvantaged communities. 31 Its purpose is to
identify opportunities to advance digital connectivity for underserved communities, including
historically disadvantaged communities throughout Washington state. 32 The Digital Equity
Forum’s efforts are driven by their established commitment to accomplish the WSBO’s state
internet connectivity goals by:
• Strengthening public-private partnerships
• Soliciting public input through public hearings or informational sessions
• Working to increase collaboration and communication between local, state, tribal and
federal government and agencies
• Recommending reforms to universal service mechanisms 33
27 RCW 43.330.532 (2021). Accessed at: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.330.532
28 Washington state Broadband Office (2023). Accessed at: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-
statewide-broadband-act/
29 RCW 43.330.536 (2019). Accessed at: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.330.536
30 Washington State Department of Commerce (2023). Digital Equity Forum Report: Accessed at:
https://app.leg.wa.gov/ReportsToTheLegislature/Home/
31 Digital Equity Forum (2023). Accessed at: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-statewide-
broadband-act/digital-equity-forum/
32 Note that the NTIA definition of “Covered Populations” overlaps with the state’s definition of “underserved populations”
established in HB1723, but there are some differences.
33 Digital Equity Forum (2023). Accessed at: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-statewide-
broadband-act/digital-equity-forum/
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 25
Washington state has invested and will continue to invest in the expansion of broadband and
reducing digital inequalities to pursue the state’s priority goals including improved education,
healthcare, and economic vitality working with the Digital Equity Forum and other partners.
2.2.1 Inclusion of Community Action Plans
Washington state proactively considered the importance of integrating local efforts into
statewide planning for the Digital Equity Plan. The state partnered with Washington State
University (WSU)-Extension to provide technical assistance and up to $59,000 in funding to local
Broadband Action Teams (BATs) to support the creation of county-level and tribal digital equity
plans, called “Community Action Plans” (CAPs). These BATs were comprised of a variety of
members including local governments, county representatives, educational institutions, CBOs,
PUDs, and numerous other organizations. Each group was charged with creating their own,
unique Community Action Plan. This resulted in all 39 counties and 12 of 29 federally recognized
tribes developing 51 plans to showcase the unique needs of their communities and solutions to
achieve digital equity. In addition to the 12 tribes that prepared their own CAPs, four tribes
partnered with neighboring counties. In total, 16 tribes participated. The CAPs were developed to
support their communities in defining and leading the solutions pathway to address their
broadband and digital equity gaps. However, these plans have also informed the statewide Digital
Equity Plan. They have provided location data and community input, digital inclusion assets, and
a needs assessment with recommended strategies and solutions for achieving digital equity
within their locality. Findings from each county and tribal CAP have been woven throughout this
document.
2.2.2 Coordination of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital
Equity Planning
The state will work to coordinate activities described in this Digital Equity Plan with activities
funded through BEAD and other digital equity funding sources. The WSBO’s staff will manage
BEAD funding and provide oversight of the Digital Equity Act funding and activities. The WSBO’s
leadership team will continue to develop relationships among organizations receiving private and
federal funding for digital inclusion activities. The WSBO will also leverage existing relationships
among the Digital Equity Forum, regional networks, and organizations listed in Section 3.1.34
Washington state has been cultivating partnerships and investing state funding towards
advancing digital inclusion activities to provide Washingtonians with the information technology
capacity needed for full participation in the digital society and economy. As an example, in fiscal
year (FY) 2023, Washington State Legislature allocated $4 million for the development of BATs
for counties and tribes. The legislature also provided an additional $4 million for the development
of CAPs by BATs as described in Section 3.1.2.
To increase digital equity, the WSBO worked with community organizations and libraries across
the state to implement a Digital Navigator Program. The Program provides direct assistance to
those with the greatest need in terms of access to and knowledge of how to use technology
34 This list is not meant to be exhaustive and will need to be updated over time as new relationships, digital equity assets, and
organizations arise.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 26
devices and services. In accordance with the National Digital Inclusion Alliance definition of a
digital navigator, they are “trusted guides who can assist community members in internet
adoption and the use of computing devices.” Digital navigators also help individuals sign up for
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) funded Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP),
a program designed to connect people to the internet and digital devices. Digital Navigation
efforts funded by Washington received $7.4 million in FY 2022. In FY 2023, Digital Navigation
Programs received $32.8 million in funding. After the 2023 legislative session, digital navigation
funding dropped to $15 million for FY 2024 and $15 million for FY 2025. In recognition of this
funding reduction and the positive impact of Digital Navigation Programs, the WSBO and the DEU
have requested additional digital navigation funding for FY 2025. However, any additional funding
for the Digital Navigation Program will be determined based on the outcome of the current
legislative session, which ends March 7, 2024.
In additional to the state Digital Navigator Program, libraries, community and technical colleges,
and community-based organizations have been providing essential digital literacy and digital
training to residents. In rural areas, they are often the only service or training provider. Community
and technical colleges – in partnership with community-based organizations – also integrate
digital skills training within basic education and English language acquisition classes for adults
and workforce training programs.
These pre-existing digital inclusion activities have contributed to the development of both this
Digital Equity Plan and the BEAD Five-Year Action Plan, demonstrating the interdependence of
digital equity and broadband expansion in Washington. With this linkage, the state is committed
to supporting access to sustainable high-speed internet to all residents, businesses, and
communities. However, additional funding for digital literacy and skills programs is needed to
increase the number of residents and businesses that can be served and improve overall digital
skill levels for Washingtonians.
As the state prepares to implement the BEAD Program to support universal access, there are
direct linkages between the goals of the BEAD and Digital Equity Capacity Grants. The BEAD Initial
Proposal Volume II emphasizes the importance of affordability of service and rewards BEAD
applicants that support digital inclusion efforts. Applicants to the BEAD Program will be awarded
points for supporting internet adoption and digital navigation services. Additionally, if selected,
BEAD subgrantees will need to demonstrate their commitment to offering a low-cost service plan
and middle-class affordability strategies.
As exemplified by Washington state’s digital inclusion programming, community partnerships,
and ongoing public engagement efforts, the state views digital equity as an essential component
of universal access. In short, Washington seeks to increase broadband access for speed,
reliability, and availability, while simultaneously increasing affordability, adoption, and digital
skills training for covered and underserved populations. Although as noted, the demand for digital
inclusion services is greater than the funding currently available.35
35 Washington State Department of Commerce (2022). “State grants fund digital navigation services to help new internet users get
online.” Accessed at: commerce.wa.gov
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 27
To embed digital equity work into other state agency services, the WSBO’s relationship building
is another crucial aspect of coordination between digital equity planning, the BEAD Program, and
other state activities. This is described further in Section 5.1.6. Maintaining open lines of
communication with the organizations involved in statewide digital equity efforts will be an
important aspect of the WSBO’s funding coordination and sustainability strategy. The Digital
Equity Plan will also be coordinated with broader statewide efforts and goals. These include
economic and workforce development goals, plans, and outcomes; educational outcomes; health
outcomes; civic and social engagement; and the delivery of essential services.
2.2.3 Using the Digital Equity Plan to Further Broader Goals and Efforts
ECONOMIC AND W ORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The Washington Workforce Association is the membership organization for the local workforce
development boards of Washington state. It provides resources and coordination between local
boards. Washington state has 12 local workforce development boards, shown in Map 1. These
boards work to coordinate and leverage workforce investments and strategies to advance the
economic health of their respective communities by upskilling and reskilling individuals to form
a trained and competitive workforce.36 Local workforce development boards also work to identify
trends in the labor market to provide Washingtonians with information on career pathways and
investments to maximize long-term equitable and successful outcomes. 37
Some local boards have explicit commitments to racial equity and the provision of culturally
competent and linguistically appropriate services. These boards place an emphasis on advancing
digital equity so that participants have access to internet-enabled devices, broadband, and digital
literacy training. 38 Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband is crucial to Washington’s
capacity to increase wages, enhance productivity, and develop new and skilled talent. The
strategies in this Digital Equity Plan align with Washington Workforce Association activities to
improve the outcomes of efforts generated by the local boards. The strategies include increasing
access to devices across underserved populations, increasing digital skills of Washington’s
current and future workforce, and increasing the accessibility of state resources to potential
laborers.
Local boards, in collaboration with the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD),
the Governor’s Office and Washington’s Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
(the Workforce Board) created an ongoing, adaptable $13.8 million fund called the Economic
Security for All Expansion. 39 This dedicated funding will support the work of local boards by
expanding investments into job training and certification programs, intensifying focus on and
outreach to at-risk and underserved populations, and aiding in poverty prevention and reduction
efforts. Investment in digital skills training can support the overall objectives, particularly in
relation to expanding skills-based training.
36 Washington Workforce Association (2023), Local Workforce Development Boards. Accessed at:
https://washingtonworkforce.org/lwdb-directory/
37 Ibid.
38 Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (n.d.) Accessed at: https://www.seakingwdc.org/
39 Washington Workforce Association (2023), Building Pathways, Making an Impact. Accessed at: Building Pathways, Making an
Impact - Washington Workforce Association
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 28
Map 1: Washington State Local Workforce Development Boards 40
The Workforce Board spearheads economic and workforce development and is the state
workforce development board under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. 41 It is
Washington’s principal workforce policy advisor, responsible for the state’s workforce
development system and is the designated oversight entity for federally funded Career and
Technical Education. It also serves as a regulator of private career schools and veteran education
programs. The Workforce Board’s unique board composition – one-third business, one-third
workers, and one-third government – means that business and labor are at the same table,
supplying a real-world view of workforce challenges and opportunities. 42
The Workforce Board’s workforce system helps Washington residents find jobs, re-enter the
workforce, or move ahead in their current careers. 43 Additionally, the Workforce Board drafted
and published Washington’s four-year strategy for further advancing and strengthening their
workforce development system. Washington’s Talent and Prosperity for All (TAP) plan
encompasses a wide range of employment, education, training, and related service. TAP also
provides support to help workers secure and retain good jobs while providing businesses with
skilled workers they need to economically grow within a global economy. 44 TAP’s guiding
principles for 2024–2028 are:
• Close economic disparities for marginalized populations
40 Washington Workforce Association (2023), Find A Local Workforce Development Board in Your Area. Accessed at:
https://washingtonworkforce.org/lwdb-directory/ Note: Northwest Workforce Council is not a member of Washington Workforce
Association.
41 Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board (2023), Homepage. Accessed at: https://wtb.wa.gov/
42 Ibid.
43 Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board (2023), Workforce System at a Glance. Accessed at:
https://wtb.wa.gov/planning-programs/washington-workforce-system/
44 Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board (2023), State Workforce Plan: Talent and Prosperity for All (TAP). Accessed
at: https://wtb.wa.gov/planning-programs/washington-state-workforce-plan/
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 29
• Comprehensive support for individuals with barriers to employment
• System-wide performance metrics and accountability 45
The Workforce Board’s strategic priorities include aligning economic development and growth
efforts, improving opportunities for young people to transition to an economically successful
adulthood, and to improve equitable access, mobility, and long-term economic success. While
TAP will provide a roadmap to better economic outcomes for jobseekers, the Digital Equity Plan
will support guiding principles related to improving equitable access to opportunities and
strategic priorities through the expansion of broadband infrastructure across the state and digital
navigation services. The planning process for digital equity in Washington has focused on
expanding access and eliminating barriers for covered populations. When access is available and
barriers eliminated, online resources, educational prospects, and improved opportunities for
economic success and stability are equitably obtainable for underserved individuals.
Another workforce and education focused organization is the Washington State Board for
Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC). SBCTC is a nine-member, governor-appointed
board responsible for administering the Community and Technical College Act. 46 The Community
and Technical College Act created an independent system of affordable colleges to serve all
Washingtonians regardless of their background or experience. The community and technical
colleges emphasize basic skills and literacy education, occupational education, and technical
training to prepare students for careers in a competitive workforce. 47 Under the SBCTC’s
guidance and support, the state’s 34 public community and technical colleges, and funded
community-based partners, offer a myriad of programs and courses for adult learners,
including Adult Basic Education classes, High School Completion through GED preparation
and High School+ classes, Career Exploration and Launch classes, English Language
Acquisition classes, and Integrated Basic Education and Training classes. All these programs
provide digital skills training for adult learners.
Additionally, community and technical colleges across Washington offer different types of
degrees and certificates that align with the interests and needs of individuals seeking higher
education, such as associate in arts or science degrees, professional technical certificates
and degrees, and applied baccalaureate degrees. In addition to the robust education
programming that the public community and technical colleges offer, the SBCTC’s Committee
for Accessible Technology Oversight also provides digital accessibility training for all
colleges.
In support of TAP’s strategic priorities, the Workforce Board, SBCTC, ESD, Commerce, and
nonprofit organizations are partnering to support a $20.8 million decision package.48 The
decision package requests funding from the state legislature to invest in digital literacy and
45 Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board (2023), WA State Workforce Plan: TAP one pager. Accessed at:
https://wtb.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/TAP-Plan-one-pager-1.pdf
46 SBCTC (2023), About Us. Accessed at: https://www.sbctc.edu/about/
47 Ibid.
48 Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board (2023), Digital Literacy and IT Career Equity Decision Package. Accessed at:
https://wtb.wa.gov
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 30
information technology (IT) career development opportunities to help reduce the digital divide in
Washington. The main objectives to close disparities in the IT-related workforce include:
• Reducing Digital Illiteracy: Implementing digital literacy programs targeted at
marginalized populations to ensure they have the foundational skills needed for daily
living and IT careers.49
• Building Accessible On-Ramps: Enhancing existing education and training infrastructure
to create equitable and navigable pathways to in-demand, high-wage IT-based careers.
This Digital Equity Plan and the strategies developed by the WSBO emphasize the improvement
and expansion of digital literacy skills training and workforce development for marginalized
communities and under-resourced populations. These strategies directly align with TAP’s
strategic priorities for 2024–2028. The activities outlined in this Digital Equity Plan are also
aligned with workforce strategies described in the BEAD Five-Year Action Plan and Initial Proposal
Volume II, which include strategies related to meeting deployment needs and digitally upskilling
the Washington workforce.
The objectives outlined in the Digital Equity and BEAD Plans also align with those set by the
Governor’s Poverty Reduction Work Group’s “Blueprint for a Just & Equitable Future: the 10-Year
Plan to Dismantle Poverty in Washington”. 50 Specifically, digital equity and broadband objectives
are aligned with the plan’s Recommendation 2e: Make high-speed broadband internet universally
available. The digital divide has long been a concern for people with low incomes and became
especially acute during COVID-19. Digital equity is necessary for full engagement in education
and employment and is increasingly important to support civic participation.
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
The Washington Basic Education Act defines statewide goals for public school districts. A “basic
education,” as defined by the Washington State Legislature, is an evolving program of instruction
that provides, “students with the opportunity to become responsible and respectful global
citizens, to contribute to their economic well-being and that of their families and communities, to
explore and understand different perspectives, and to enjoy productive and satisfying lives.” 51
The goals of each school district are to provide opportunities for every student to develop the
skills essential to:
1. Read with comprehension, write effectively, and communicate successfully in a variety
of ways and settings and with a variety of audiences;
49 Note: Different state and federal agencies and policy documents use a variety of terminology to refer to communities who have
faced historical barriers to access to services, are underserved or underrepresented. In this document, the WSBO has tried to
preserve the language related to each associated agency or policy, which includes “covered populations”, “underserved
populations”, “under-resourced” and “marginalized” communities.
50 Poverty Reduction Work Group (2020), Blueprint for a Just & Equitable Future. Accessed at: Final10yearPlan.pdf
(dismantlepovertyinwa.com)
51 Washington State Legislature (2011), Washington Basic Education Act. Accessed at: RCW 28A.150.210.: Basic education—Goals
of school districts. (wa.gov)
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 31
2. Know and apply the core concepts and principles of mathematics; social, physical, and
life sciences; civics and history, including different cultures and participation in
representative government; geography; arts; and health and fitness;
3. Think analytically, logically, and creatively, and to integrate technology literacy and
fluency as well as different experiences and knowledge to form reasoned judgments and
solve problems;
4. Understand the importance of work and finance and how performance, effort, and
decisions directly affect future career and educational opportunities. 52
Notably, Goal 3 requires schools to “integrate technology literacy and fluency” in their curriculum,
which directly overlaps with digital equity goals.
To help meet these goals, the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI),
created the Educational Technology K-12 Learning Standards. OSPI supports and empowers
students, educators, families, and communities through equitable access to high-quality K-12
curriculum, instruction, and supports. The standards are designed to ensure that students acquire
the skills and knowledge they need to achieve academic success by leveraging technology in
classroom instruction. Students in Washington are expected to utilize technology to learn about
the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of engaging in an interconnected digital world, to
create new, imaginative solutions using computational tools, and to broaden their perspectives
and enrich their learning through online engagement. These standards complement statewide
efforts to enhance instruction in digital citizenship and media literacy and standardize the use of
technology through K-12 learning.53
Technology within educational curriculums is a requirement in Washington, as established by the
Washington Basic Education Act and further detailed by the Educational Technology K-12
Learning Standard published by OSPI. The standards have specific recommendations for how
students can learn by leveraging technology from kindergarten through senior year of high school.
Students are expected to access digital devices and develop digital literacy skills to accomplish
the standards outlined by OSPI, which can only be possible through the expansion of broadband
services. To ensure that school districts can accomplish these goals and the Educational
Technology Learning Standards, broadband services are required for all schools, school district
buildings, and importantly, into the homes of school-aged individuals to enhance their learning
outcomes. Additionally, OSPI strives to support migrant and multilingual students by providing
tools, resources, guidance, and other supports to counter the academic challenges created by
educational disruption and cultural/language problems. 54 The U.S. Department of Education and
the Washington State Legislature provide funding to OSPI to assist with supporting the education
of students experiencing homelessness and students in foster care by encouraging innovative
52 Ibid.
53 Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (2018), Educational Technology Learning Standards. Accessed at:
https://www.k12.wa.us/sites/default/files/public/edtech/standards/pubdocs/k-12-edtech-standards-complete-2018.pdf
54 Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (2023), Migrant and Multilingual Education. Accessed at:
https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/access-opportunity-education/migrant-and-multilingual-education
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 32
practices that reduce educational disruptions, strengthen school stability, and improve academic
performance of which access to online educational resources and technology is crucial. 55
The Washington State Board of Education is committed to academic attainment for every
student, which requires access and opportunity gaps to be eliminated. It works to ensure that
equity in education is understood as a process to identify and eliminate structural and
institutional racism--manifested through existing policies, practices, and procedures--that
reinforce predictably disparate educational outcomes.56 These efforts are intended to narrow
academic achievement gaps and eradicate disparities in student outcomes by factors such as
“race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, caste, and socioeconomics”. 57
Washington state’s education departments and agencies focus on reducing barriers for
underserved populations and under-resourced communities of which digital inequity is a
significant one. Strategies in this Digital Equity Plan aim to enhance the efforts to reduce barriers
to education and advance access to technology, including digital devices, internet connection,
and digital skills training.
55 Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (2023), Students Experiencing Homelessness. Accessed at:
https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/access-opportunity-education/students-experiencing-homelessness
56 Ibid.
57 Washington State Board of Education (2023), Equity. Accessed at: https://www.sbe.wa.gov/about-us/equity
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 33
HEALTH OUTCOMES
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) works with other healthcare providers to
protect and improve the health of all state residents. Its vision is to accomplish equity and optimal
health for all by ensuring access to services, programs, opportunities, and information for all
Washingtonians. Several resources have been created to advance their mission, including an
Equity Impact Assessment tool, Language Access Planning tools, Ensuring Accessibility for
People with Disabilities Report, and the Washington Tracking Network for mapping health
disparities across the state. 58
DOH additionally strives to implement the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically
Appropriate Services in Health and Healthcare throughout their services. 59 One of DOH’s
objectives is to increase awareness, education, and outreach to address racial and ethnic minority
health and health disparity problems. A second objective is to improve access to, and appropriate
utilization of, health and other community-based services and systems through user-centered
design for racial and ethnic minorities. These objectives also include providing culturally and
linguistically appropriate services, service provider education and training, and increased
workforce diversity.
Digital equity requires culturally sensitive, linguistically, and functionally accessible online
resources and services that can be used by all individuals, including those with disabilities.
Strategies outlined in this Digital Equity Plan will work towards creating guidance related to online
accessibility and inclusivity, which can be applied towards health and wellness resources. These
resources will be available for all populations throughout Washington, including individuals with
language barriers, racial and ethnic minorities, and others with barriers to accessing online
resources. Expansion of broadband services will also expand residents’ opportunity to access
telehealth services—a service vital for many Washingtonians. Telehealth can be a critical service
to individuals who do not have access to dependable or affordable transportation, those with
chronic and debilitating physical or mental health conditions, aging individuals, and our rural
communities that typically need to travel long distances for preventative and emergency
healthcare. By improving access to reliable internet, this Digital Equity Plan will enhance the
objectives of DOH: equity and optimal health for all.
58 Washington State Department of Health (2023), Health Equity. Accessed at: https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-
environment/health-equity
59 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (n.d.), Cultural and Linguistic Competency. Accessed at:
Cultural and Linguistic Competency | Office of Minority Health (hhs.gov).
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 34
CIVIC AND S OCIAL ENGAGEMENT
Washington state has a robust network of state commissions, agencies, and organizations
dedicated to encouraging civic and social engagement. Serve Washington, established in
February 1994 by Executive Order 16-08, works to advance national service, volunteerism and
civic engagement by expanding opportunities to meet critical local needs of residents of
Washington. 60 Serve Washington published a 2020–2022 State Service Plan to set state priorities,
and to serve as a mechanism to identify risks, capitalize on opportunities, and sustain and grow
Washington’s investment in service as a strategy.61 The plan established a strategic direction and
three goals to encourage volunteerism and civic engagement. The three goals are:
• By 2022, all 39 counties will directly benefit from national service or volunteer resources.
This goal is to deepen the understanding of individual county needs and to make sure
service resources such as funding, national service members, and/or volunteers, training
events, service events, and leadership or program initiatives benefit all counties.
• Identify and remove barriers experienced by unserved and underserved communities to
increase their participation in service and volunteerism.
• Partner with nonprofits, business, philanthropy, and government to develop additional
resources and funding sources to grow our state’s foundation of civic engagement with
service.
Digital equity and inclusion efforts play a crucial role in fostering civic and social engagement by
enabling all individuals to have access to resources to participate in online civic activities.
Washington state also has several commissions dedicated to encouraging and advocating for
civic engagement from marginalized communities. For example, the Washington State
Commission on Hispanic Affairs (CHA), the Washington State Commission on African American
Affairs (CAAA), and the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs
(CAPAA) have endeavored to increase remote access to government functions, community
action groups, civically empowering individuals within their communities to “access democracy.”
CHA spearheaded a “Get Out & Vote” campaign in 2022 to empower Hispanic citizens to
participate in the democratic system by voting in local, state, and national elections. CHA used a
variety of campaign outreach tools, including social media and other online platforms. CAAA
reaches out to the Black community and government agencies to improve services to their
community, share information about programs, grants, and services, and advance their legislative
agenda that focuses on the needs of the Black community.62 CAPAA has a Washington State Bill
Tracker on their website for focus areas that affect the Asian Pacific American community,
60 Serve Washington (2023), About Us. Accessed at: https://servewashington.wa.gov/about-us
61 Serve Washington (2020), State Service Plan for 2020-2022. Accessed at:
https://servewashington.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/stateserviceplan_2020-2022_final.pdf
62 Washington State Commission on African American Affairs (2022), Our Activities. Accessed at: https://caaa.wa.gov/what-we-
do/our-activities
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 35
including bills about health and human services, education, economic development, civil rights,
and immigration.63
The world is increasingly digital with access to information, participation in civic activities,
government services and programs, and organizing and advocacy increasingly moving online. All
Washingtonians should be empowered to engage civically with their communities and their state,
yet the barrier to internet access impedes civic engagement. Online spaces for civic engagement
assist with amplifying diverse voices. When people from diverse backgrounds have access to
digital platforms, they can share their perspectives and experiences. Digital equity bridges the
digital divide by providing access to technology and the internet to underserved communities.
This is vital for commissions such as CHA, CAAA, and CAPAA as they attempt to reach their
respective communities to empower them to engage democratically with Washington.
63 Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (2023), CAPAA Tracker. Accessed at:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Q9NgEnowXlQxir4IeMb3oJNV2i7RBUOoHC_0SXKoukg/edit#gid=0
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 36
DELIVERY OF OTHER ESSENTIAL SERVICES
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) offers essential
services to families and children across Washington state.64 Most importantly, they are focused
on the well-being of children and youth. Its vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children
and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally and academically, nurtured
by family and community.” 65 DCYF oversees Child Protective Services’ investigations, Family
Assessment Response, licensed foster care, adoption support, Early Childhood Education and
Assistance Program for preschoolers, Working Connection Child Care, Home Visiting, juvenile
rehabilitation programs, community facilities, and parole services, and other services for families,
youth, and other service providers. 66
DCYF serves at-risk children and youth, with the goal of producing better outcomes in all
Washington communities. Its Strategic Priorities for 2021–2026 focus on six priorities—one
relating to equity, three relating to intentions for children, youth, and families, and two relating to
building agency capacity to accomplish their work.67 DCYF aims to ensure assessments and
programs are equitable across DCYF, and that all youth and families they serve have equal access
to the essential services and assistance the agency can offer through state-funded programs.68
Other goals include safely reducing the number and rate of children and youth in out-of-home
care by half, promoting the education, economic security, and behavioral health of youth exiting
foster care and incarceration, and creating a high-quality integrated “birth to eight” system for
early childhood development.69 Enhancing availability of services and supports is a goal that
DCYF has emphasized for each priority area. Many applications to enroll in state-funded
assistance programs have transitioned to online forms, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
This requires families and youth to use the internet and a digital device to access essential
services, making it important for youth in foster care and their families to have reliable internet
access.
A child’s welfare additionally can be improved through the expansion of broadband services. With
broadband connectivity, families can easily access online portals for social assistance programs,
healthcare services, and educational resources. This can help families receive necessary aid in a
timely manner, mitigating financial burdens and promoting economic security for the household.
Broadband also helps with online learning, enabling children to access a wealth of educational
materials, attend online classrooms, and interact with teachers and peers remotely. This
enhanced educational access can bridge learning gaps and foster academic success for
underserved children, regardless of their geographic location. Additionally, broadband can
significantly impact behavioral health outcomes by providing access to mental health resources,
64 Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Accessed at: https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/
65 Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (2023), Mission, Vision, and Values. Accessed at:
https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/about/mission-vision-values
66 Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (2023), Our Services. Accessed at:
https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services
67 Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (2023), Strategic Plan. Accessed at:
https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/practice/strategic-plan
68 Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (2023), Strategic Priorities for 2021-2026. Accessed at:
https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pubs/COMM_0058%20DCYF_Strategic_Priorities_2021-2026.pdf
69 Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (2023), Strategic Priorities for 2021-2026.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 37
counseling services, and support networks online. The availability of these resources can play a
pivotal role in improving the well-being of children and their families, fostering better educational
opportunities, economic stability, and emotional well-being.
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is another state agency
that provides essential services to Washingtonians.70 Food, cash and medical services, housing
assistance, child support, vocational rehabilitation, adult care, mental health and addiction
services, and disability supports are all offered through DSHS.71 DSHS’s 2023–2025 Strategic
Plan outlines future goals for each of its administrations. 72 Table 2 shows that there are strategic
objectives for each administration that can be enhanced and strengthened by the expansion of
broadband services and digital equity efforts:
70 Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. Accessed at: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/
71 Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. Accessed at: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/
72 Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (2023), Strategic Plan Guide for 2023-2025. Accessed at:
https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-of-the-secretary/2023-2025-strategic-plan-guide
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 38
Table 2: Essential Service Categories from the DSHS Strategic Plan that Align with Digital Equity
Essential Service
Strategic Objective Digital Equity Alignment
Categories
Aging and Long- Provide assistive communication Digital equity is essential for providing assistive
Term Support technology services. communication technology services to all
Administration 73 individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic
status, physical abilities, or geographic location. It
ensures that individuals with disabilities have
access to the necessary devices and tools needed
to benefit from technology.
Behavioral Health Provide culturally appropriate Digital equity includes ensuring culturally
Administration 74 services and programming for appropriate services and online programming for
American Indian and Alaska all races and ethnicities, including for American
Native patients within Behavioral Indian and Alaska Native individuals in
Health Administration facilities. Washington.
Developmental Support individuals with Digital equity plays a crucial role in ensuring that
Disabilities developmental disabilities to be individuals with developmental disabilities can
Administration 75 able to receive services that access and take advantage of support services
support them in living in their own offered by state agencies with little to no barriers,
communities rather than in including barriers to assistive technology, internet
facility-based settings. access, and digital devices.
Division of Improve employment outcomes Digital equity can improve employment outcomes
Vocational for individuals with disabilities. for individuals with disabilities by expanding
Rehabilitation 76 access to workforce development programs and
skills-training tailored to their experiences and
abilities.
Economic Services Continue to improve on the mobile Digital equity and the expansion of broadband will
Administration 77 work environment by optimizing assist with enhancing the outcomes of improving
telework options, supporting DSHS’s mobile work environment by ensuring that
flexible work schedules, and all staff members have the tools they need to
minimizing office footprints. access information at home and in the workplace.
Facilities, Finances, Increase efforts to build an Digital equity will work towards ensuring that all
and Analytics equitable, diverse, accessible, and government agencies have an accessible and
Administration 78 inclusive work environment. inclusive work environment by expanding on the
tools and resources necessary for all individuals to
benefit from internet connectivity.
73 Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (2023), Aging and Long-term Support Strategic Goals. Accessed at:
https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-of-the-secretary/aging-and-long-term-support-strategic-goals
74 Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (2023), Behavioral Health Strategic Goals. Accessed at:
https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-of-the-secretary/behavioral-health-strategic-goals
75 Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (2023), Developmental Disabilities Strategic Goals. Accessed at:
https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-of-the-secretary/developmental-disabilities-strategic-goals
76 Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (2023), Vocational Rehabilitation Strategic Goals. Accessed at:
https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-of-the-secretary/vocational-rehabilitation-strategic-goals
77 Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (2023), Economic Services Strategic Goals. Accessed at:
https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-of-the-secretary/economic-services-strategic-goals
78 Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (2023), Facilities, Finances, and Analytics Administration Strategic
Goals. Accessed at: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-of-the-secretary/facilities-finance-and-analytics-strategic-goals
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 39
2.3 STRATEGIES AND OBJECTIVES
To reduce the digital divide in Washington, the state has identified key strategies aligned to each
goal. Each strategy bears in mind the broader state goals previously mentioned.
For eliminating barriers:
Strategy 1 - Broadband availability & affordability: Expand broadband availability and
increase affordability.
Universal Objective 1: All Washingtonians have the opportunity to access and afford
broadband service.
Strategy 2 - Device availability & affordability: Implement innovative approaches to expand
options for device availability and affordability.
Universal Objective 2: All Washingtonians can access and afford the devices needed to
maintain digital connectivity.
Strategy 3 - Online accessibility & inclusivity: Consolidate practices that promote online
accessibility and inclusivity.
Universal Objective 3: Support inclusive practices that allow access to digital services
for everyone.
For empowering residents:
Strategy 4 - Digital literacy: Provide services that increase digital literacy.
Universal Objective 4: All Washingtonians have opportunities to acquire the skills and
understanding to participate in digital connectivity activities.
Strategy 5 - Online privacy & cybersecurity: Promote practices and leverage tools to enable
online privacy and security.
Universal Objective 5: Advance measures that keep Washingtonians safe and protected
online from cyber threats.
For advancing sustainability:
Strategy 6 - Sustainability: Embed digital equity considerations into larger statewide efforts
to advance the sustainability of this work.
Universal Objective 6: Build partnerships with tribal governments, state agencies,
community-based organizations, businesses, and other digital equity focused
organizations to sustain digital equity work.
These strategies and objectives also have activities, potential partners, and considerations.
These have been outlined previously in Table 1and are further detailed in Chapter 5.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 40
2.4 MEASURING DIGITAL EQUITY SUCCESS IN WASHINGTON
2.4.1 Aligning Success with Existing Statewide Efforts
While success starts with access to high-speed broadband for every Washington resident,
success also includes facilitating access that is equitable, affordable, culturally inclusive, and of
use to all covered populations. Success in reducing digital inequalities will include creating
sustainable avenues, strengthening partnerships, additional resources, and policies that address
the unique needs of communities as well as offering opportunities to respond to new needs as
they arise.
Supporting equitable broadband services is critical to economic growth, job creation, workforce
development, educational outcomes, health outcomes, civic and social engagement, and delivery
of other essential services. For each of these areas, the overarching goals stated previously will
help in the following ways:
Economic growth, job creation, and workforce development: Supporting the work of local
workforce boards, community and technical colleges, and community-based organizations by
increasing access to devices across underserved populations, increasing digital skills of
Washington’s current and future workforce, and by increasing the accessibility of state resources
to workers.
Educational outcomes: Supporting the work of OSPI and the Washington State Board of
Education, SBCTC, community and technical colleges, and community-based organizations to
integrate technology literacy and fluency in their curriculum, reducing barriers and advancing
access to technology, including digital devices, internet connection, and digital skills training.
Health outcomes: Supporting DOH and the Washington State Health Care Authority in expanding
opportunities for Washingtonians to access telehealth services, reducing the need to travel long
distances in rural areas for preventative and specialist care. Additionally, the WSBO will work with
partner agencies to increase the availability and awareness of culturally sensitive and
linguistically accessible online healthcare resources and services.
Civic and social engagement: Working with state commissions, Washington State Commission
on Hispanic Affairs, the Commission on African American Affairs, the Commission on Asian
Pacific American Affairs, and others fostering civic and social engagement by ensuring that all
individuals have access to resources and are empowered to participate in online civic activities.
Delivery of other essential services: Collaborating with state agencies to identify and implement
ways to increase access to online services and devices, with the assistance of digital navigation
services, to enhance essential services. Collaborating partners may include DSHS, the
Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC), and other agencies identified through
additional engagement.
2.4.2 Approach to Measuring Success for the Digital Equity Plan
The Digital Equity Plan sets universal objectives for all Washingtonians that can be achieved
through sub-objectives geared towards covered populations disproportionately affected by the
digital divide. The WSBO/DEU aim to address group-based discrimination or compounding
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 41
intersectional barriers by creating these covered population-focused sub-objectives. Overall, the
Digital Equity Plan is intended to make the vision for digital equity a reality for all Washingtonians.
However, digital equity efforts will also need to focus on addressing the unique needs of covered
populations in the state to achieve the universal objectives and the statewide goals.
Statewide goals are supported by strategies that include measurable objectives and activities to
address the needs of all Washingtonians, with an approach towards addressing the needs of the
state’s covered populations. Progress towards objectives and sub-objectives will be documented
in annual progress reports that will be shared with the public. Additionally, data related to the
Digital Navigator Program will be updated quarterly and tracked on the Digital Equity Dashboard
that is currently under development. Sub-objectives are designed to be measurable to support the
effectiveness of the Digital Equity Plan’s strategies and core activities. Sub-objectives for specific
covered populations were selected based on a review of qualitative and quantitative data
indicating where some of the biggest gaps exist in access to broadband service, devices, and
digital skills. This includes baseline data, key performance indicators (KPIs), as well as near- and
long-term targets.
Considerations for digital equity are not always embedded into data collection efforts across
Washington, resulting in significant data gaps for things like the type of skills individuals were
taught through digital skill trainings, or the number of foster care families with digital device
ownership. These data gaps are acknowledged in the following tables. The WSBO is working to
either begin tracking those data points internally, working to pinpoint where in Washington those
data points may already exist, or working towards establishing partnerships with other state
entities who are working directly with covered populations to begin collecting data relating to
digital inclusion. The WSBO will continue to work with other state agencies and CBOs doing digital
equity related work to help build more robust datasets related to digital equity.
Tables 3–8 illustrate the relationship between goals, strategies, universal objectives, and sub-
objectives. Footnotes and italicized text provide background information on the steps the WSBO
is taking to fill data gaps.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 42
Table 3: Strategy 1 with Universal Objective and Sub-objectives
Goal 1: Eliminate Barriers
Strategy 1 Expand broadband availability and increase affordability.
All Washingtonians to have the opportunity to access and afford broadband
Universal objective 1
service.
Sub-objectives
1.1 Aging 1.2 Individuals 1.3 Low-income 1.4 Racial/Ethnic 1.5 Rural
Individuals with Disabilities Households Minorities Inhabitants
Increase the Increase the Increase access Increase Reduce the
percentage of percentage of to low-cost broadband service percentage of
aging individuals individuals with a internet plans that access for unserved/
(60+ years) living disability able to are reliable and American Indian underserved
on a fixed income access reliable sustainably and Alaskan locations in rural
who have and affordable available to low- Native individuals areas
broadband internet to power income
service. their assistive households
technology
Baseline Data 79
74% of individuals 71% of individuals 29% of eligible 70% have 92% of all
60+ years have with a disability households broadband unserved/
broadband have broadband enrolled in ACP internet service underserved
internet service internet service (Note: may need to compared to 82% locations in
compared to 82% compared to 82% update if ACP is statewide—the Washington are in
statewide statewide discontinued) lowest of any rural areas 80
racial/ethnic
minority
Key Performance Indicators
Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of
aging individuals individuals with a eligible American Indian unserved/
with access to disability with households and Alaskan underserved
broadband access to enrolled in ACP or Native individuals locations in rural
broadband successor with access to areas
program broadband
Near- and Long-term Targets
Near-term: Near-term: Near-term: Near-term: Near-term:
Increase by 5% Increase by 5% Increase by 10% Increase by 5% Reduce by 50%
Long-term: Long-term: Long-term: Long-term: Long-term:
Increase by 10% Increase by 10% Increase by 20% Increase by 10% Reduce by 90%
79 Sources: 1) ACS 1-Year Estimates Public Use Microdata Sample 2022. Note: Satellite and cellular internet services were excluded.
2) Institute for Local Self-Reliance Affordable Connectivity Program Dashboard (2023). Accessed at: https://acpdashboard.com/
80 Underserved location analysis from FCC broadband serviceable location fabric for Washington state as of October 24, 2023.The
rural boundaries were sourced from: Office of Financial Management, Census Geographic Files. Accessed at: Census geographic
files | Office of Financial Management (wa.gov)
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 43
Table 4: Strategy 2 with Universal Objective and Sub-objectives
Goal 1: Eliminate Barriers
Implement innovative approaches to expand options for device availability
Strategy 2
and affordability.
Washingtonians can access and afford the devices needed to maintain
Universal objective 2
digital connectivity.
Sub-objectives
2.1 Low-income Households 2.2 Racial/Ethnic Minorities
Increase the percentage of low-income Increase the percentage of Native Hawaiian and
households that own a laptop or computer other Pacific Islander individuals that own a
laptop or computer
Baseline Data 81
78% of individuals receiving Medicaid or other 73% of Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
governmental assistance own a laptop or desktop individuals own a laptop or computer, compared
compared to 87% statewide to 87% statewide—the lowest of any racial/ethnic
minority
(Proxy data as Medicaid is a means-tested program
limited to low-income households) 82
Key Performance Indicators
Percentage of households receiving Medicaid or Percentage of Native Hawaiian and other Pacific
other governmental assistance that own a laptop Islander individuals with a laptop or computer
or computer
Near- and Long-term Targets
Near-term: Increase by 5% Near-term: Increase by 5%
Long-term: Increase by 10% Long-term: Increase by 10%
81 U.S. Census (2023). ACS 1-Year Estimates Public Use Microdata Sample 2022. Accessed at:
https://data.census.gov/mdat/#/search?ds=ACSPUMS1Y2022&cv=HISPEED&rv=ucgid,RAC1P&wt=PWGTP&g=0400000US53
82 The WSBO recognizes that there are different ways to measure poverty. The 150% federal poverty level established as a criteria in
the Digital Equity Planning Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is lower than both the ACP’s eligibility criteria of 200%
federal poverty level and the recommended Washington State Self-Sufficiency Standard. Further discussion and research are
needed to reconcile these gaps to support low-income households.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 44
Table 5: Strategy 3 with Universal Objective and Sub-objectives
Goal 1: Eliminate Barriers
Strategy 3 Consolidate practices that promote online accessibility and inclusivity
Support inclusive practices that allow access to digital services regardless for
Universal Objective 3
everyone
Sub-objectives
3.1 Individuals with a Language Barrier 3.2 Individuals with a Language Barrier and/or
Disability
Increased multilingual resources available related Encourage the improvement of technical support
to digital inclusion activities offerings from internet service providers to include
multilingual services and accessibility tools to assist
both individuals with disabilities and individuals with
limited English proficiency in a culturally/
linguistically appropriate way
Baseline Data
• 9 of 39 counties mentioned language access Baseline will be determined through surveying BEAD
as a barrier to digital equity in their CAPs 83 applicants on if they offer any multilingual services or
• Over 120 languages spoken in Washington 84 accessibility tools to customers
• 20.5% of persons over age five speak a
language other than English at home
Key Performance Indicators
Number of languages that multilingual resources Number of multilingual and accessible technical
are available in for digital equity related support offerings offered by internet service
curriculum available through partners like Digital providers participating in the BEAD program
Navigator grantees and other state agencies
Near- and Long-term Targets
Near-term: Digital literacy curriculum materials Near-term: Establish baseline
shared on Internet for All website available in top
five most widely spoken languages in Washington Long-term: Work with ISPs to set annual
improvement target
Long-term: Digital literacy curriculum materials
shared on Internet for All website in top 15 most
widely spoken languages in Washington
83 Review of Community Action Plans. Accessed at:
https://deptofcommerce.app.box.com/v/CommunityActionPlans/folder/218672886930
84 U.S. Census (2023). ACS 1-Year Estimates Public Use Microdata Sample 2022. Accessed at:
https://data.census.gov/mdat/#/search?ds=ACSPUMS1Y2022&cv=HISPEED&rv=HHLANP&nv=ucgid&wt=PWGTP&g=0400000U
S53
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 45
Table 6: Strategy 4 with Universal Objective and Sub-objectives
Goal 2: Empower Residents
Strategy 4 Provide services that promote digital literacy.
Washingtonians have opportunities to acquire the skills and understanding
Universal objective 4
to participate in digital connectivity activities.
Sub-objectives
4.1 All covered populations (except incarcerated 4.2 Incarcerated individuals
individuals – see Sub-objective 4.2)
Increase opportunities for covered populations to Include digital navigation services as part of
receive digital navigation services wraparound services to support reentry
Baseline Data
In 2023: 155,651 individuals assisted by Digital In 2023: 149 interactions with incarcerated
Navigator Program (breakdown by covered individuals 86
populations not available from all grantees) 85
Future cohorts of the Digital Navigator Program will
have more information on numbers by specific
covered populations. The DEU will work with other
partners who are offering digital skill to gather data
on other trainings being offered.
Key Performance Indicators
Number of interactions with digital navigators (all Number of interactions with digital navigators for
covered populations except incarcerated incarcerated individuals
individuals)
Near- and Long-term Targets
Near-term target: Increase by 10% relative to Near-term target: Increase by 20% relative to
covered population baseline baseline
Long-term target: Increase by 20% relative to Long-term target: Increase by 40%relative to
covered population baseline baseline
85 Digital Equity Unit (2024). Digital Navigator Program Data. Shared over email.
86 Connect Washington (2024). Digital Navigation Monthly Reporting Dashboard. Results filtered for 2023 “Correctional” population.
Accessed at: https://connect-wa.org/digital-navigation-monthly-reporting/
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 46
Table 7: Strategy 5 with Universal Objective
Goal 2: Empower Residents
Strategy 5 Promote practices and leverage tools to ensure online privacy and security.
Advancing measures that keep Washingtonians safe and protected online
Universal objective 5
from cyber threats.
Baseline Data 87
35 per 100,000 population fraud reports related to internet services reported in the Federal Trade
Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network for the 2022.
Key Performance Indicators
Number of fraud reports related to internet services per 100,000 population (all covered populations)
Near- and Long-term Targets
Near-term: Reduce by 10%
Long-term: Reduce by 25%
87 Federal Trade Commission (2023). FTC Consumer Sentinel Network. Accessed at: Tableau FTC Consumer Sentinel Network.
Note: The Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network uses 2021 Census state population estimate, but the number
was calculated using the 2022 Census estimates so there is a slight decrease in the ratio. Internet service-related reports include
problems with website content; difficulty canceling an ISP or online account; issues with online payment services, social
networking services, internet gaming, and virtual reality; undisclosed charges; website design and promotion services; and
problems with broadband internet services and content, including the truthfulness of cost, access, and speed disclosures.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 47
Table 8: Strategy 6 with Universal Objective
Goal 3: Advance Sustainability
Embed digital equity considerations into larger statewide efforts to advance
Strategy 6
the sustainability of this work.
Advance statewide partnerships with tribal governments, state agencies,
Universal objective 6 community-based organizations, businesses, and other digital equity
focused organizations to sustain digital equity work.
Baseline Data
• There are currently 79 assets listed on the Digital Inclusion Asset Inventory. 88
• In 2023, there were 1,476 unique visitors to the Internet for All in Washington website.
Key Performance Indicators
• Awareness of Internet for All in Washington website resources and the Digital Equity Dashboard
once the dashboard is published.
• Work with partners to update Digital Inclusion Asset Inventory annually.
• Capacity of partners to apply for funding
Near- and Long-term Targets
Near-term:
• Increase website visits by 10%
• At least one partner organization applies for the NTIA’s Competitive Digital Equity Program
Long-term:
• Increase website visits by 20%
• Digital navigation is embedded into at least one additional state agency’s services
As the WSBO continues with the statewide outreach plan to gather the available data necessary
to accurately understand the state of digital equity across Washington specific to each covered
population, the WSBO will be establishing reporting mechanisms to track progress including an
annual progress report. Some metrics will be tracked on the initial version of the Digital Equity
Dashboard related to broadband availability, ACP enrollment, and Digital Navigator Program
activities, but the Dashboard will need to be developed iteratively as baseline data becomes
available.
88 Note: Individual programs run by the state’s 348 public library branch locations are not listed individually and are grouped under
the category of “Libraries” as a single asset. In future years if more details on individual library programs are available this may
be broken out into further detail.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.2 INTRODUCTION & VISION 48
3. CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQUITY: BARRIERS AND ASSETS
3.1 ASSET INVENTORY
Washington state is a recognized leader in digital equity initiatives; recent achievements include
the enactment of Washington’s Digital Equity Act in 2022 and the formation of a statewide Digital
Equity Forum in 2021. Collectively, the Washington State Broadband Office’s (WSBO’s) work
history shows a commitment to supporting Washington residents in receiving increased access
to internet connectivity and information technology. 89 Another example of the state’s
commitment to equitable access to technology is the K-20 Education Network, established by
state law in 1996. It is one of the nation’s first statewide education networks connecting schools,
higher education institutions, and libraries, in addition to providing video and data services. 90 The
City of Seattle has also been a pioneer in digital equity, starting Technology Access and Adoption
research in 2000 and being officially recognized as a “Digital Inclusion Trailblazer” from the
National Digital Inclusion Alliance in 2022. 91, 92 While technology has changed significantly in the
last 20+ years, what has not changed is Washington’s commitment to ensuring that access to
technology and its benefits lead to digital equity for all—where all individuals and communities
have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in society and the
economy.
Washington state’s digital inclusion work has been supported and led by a diverse, multi-faceted
ecosystem of digital equity champions, from local non-profits, to cities, counties, public utility
districts, higher education institutions, research teams, community anchor institutions, and state
agencies. Washington uses many assets and partnerships, all of which contribute to broadband
expansion and coverage, to help with closing the digital divide among the underserved and
unserved populations across the state. Digital inclusion assets are defined as programs,
activities, strategies, and technical assistance geared towards closing the digital divide and
helping people get connected with, and benefit from, the internet. 93
Assessing the current state of digital inclusion assets is foundational to understanding what
current resources are available. This initial cataloging and evaluating of digital inclusion assets
will directly contribute to developing a holistic understanding of current and emerging needs and
gaps that Washingtonians struggle with in acquiring full access to the benefits of broadband
connectivity. The Digital Equity Plan uses four primary methods to identify assets related to digital
equity throughout the state, which are:
89 Washington State Department of Commerce (2022), Digital Equity Forum. Accessed at: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/building-
infrastructure/washington-statewide-broadband-act/digital-equity-forum/
90 Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (2019), K-20 Education Network. Accessed at:
https://www.k12.wa.us/sites/default/files/public/bulletinsmemos/bulletins2019/B056-19Attach3.pdf
91 City of Seattle, Seattle Information Technology: Digital Equity. Accessed at: https://www.seattle.gov/tech/initiatives/digital-equity.
92 City of Seattle (2022), Seattle Named a 2022 ‘Digital Inclusion Trailblazer.’ Accessed at:
https://techtalk.seattle.gov/2022/08/23/seattle-named-a-2022-digital-inclusion-trailblazer/
93 National Telecommunications and Information Administration (2022), Notice of Funding Opportunity State Digital Equity Planning
Grant Program Executive Summary. Accessed at: https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-
05/DE%20PLANNING%20GRANT%20NOFO.pdf
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 49
1. A desktop literature review, including reports and past survey results shared by
stakeholders and partners.
2. An analysis of findings from the WSBO’s public engagement activities to identify
mentions of digital inclusion assets used by the public.
3. Informational interviews with state agencies, departments, social services, and other
digital equity champions in Washington to discuss digital equity programs.
4. Community Action Plans submitted to the WSBO from county and tribal government
Broadband Action Teams (BATs).
5. Digital inclusion assets shared through public comments.
STATEWIDE DIGITAL INCLUSION EFFORTS
In May 2019, the Washington State Legislature stated that:
Increasing broadband access to unserved areas of the state serves a fundamental
governmental purpose and function and provides a public benefit to the citizens of
Washington by enabling access to healthcare, education, and essential services, providing
economic opportunities, and enhancing public health and safety. 94
State government has committed to providing additional funding mechanisms, sustaining
research and investment into broadband infrastructure, and collaborating with private and
nonprofit entities to increase broadband access in unserved and underserved areas. 95 The WSBO
will work closely with community partners, their BATs, and state partners to support digital equity
work across the state. 96
The state’s efforts towards reducing availability, affordability and adoption barriers have been
bolstered through the creation of several programs administered by the WSBO. For example, the
Digital Navigator Program has been very successful in reaching community members who need
assistance with internet adoption and learning how to use computing devices and applications. 97
94 Washington State Legislature (2021), RCW 43.330.532. Accessed at: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.330.532
95 Washington State Legislature (2021), RCW 43.330.532. Accessed at: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.330.532
96 Washington state Department of Commerce (2023), Washington Department of Commerce names Lisa Heaton to lead digital
equity work. Accessed at: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/news/lisa-heaton-to-lead-washington-state-broadband-office-digital-
equity-work/
97 Washington State Department of Commerce, Digital Navigators Program (n.d.). Accessed at:
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-statewide-broadband-act/digital-navigator-program/
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 50
3.1.1 Digital Inclusion Assets by Covered Population
Washington state has many existing digital inclusion assets offered by state, local and tribal
governments, community-based organizations, non-profits, and public-private partnerships.
Digital inclusion assets including coalitions representing all covered populations defined in Table
9 provide culturally relevant efforts to specifically meet the needs of populations served. The
following tables are non-exhaustive as there are often informal digital inclusion assets that
communities self-organize. However, they help to identify examples of the types of services
offered and some of the organizations doing this critical work.
Covered populations as described in the Digital Equity Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and
state Digital Equity Act include the population described below in Table 9. 98
Table 9: Covered Populations from the Digital Equity NOFO and ESSHB 1723 99
Aging individuals • Individuals 60 years and older.
• All persons in state prisons, local jails and other municipal confinement facilities,
Incarcerated individuals
correctional residential facilities, and correctional facilities intended for juveniles.
Low-income “covered”
• Households with income no more than 150 percent of the federal poverty threshold.
households
• This includes, a) Limited English Proficient individuals: Individuals who speak a
Individuals with language
language other than English at home and speak English less than “very well” and b)
barriers
Have low levels of literacy: Individuals below literacy proficiency.
• A person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or
Individuals with
more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an
disabilities
impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment.
Racial and ethnic • Individuals who identify as a race other than White alone or as Hispanic or Latino of
minorities any race.
• Individuals living in a jurisdiction with a population density less than 100 persons
Rural inhabitants
per square mile or in a county smaller than 225 square miles.
• All persons aged 18 years and older who served in the armed forces in the past but
Veterans
are no longer on active duty.
Children and youth in • Individuals under the age of 25 (in Washington) who have been removed from their
foster care home due to abuse or neglect by a parent or guardian.
• Individuals and families who do not have a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime
Individuals experiencing
residence — for example, if they are living in a shelter, vehicle, or other places not
housing instability
meant for habitation.
KEY Digital Equity NOFO ESSHB 1723
98 NTIA (2022), Notice of Funding Opportunity State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program Executive Summary. Accessed at:
https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/DE%20PLANNING%20GRANT%20NOFO.pdf
99 Washington State Bill Reports (2022), House Bill Report E2SHB 1723. Accessed at: https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2021-
22/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/1723-S2.E%20HBR%20PL%2022.pdf
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 51
DIGITAL INCLUSION ASSETS COVERING MULTIPLE POPULATIONS
Washington state created many formal digital equity assets
Digital inclusion spotlight
during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the state produced
a map of Drive-in Hotspots, which provides Washingtonians with As a result of COVID-19, the
the location of free public Wi-Fi, computer labs, device lending Washington State Department of
programs, digital navigation support, and/or hotspots for Children, Youth, and Families
temporary internet service. 100 There has also been an increase in (DCYF) expanded the
informal agency and organization programs in response to the responsibilities of case workers
needs of communities, as people struggled to find workarounds to assist families and youth with
in gaining access to the internet for daily activities. Washington accessing internet resources
state’s libraries have implemented programs such as digital including devices and internet
navigators. Their physical locations are open and available to connection, printing homework
assist their communities by providing public networks, devices, and other applications or
and staff that can provide in-person support. 101 Figure 2 documents, and other computer-
illustrates some examples of organizations offering general based needs, for the children and
digital equity assets across the state. Some assets are critical families that did not have access
resources for the population they locally serve, as further to stable internet connections.
emphasized by the Community Action Plans (CAPs). A link to all
CAPs is in Appendix 7.3.
Figure 2: Examples of Organizations Providing Digital Equity Assets
Community Health Centers Medical Health Centers Senior Centers
Community Resource Centers Public Libraries Workforce Development Boards
Family Health Centers Educational Institutions Youth Centers
STATEWIDE DIGITAL INCLUSION ASSETS THAT SERVE MULTIPLE OR ALL
COVERED POPULATIONS
In addition to the places above where people can seek assistance and access digital devices and
resources, several other statewide digital inclusion assets are available to multiple populations.
Table 10 provides a non-exhaustive list of digital assets currently available across Washington
for multiple covered populations.
100 Washington State Department of Commerce (n.d.), Drive-in Wi-Fi Hotspot Location Finder. Accessed at:
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/
101 Asotin County Library (2022), Computers, Internet, and Technology. Accessed at: https://asotincountylibrary.org/computers-
internet-technology/
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 52
Table 10: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets Serving Multiple Covered Population 102
Covered
Asset Description
Population
Association of Washington’s 37 Housing Authorities build homes and run a Low-income
Washington variety of housing programs that support Washington’s households; aging
Housing working families, children, seniors, veterans, and people with individuals;
Authorities disabilities. They are important business partners throughout individuals with a
the state, contributing millions of dollars each year to our disability; veterans;
neighborhoods through rental subsidies. Several housing racial and ethnic
authorities provide subsidies for free Wi-Fi, digital navigation minorities; rural
services, and computer labs for residents to use. inhabitants
Computing for The Computing for All program seeks to break down cultural Low-income
All and systemic social barriers that prevent young adults of all households; aging
races, genders, and abilities from exploring computer individuals;
science as a potential career. These employer-mentored, individuals with a
project-based work programs support practicing the disability; veterans;
application of critical thinking and problem-solving to real- racial and ethnic
world work scenarios. minorities; rural
inhabitants
Digital The Digital Navigator Program is a part of the Digital Equity All
Navigator Unit, which collaborates closely with the WSBO and
Program community partners. Digital Navigators can help residents
navigate the internet, sign up for the Affordable Connectivity
Program (ACP) – a federal low-income internet assistance
program – connect with government and community
services, acquire digital literacy skills, and more.
Equity in The Equity in Education Coalition works towards a more All
Education targeted and comprehensive approach to improve
Coalition educational achievement and growth as well as closing the
opportunity gap throughout the state of Washington,
particularly regarding digital equity.
HopeSource HopeSource moves people to self-sufficiency by providing Low-income
access to education, employment, economic development, households; aging
and vital services. They offer classes to support digital individuals;
literacy skills and privacy and cybersecurity needs, public Wi- veterans; racial and
Fi, computer workspaces, programs to provide affordable ethnic minorities;
personal devices, and assistance with ACP enrollment. rural inhabitants
102 Note: Inclusion in this table is not a verification that all of these assets are currently operational. While resources have been
reviewed to the extent possible, there are times when publicly available information does not accurately reflect the current
operational status.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 53
Covered
Asset Description
Population
Libraries Public libraries serve as important community anchor All
institutions; in 2022 over 17 million annual visits were
recorded in Washington state libraries. Communities often
visit libraries for digital navigation services, laptops and
hotspots on loan, access points for critical services like
telehealth, and access to computer labs, printers, Wi-Fi and
numerous other educational and informational services. 103
Literacy Source Literacy Source partners with adults working to gain skills Low-income
and education to create new opportunities for themselves, households; aging
their families, and the community. The digital literacy individuals;
program offers adult immigrants and refugees with limited veterans; racial and
English language proficiency to improve their English skills ethnic minorities;
while also learning basic digital literacy skills. rural inhabitants
Northwest The Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center serves a All
Regional seven-state region (AK, WA, OR, MT, ID, WY, UT) to advance
Telehealth the development, implementation and integration of
Resource telehealth through sharing information, leveraging resources,
Center and creating a synergistic telehealth community.
SkillSource SkillSource provides training and learning opportunities in Low-income
North Central Washington to help people build new careers households; aging
and help businesses develop. Eligible individuals can receive individuals;
individualized, self-paced instruction in computer basics veterans; racial and
applicable to the workplace and general digital literacy. ethnic minorities;
Individuals can learn to use Microsoft Windows and rural inhabitants
Microsoft Office applications. Eligibility for federal programs
must be established prior to instruction.
TechConnect The TechConnect Washington Community Helpdesk Low-income
Washington provides free multi-lingual, multi-cultural technical support to households; aging
Community Washington residents to help them engage in a virtual individuals;
Helpdesk environment. Helpdesk technicians provide technical Individuals with a
(Equity in guidance, digital navigation support, and connections to disability; veterans;
Education other community resources, such as telehealth calls, and people with
Coalition) online access to food, rental assistance, and socio-emotional language barriers;
supports. The program supports all community members racial and ethnic
including parents, students, and aging individuals. minorities; rural
inhabitants
103 Washington State Library (2022), 2022 Annual Library Service Measures. Accessed at:
https://apps.sos.wa.gov/_assets/library/libraries/libDev/2022stats.pdf
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 54
Covered
Asset Description
Population
Washington SBCTC advocates, coordinates, and directs Washington All
State Board for state’s system of 34 public community and technical
Community colleges. These institutions of learning often provide free Wi-
and Technical Fi, computer centers, digital skills training, and workforce
Colleges development courses related to technological skills.
(SBCTC)
WorkSourceWA WorkSource is a statewide partnership of state, local and Low-income
nonprofit agencies that provides an array of employment and households; aging
training services to job seekers and employers in Washington individuals;
including in-person computer skills training and virtual individuals with a
learning opportunities. disability; veterans;
people with
language barriers;
racial and ethnic
minorities; rural
inhabitants
A full catalog of digital assets can be found in Appendix 7.2.
REGIONAL DIGITAL INCLUSION ASSETS THAT SERVE MULTIPLE COVERED
POPULATIONS
Washington has an immense network of organizations, such as nonprofits, associations,
coalitions, councils, foundations, and community action groups, which work to support, empower,
and build resilience and self-sufficiency for covered populations living within the area they serve.
Table 11 is a list of several digital inclusion assets specifically pertaining to a region, city, or
locality. This list is non-exhaustive, but it illustrates the diversity of digital inclusion assets across
the state.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 55
Table 11: Regional Digital Inclusion Assets 104
Asset Description Covered Population
Chelan-Douglas Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council is a private not-for- Low-income
Community profit corporation primarily serving the residents of Chelan and households;
Action Council Douglas Counties. They offer free digital literacy classes, Individuals with a
sometimes with stipends or incentives for attendance. Classes disability; people
offered to those who are in AmeriCorps, or who need digital with language
literacy assistance, budgeting help, or help with English. The non- barriers; rural
profit also provides device/mobile hotspot lending. inhabitants
Coastal The Coastal Community Action Program works with low-income Low-income
Community individuals and families to remove barriers that prevent them households;
Action Program from achieving economic stability in Grays Harbor and Pacific individuals with a
Counties. disability; aging
individuals; racial
and ethnic
minorities; rural
inhabitants
Community Community Action of Skagit County works to stabilize the lives of Low-income
Action of Skagit low-income individuals and families by equipping them with households;
County resources and assistance, including digital literacy classes and individuals with a
job training courses. They also help with resource navigation to disability; aging
find options for low-income cell phones and low-income internet individuals; veterans;
service providers. racial and ethnic
minorities; rural
inhabitants
Community for Community for the Advancement of Family Education is a non- Racial and ethnic
the profit organization that advances family and community growth minorities; people
Advancement of through education. They serve their culturally diverse community with language
Family by providing opportunities in leadership, civic and social barriers; low-income
Education engagement, literacy development, and academic advancement. households
The non-profit offers digital navigation services and assistance
with enrolling in the ACP.
Digital Equity Digital Equity Learning Network of King County is a broad All
Learning coalition of nonprofits, community anchor institutions, and local
Network of King government (open to all). They meet to share resources and
County create workshops on best practices, funding and policy that
impacts digital equity work and provides networking
opportunities.
104 Note: Inclusion in this table is not a verification that all these assets are currently operational. While resources have been
reviewed to the extent possible, there are times when publicly available information does not accurately reflect the current
operational status.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 56
Asset Description Covered Population
Metropolitan The Metropolitan Development Council is a community action Low-income
Development agency working against poverty by offering programs for households; aging
Council behavioral health, housing, youth education, adult education, food individuals; veterans;
assistance, energy assistance, and weatherization. They also racial and ethnic
offer education and employment workshops, digital navigation minorities; rural
for online applications, low-cost devices, mobile computer units, inhabitants
computer classes, and online learning accounts through a
NorthStar partnership.
NCW Tech NCW Tech Alliance offers a variety of programs for the Low-income
Alliance community, including a Community Skills Initiative to provide free households; aging
digital skills trainings and Computers for Community to provide individuals; veterans;
computers to children in need. NCW Tech Alliance also offers racial and ethnic
Project iLumina, a rural resilience and digital inclusion campaign minorities;
that brings resources to rural communities, and Tech Help to individuals with a
provide access to digital resources and the skills and support disability; rural
needed for community members to effectively engage online. inhabitants
Partners in Partners in Careers is a non-profit organization that strives to Low-income
Careers create self-sufficiency through specialized job training and households; racial
employment services. These include computer basics, digital and ethnic
navigation assistance, and social service assistance. minorities; veterans
Pateros Pateros Brewster Community Resource Center is a non-profit Low-income
Brewster corporation that provides a location and infrastructure for critical households; aging
Community community needs. It helps connect families to free public Wi-Fi, individuals; veterans;
Resource Center mobile hotspots, and affordable digital devices. It also has a racial and ethnic
technology center with 16 laptops, four computers, scanners, minorities; rural
printers, projectors, and other technology equipment for inhabitants
community use.
Unidos Nueva Unidos Nueva Alianza Foundation protects and promotes the Racial and ethnic
Alianza rights of immigrants, Latinx, and underrepresented communities minorities; people
Foundation through advocacy, support through services, and resources. It with language
serves nine counties in Washington and provides digital barriers; low-income
navigation services and phone distribution. households
Washington 4-H Tech Changemakers help adults and other learners by Low-income
State University supporting digital literacy, digital equity, tech adoption, and households; aging
(WSU)- promoting tribal or rural broadband. 4-H Youth are helping adults individuals;
Extension 4-H find jobs, understand remote work, and how to access or adopt individuals with a
Tech new technology. disability; veterans;
Changemakers people with language
Program barriers; racial and
ethnic minorities;
rural inhabitants
A full catalog of digital assets can be found in Appendix 7.2.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 57
DIGITAL INCLUSION ASSETS BY COVERED POPULATION
3.1.1.1 Aging Individuals
An “aging individual,” as defined by the Digital Equity Planning Grant Notice of Funding
Opportunity, is someone who is 60 years of age or older.105 About 16% of the population in
Washington is aged 65 and over according to the United States Census of 2020.106 The
Washington State Office of Financial Management estimates that approximately 27% of residents
will be 65 or older by 2040. 107
Digital connectivity for aging individuals can be crucial for health and wellness, as emphasized
by several participants during the Internet for All in Washington focus groups. During a focus
group tailored to aging individuals, participants mentioned, “Part of the issues too, is as you have
an aging population, people need the internet to download the results of doctor appointments,”
and, “We have an older population, and having reliable internet is critical for people to be able to
stay in their houses.” Additionally, many security alarm systems rely on internet connectivity for
full functionality, and access to telehealth services can provide older adults with more options to
manage healthcare needs. This demonstrates two important examples of critical services that
rely on the internet and the ability to use digital technology.
According to the Pew Research Center, 41% of individuals over the age of 65 who live in the United
States do not use the internet at all, 53% do not have broadband access at home, and 23% do not
use cell phones.108 Yet, the same report states that once older adults joined the online world,
digital technology often became an integral part of their daily lives. They used the internet to
access information and essential services, remain in contact with close friends and family
members, as well as to enjoy entertainment platforms, online books, podcasts, newsletters, and
social media. During the Internet for All in Washington public engagement period, several older
adults backed this finding with comments such as, “The internet is great – I can use it to Zoom
with friends and shop online, or to read articles, watch TV, and check the weather.” Another
participant stated, “Keeping up with technology – that’s a good feeling. I’d like to know more –
I’m not afraid of it, I just need to be shown.”
105 National Telecommunications and Information Administration (2022), Notice of Funding Opportunity State Digital Equity
Planning Grant Program Executive Summary. Accessed at: https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-
05/DE%20PLANNING%20GRANT%20NOFO.pdf
106 United States Census Bureau (2022), QuickFacts: Washington. Accessed at: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/WA
107 Office of Financial Management (n.d.), Population Estimates. Accessed at: https://ofm.wa.gov/washington-data-
research/population-demographics/population-estimates
108 Pew Research Center (2014), Older Adults and Technology Use. Accessed at:
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2014/04/03/older-adults-and-technology-use/
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 58
Some current digital assets uniquely designed to serve the aging population in Washington state
are listed in Table 12 below.
Table 12: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for Aging Individuals
Asset Description
Aging and Disability The Aging and Disability Services partnered with senior center and senior housing
Services, Area Agency providers to get tablets and hotspots to individuals who needed them during the
on Aging for Seattle COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to provide “Community Living Connections,” a
and King County free and confidential service to help find community resources and access support
services.
Cyber-Seniors Cyber-Seniors is a non-profit organization that provides aging individuals with tech
training using an intergenerational, volunteer model. Young people are provided
with lessons and learning activities to train them to function as digital mentors and
senior citizens gain access to adequate technology training and intergenerational
communities that keep them socially connected and engaged.
Kitsap Computing Kitsap Computing Seniors is an all-volunteer organization for aging individuals who
Seniors want to help increase each other’s knowledge, skills and enjoyment of computers
and technology. They offer digital literacy classes and training for aging individuals,
as well as assist with device procurement and repair.
Olympic Area Agency The Olympic Area Agency on Aging operates a Mobile Assistance Van that travels
on Aging throughout the county providing information and assistance. They serve as a single
entry-point for services for disabled adults and seniors in Grays Harbor, Pacific,
Clallam, and Jefferson Counties in western Washington state. Additionally, they
assist homebound aging individuals including through pilots such as ElliQ which
serve homebound aging individuals and promote safety, health, and physical and
emotional well-being.
Senior Centers Washington state has an extensive network of senior centers, which provide free
Wi-Fi and staff who can assist with digital navigation services.
Sound Generations Sound Generations is a multiservice nonprofit partnering with older adults to
remove the inequities that impact aging by providing accessible, essential, and
inclusive services including in-kind donations of technology devices that would
otherwise be unaffordable, as well as a network of affiliated senior centers that
offer resource navigation at no cost to seniors.
A full catalog of digital assets can be found in Appendix 7.2.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 59
3.1.1.2 Incarcerated Individuals
Washington state has a little under 14,000 individuals currently incarcerated within a state
facility. 109 When it comes to the digital inclusion of incarcerated individuals in Washington state,
there are several important factors to consider. The availability of internet access for incarcerated
individuals has been a contentious topic of debate within legislative arenas and has seen new
policy and changes over time. For example, prior to 2019, internet access had been prohibited for
those incarcerated individuals amid concerns that those individuals could contact potential
victims on the outside or use the internet for illicit activity.110 However, in December 2019, the
state approved the use of secure websites allowing student justice-involved individuals to use the
internet for educational purposes without being able to access unapproved sites.111 Washington
is seeing a movement towards providing limited connectivity to incarcerated individuals for
educational and rehabilitative purposes.112 Officials from the Washington State Department of
Corrections (DOC) aim to expand secure internet education to all incarcerated students in the
state through the Off State Network (OSN), which will allow access to other entities outside of
DOC, but the effort is ongoing.
In Washington state, DOC has implemented the OSN, which allows incarcerated individuals to
access educational resources and job training material through computer terminals in prison
libraries. 113 The system is primarily designed to assist with reentry preparation, as studies show
that access to education and skills training reduces recidivism rates.114 However, significant
barriers to digital inclusion still exist for Washington state’s justice-involved individuals. These
barriers include limited access to technology, restricted internet connectivity and strict controls
on online activity such as how much time they can spend on computer terminals and restricted
content. 115 One of the biggest issues for activists spearheading increased connectivity for
incarcerated individuals is the lack of available funding. For example, bringing internet
connectivity to a state facility can be costly. Additionally, many incarcerated individuals and their
families face individual financial constraints, struggling to purchase credits or use prepaid cards
to access online resources.116 Current digital assets serving incarcerated individuals in
Washington state are described in Table 13 below.
109 Department of Corrections (2024), Inmate Search. Accessed at: https://www.doc.wa.gov/information/inmate-
search/default.aspx
110 Department of Corrections (2021), Secure Internet Connections for the Purpose of Postsecondary Education and Training of
Incarcerated Individuals. Accessed at:
https://app.leg.wa.gov/ReportsToTheLegislature/Home/GetPDF?fileName=Secure%20Internet%20Budget%20Proviso%202021%
20DOC%20Report%20to%20Legislature%20Final_13756220-25d1-4c22-bb7e-86f3d3e63879.pdf
111 The Seattle Medium (2021), Secure Internet Access Expands Horizons for Justice-Involved Individuals. Accessed at:
https://seattlemedium.com/secure-internet-access-expands-horizons-justice involved individuals/
112 The Washington Post (2015), The Case for Internet Access in Prisons. Accessed at:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2015/02/09/the-case-for-internet-access-in-prisons/
113 Department of Corrections (2024), Interview.
114 The United States department of Justice Archives, Prison Reform: Reducing Recidivism by Strengthening the Federal Bureau of
Prisons. Accessed at: https://www.justice.gov/archives/prison-reform
115 Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (2021), Corrections Education: Annual Report 2020-2021.
Accessed at: https://www.sbctc.edu/resources/documents/colleges-staff/programs-services/corrections/fy-21-corrections-
education-annual-report.pdf
116 Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (2021), Corrections Education: Annual Report 2020-2021.
Accessed at: https://www.sbctc.edu/resources/documents/colleges-staff/programs-services/corrections/fy-21-corrections-
education-annual-report.pdf
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 60
Table 13: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for Incarcerated Individuals
Asset Description
Off State Network The OSN is designed to allow access to other entities outside of the DOC to use
cloud access to share real-time information that can be used for education and
workforce development purposes. The network is available through computers
with wired connections in classrooms and in law libraries.
Department of DOC offers reentry navigation services which primarily include assisting people
Corrections Reentry with completing their individual reentry plan and resource navigation, including
Navigation Services how to access supportive services such as subsidized broadband plans and
digital navigation.
Individual Technology DOC partnered with Securus Technologies to provide Individual Technology
Services Services (phone calls, video visitation, e-messaging, media), which are accessed
through a tablet. Incarcerated individuals receive a limited number of free weekly
phone calls, monthly video connect sessions, and free stamps for e-messaging.
Prison Scholar Fund The Prison Scholar Fund is an organization dedicated to helping incarcerated
individuals access the education they need to transform their lives. The fund
enacted a Digital Navigation and Workforce Development Reentry Support
Program, which provided free laptops and internet services to justice-involved
Washingtonians while supplies lasted.
Additional digital assets can be found in Appendix 7.2.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 61
3.1.1.3 Low-Income Households
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services annually publishes statistics on low-income
households as defined by the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Based on these guidelines, the federal
definition of “low-income” takes into consideration household size and income level to determine
eligibility for several assistance programs, including Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program, and Head Start. As of 2023, an individual with an income of $14,580 is at
the federal poverty level. In comparison, a family of four with an income of $30,000 is also at the
federal poverty level.117
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) uses the Federal Poverty
Guidelines as a basis for determining eligibility for state programs. 118 However, the state also
considers the local cost of living when determining income eligibility for certain state assistance
programs.119 In Washington, low-income individuals represent a significant portion of the
population. Their socioeconomic status can unfairly pose a challenge for economic development
and their general well-being.120 When a substantial portion of the population struggles with
poverty, it can hinder economic growth and stability. 121 Low-income individuals often face
barriers to education, employment opportunities, access to healthcare, mental health resources,
and civic engagement. These barriers can result in reduced productivity and limited economic
mobility. 122
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), an estimated 10% of
Washington state residents were living below the poverty line in 2020. However, demographics
of low-income individuals vary across different groups. Children under 18 are particularly
vulnerable in Washington, with a child poverty rate of about 13%. 123 Additionally, the Hispanic and
Latinx populations are severely economically disadvantaged relative to the rest of the state’s
population, with a poverty rate of 20% compared to 13% for Black individuals, 7% for white
individuals, and 7% for Asian individuals. 124
Access to high-speed, reliable internet may assist low-income individuals and households
connect to community resources, job opportunities, educational opportunities, and financial
assistance programs. Some current digital assets that are uniquely meant to serve low-income
individuals in Washington state are described in Table 14 below.
117 Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (2023), US Federal Poverty Guidelines Used to Determine Financial
Eligibility for Certain Programs. Accessed at: https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines
118 State of Washington (n.d.), Washington Connection (Your Link to Services). Accessed at:
https://www.washingtonconnection.org/home/
119 Washington State department of Social and Health Services (2019), Income – Effect of Income and Deductions on Eligibility and
Benefit Level. Accessed at: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/income-table-contents/income-effect-income-and-deductions-
eligibility-and-benefit-level
120 Office of Financial Management (2020), Washington Percent of Population in Poverty. Accessed at: https://ofm.wa.gov/washington-
data-research/statewide-data/washington-trends/social-economic-conditions/population-poverty
121 US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020), Employment Barriers within Low- and Moderate-income Communities. Accessed at:
https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2020/beyond-bls/employment-barriers-within-low-and-moderate-income-communities.htm
122 US Department of Health and Human Services (2021), Social Determinants of Health: Poverty. Accessed at:
https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health/literature-summaries/poverty
123 United States Census Bureau (n.d.), Washington. Accessed at: https://data.census.gov/profile/Washington?g=040XX00US53
124 Ibid.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 62
Table 14: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for Low-Income Households
Asset Description
Affordable The ACP is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit program that helps
Connectivity ensure that households can afford broadband services. The benefit provides a discount
Program (ACP) of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per
month for households on qualifying tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a
one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from
participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the
purchase price.
Answers Answers Integrated Digital Empowerment assists individuals who have a household
Integrated Digital income below 200% of the federal poverty level with applying for the ACP, navigating
Empowerment online resources and services, participating in free digital skills training reach month,
and receiving additional financial assistance from Answers Counseling to help
purchase a digital device or pay for a discounted internet bill.
Blue Mountain Blue Mountain Action Council is a local nonprofit service for neighbors in Southeast
Action Council Washington who are experiencing poverty. They provide free one-on-one tutoring to low-
income adults, including basic literacy, computer skills, English language learning, and
more.
Community The Community Health Network of Washington’s Link to Care Program serves patients
Health Network of remotely in all 39 counties across Washington. It provides free digital navigation; free
Washington’s digital literacy skills training; affordable internet access assistance and connected
Link to Care device acquisition assistance for residents or households at or below 135% of the
Program Federal Poverty Guidelines.
InterConnection InterConnection is a nonprofit organization that enables digital equity by providing
technology and connectivity to underserved communities through sustainable
refurbishment and re-use of digital devices, as well as low-cost hotspot internet.
A full catalog of digital assets can be found in Appendix 7.2.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 63
3.1.1.4 Individuals with Language Barriers
People with language barriers refers to individuals who face challenges in communicating
effectively due to limited proficiency in the dominant language spoken in a particular country or
region. 125 In this case, the term refers to those who are limited in their proficiency of the English
language in Washington state and/or have low levels of literacy. 126 These individuals may have
difficulty understanding, speaking, reading, writing, or navigating the majority language, creating
significant barriers to their integration, access to resources, and their participation in society.
Various factors influence the demographics of people with language barriers in Washington state,
including immigration patterns, refugee settlements, and the diversity of ethnic and linguistic
communities. Washington has historically been a destination for immigrants and refugees,
leading to a diverse population with a wide range of languages spoken. 127 Advocacy for language
access has been an active movement within the state, as evidenced by recent legislative efforts.
One such effort advocated for increased access for students and families facing language
barriers through the provision of interpretation and support services.128 The Washington State
Coalition for Language Access also works to provide guidance and tools to departments,
agencies, residents, and businesses for accessible communications so that all services,
programs, and activities are meaningfully available to all constituents. 129
U.S. Census Bureau data indicates that a sizable percentage of Washington residents have
limited proficiency in English and speak another language at home. Among the more than 1.13
million Washington residents in 2021 born outside the U.S., 42% spoke “English less than very
well,” compared to just 2% among U.S.-born residents. 130 Even among the nearly 560,000
Washington residents who were naturalized American citizens — and can vote in elections — 35%
said they had limited English proficiency. 131 Common non-English languages spoken in the state
include Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, Korean, Tagalog, among others. 132 Low literacy
rates can also pose a language barrier with an estimated 16.1% of Washington residents
identified as having low levels of literacy. 133
People with language barriers may face additional challenges in digital inclusion due to limited
English proficiency and linguistic resources. Online resources and information may not be readily
available in languages other than English; people with limited English proficiency may face
challenges navigating and using digital platforms, applications, and online services; and online
customer support, helplines, or instructional materials may not be available in languages other
than English. Current digital assets that are serving people with language barriers in Washington
state are described in Table 15 below.
125 Limited English Proficiency. Accessed at: https://www.lep.gov/
126 Washington State Coalition for Language Access (n.d.), Resources. Accessed at: https://www.wascla.org/resources
127 Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (2023), Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance. Accessed at:
https://www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/office-refugee-and-immigrant-assistance
128 Washington State Legislature (2022), Chapter 107, Laws of 2022. Accessed at https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2021-
22/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/1153-S2.SL.pdf
129 Washington State Coalition for Language Access, Services. Accessed at: https://www.wascla.org/services
130 Migration Policy Institute (2021), State Immigration Data Profiles. Accessed at: https://www.migrationpolicy.org/data/state-
profiles/state/language/WA/US
131 Ibid.
132 Ibid.
133 Digital Equity Act Population Viewer. Data pulled from the National Center on Education Statistics and 2019 ACS population file.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 64
Table 15: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for People with Language Barriers
Asset Description
Asian Counseling The Asian Counseling and Referral Service offers a comprehensive Ready to Work
and Referral program helping people with very limited English overcome language barriers, gain
Service’s Ready to digital literacy skills, find meaningful employment, and achieve economic self-
Work sufficiency.
Organización Organización Centro Americana offers free computer workshops every Friday and
Centro Americana Saturday afternoon for Spanish-speaking individuals, by partnering with Amistad
School and Casa Latina to host the events. Other services include homeless
employment programs, wage theft assistance, English- and Spanish-language classes,
as well as job skills workshops with a focus on digital skills.
Red de Inclusión The Grays Harbor RISE Coalition brings together agencies serving the Spanish
Solidaridad y speaking and Latino community members of Grays Harbor County. As a network, they
Empoderamiento are grounded by the values of inclusion, solidarity, and empowerment and offer free
(RISE) resources on how to access internet subsidy programs in the area.
Somali Family The Somali Family Safety Task Force, in partnership with Seattle Public Libraries,
Safety Taskforce, provides a 10-week introduction to Digital Literacy course at their New Holly Campus.
Digital Literacy Their Digital Literacy program is designed to provide low-income East African mothers
Program living in the greater Seattle area with the opportunity to develop basic computer skills
in a culturally inclusive and welcoming environment.
A full catalog of digital assets can be found in Appendix 7.2.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 65
3.1.1.5 Individuals with Disabilities
The federal government defines disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990,
which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities. 134 According
to the Americans with Disabilities Act, an individual with a disability is “a person who has a
physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a
record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.” 135 The Washington
Law Against Discrimination also considers individuals with any sensory, mental, or physical
impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities as having a disability. 136
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) partners with the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention to conduct a yearly survey that measures changes in the health of people in
Washington state, called the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). 137 According
to the 2021 BRFSS, roughly 1.5 million adults in Washington have a disability. 138 This is equal to
25%, or 1 in 4 adults, in Washington. 139 The range of the percentage of adults in Washington with
select functional disability types varies, with 10% of adults experiencing mobility disabilities, 12%
experiencing cognition disabilities, 7% experiencing independent living disabilities, 6%
experiencing hearing disabilities, 4% experiencing vision disabilities, and 3% experiencing self-
care disabilities. 140 Adults with disabilities in Washington experience health disparities and are
47% more likely to have depression, 37% more likely to be obese, 17% more likely to smoke, 13%
more likely to have diabetes, and 9% more likely to have heart disease. 141
People with disabilities may face unique challenges in accessing digital resources and
participating fully in the digital society. Some common challenges include inaccessible websites,
lack of assistive technology, limited digital skills, and unaffordability of internet services and
devices. These challenges can create barriers to education, employment, healthcare information,
and social connections. Some current digital assets that are uniquely meant to serve people with
disabilities in Washington are described in Table 16 below.
134 US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (n.d.), As Amended. Accessed at:
https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/ada/
135 Ibid.
136 Washington State Human Rights Commission (n.d.), Employment: Washington State Law Against Discrimination. Accessed at:
https://www.hum.wa.gov/employment#:~:text=RCW%20Chapter%2049.60%20is%20a,and%20state%20employee%20whistleblo
wer%20complaints
137 Washington State Department of Health (n.d.), Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Accessed at:
https://doh.wa.gov/data-statistical-reports/data-systems/behavioral-risk-factor-surveillance-system-brfss. Note: This figure
differs from the U.S. Census data due to differences in categories of disabilities and how it is measured.
138Ibid.
139 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021), Disability Impacts: Washington. Accessed at:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/impacts/washington.html Note: This data does not specify if individuals have
overlapping disabilities.
140 Ibid.
141 Ibid.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 66
Table 16: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for Individuals with Disabilities
Asset Description
Centers for Centers for Independent Living are non-residential, private, non-profit, consumer-
Independent controlled, community-based organizations. They provide services and advocacy by and
Living for persons with all types of disabilities. Their goal is to assist individuals with
disabilities to achieve their maximum potential within their families and communities to
achieve and maintain independent living. Several centers provide resources and training
related to technology and communication, and in particular assistive technology.
Committee for The Committee for Accessible Technology Oversight advises several SBCTC councils
Accessible and commissions on matters of accessibility and technology, while supporting the
Technology creation of annual work plans and monitoring progress on their achievements. The
Oversight committee is also responsible for making recommendations, establishing guidelines,
and disseminating best practices for technology accessibility.
DeafBlind The DeafBlind Service Center is committed to assisting deaf-blind people in reaching
Services Center and maintaining their highest possible quality of life and degree of personal autonomy.
The center provides several resources to assist deaf-blind individuals with digital
navigation, including a Communication Facilitator Program that helps with using screen
devices, webcam devices, and other forms of technology.
Department of Washington State Department of Services for the Blind provides services for people of
Services for the all ages who are blind or have low vision in the state of Washington. The agency
Blind provides services to more than 2,800 Washington state residents to help them gain or
retain employment. Services include assistance obtaining assistive technology devices
including phones and tablets, instruction for clients on how to use phones and
computers to stay in touch with family and friends, and information on how to make
information accessible on documents and websites.
Division of The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is a statewide resource under the Washington
Vocational State Department of Social and Health Services that assists people with disabilities to
Rehabilitation prepare for, secure, maintain, advance in, or regain employment. The division partners
with businesses and organizations to develop employment opportunities. The division
serves people who seek meaningful and secure employment, but whose disabilities may
result in one or more barriers to achieving employment goals.
Northwest Center Northwest Center is a leader in advancing equal opportunities for children and adults
with developmental disabilities. They provide services in a wide range of areas
including early childhood education, after school programs, supported employment, job
training, and placement.
Special The Special Technology Access Resource Center at the Seattle Housing Authority
Technology Center Park property provides residents with disabilities access to specialized training
Access Resource and technology. Classes offered to residents include the basics of using computers,
Center printers, scanners, and the internet as well as employment skills training, adult basic
education, and English-as-a-second language. The lab is free and open to the public.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 67
Asset Description
Washington State The school is a school for visually impaired, blind, or deaf-blind students. Services
School for the include a support system for access technology needs across the state. There are
Blind plans to expand assistance options to include in-person and virtual formats, enhanced
assessment offerings, professional development, and the addition of science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics support.
Washington The Washington Assistive Technology Act program offers information, training, and
Assistive access to assistive technology devices and services that can help individuals with
Technology Act disabilities access the internet and digital resources.
Program
A full catalog of digital assets can be found in Appendix 7.2.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 68
3.1.1.6 Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Racial and ethnic minorities refer to groups of people who are categorized based on their race or
ethnicity and are considered to be a minority compared to the dominant racial or ethnic group in
a particular region or country. The definitions of racial and ethnic minorities can vary depending
on the context and jurisdiction. However, in the United States, federal definitions of racial and
ethnic minorities, outlined in the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, are defined to include
African Americans or Black Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, Asian Americans, American Indians
or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. 142 The U.S. Office of Management and
Budget defines "Hispanic or Latino" as a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central
American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. 143 People who identify as
Hispanic, Latinx, or Spanish may be of any race.
In Washington state, the definitions of racial and ethnic minorities align with the federal
definitions set by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. The Washington State Data Book,
produced by Washington State Office of Financial Management, provides detailed demographic
information about the state’s population. 144The racial and ethnic composition of Washington
state according to the recent population estimates of 2020 is described in Table 17 below.
Table 17: Racial and Ethnic Composition of Washington by Percentage
White alone: 61.6% American Indian and Alaska Native alone: 1.1%
Hispanic alone: 18.7% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone: 0.2%
Black alone: 12.4% Some Other Race alone 8.4%
Asian alone: 6% Two or More Races: 10.2%
It is important to note that these numbers are approximate and can change over time. Washington
state has a diverse population, with significant representation from various racial and ethnic
groups. The experiences of these groups in the state can vary, but they often face challenges
related to systemic racism and discrimination. 145 While progress has been made in promoting
equality and social justice, racism remains an ongoing issue that many minority communities
continue to confront. Structural barriers also exist for racial and ethnic minorities as they navigate
accessing education, employment, housing, and healthcare services, or the criminal justice
system. In a response to these disparities in accessing vital resources for social and economic
mobility, the state government has implemented policies and initiatives aimed at promoting
equity and reducing racial disparities including criminal justice reform, improving police
accountability, promoting fair housing policies, and expanding healthcare access.
Digital inclusion challenges are particularly significant for racial and ethnic minorities, as they
often face disparities in accessing internet services and technology. The digital divide can
exacerbate existing inequalities and limit opportunities for racial and ethnic minority groups. In
142 Office of Management and Budget (1997), Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and
Ethnicity. Accessed at: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1997-10-30/pdf/97-28653.pdf
143 Federal Register (2023), Initial Proposals for Updating OMB’s Race and Ethnicity Statistical Standards. Accessed at:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/27/2023-01635/initial-proposals-for-updating-ombs-race-and-ethnicity-
statistical-standards
144 State of Washington Office of Financial Management (2019), Data Book. Accessed at:
https://ofm.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/dataresearch/databook/pdf/databook.pdf
145 For more information on systemic racism visit the Office of Equity’s webpage on the topic.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 69
Washington state, several programs and resources are available to help address these
challenges. Some current digital assets designed to serve racial and ethnic minorities in
Washington state are described in Table 18 below.
Table 18: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Asset Description
HelpingLink HelpingLink is a non-profit dedicated to empowering Vietnamese Americans,
social adjustment, family stability, and self-sufficiency. The organization offers
iPad/iPhone classes for adults and seniors within the Vietnamese community to
learn translation, navigation, and communication skills.
Horn of Africa Horn of Africa is a social services organization based in the Seattle and King
County area dedicated to socially integrating, politically engaging, and achieving
economic self-sufficiency for East African immigrants and refugees. They have
created a digital equity plan and have staff dedicated to providing digital equity
services.
Kitsap Immigrant The Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center works for the well-being and
Assistance empowerment of immigrants through education, advocacy, and social justice.
Center They offer language assistance, public computer workspaces, assistance with
ACP enrollment, financial literacy workshops, meeting space available for
classes/training, public Wi-Fi, and have conducted employment workshops with
Goodwill.
Korean Women’s The Korean Women’s Association is a registered 501 (c)(3) non-profit
Association of organization, providing multi-cultural, multi-lingual human services, regardless of
Pierce County race or ethnic background, to diverse communities through education,
socialization, advocacy, and support. They can assist with creating email
accounts, learning how to search for jobs online, and accessing Lifeline or ACP
discounts.
The Carl Maxey The Carl Maxey Center is a Black-led and Black-centered non-profit that acts as a
Center neighborhood culture center, and which provides programs and services focused
on the needs of Spokane’s Black community. Through their Student Tech Fund,
the center has partnered with Comcast to provide technology and supplies for
free or at a subsidized cost to students who struggled with remote learning
during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent students of color from falling further
behind.
Urban League of The Urban League Metropolitan Seattle works to empower African Americans
Metropolitan and other diverse underserved communities to thrive by securing educational
Seattle and economic opportunities. It offers an InfoTech Program designed to create a
more digitally engaged community by offering digital navigation services, digital
skills trainings, workshops, certification programs, and assistance with signing
up for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 70
Asset Description
Villa Comunitaria Villa Comunitaria provides the program Aula Digital en Accion (Digital Classroom
in Action), which is a community driven solution to the challenges
underrepresented and immigrant Latinx communities face when using
technology to access jobs, apply for citizenship, engage with public schools, and
access childcare and academic programs. It is a 12-week technology training
program to help residents connect with online based application processes and
resources.
A full catalog of digital assets can be found in Appendix 7.2.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 71
3.1.1.7 Rural Inhabitants
The Digital Equity Notice of Funding Opportunity defines rural areas as any area other than – (1)
a city or town that has a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants; (2) any urbanized area
contiguous and adjacent to a city or town that has a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants;
and (3) in the case of a grant or direct loan, a city, town, or incorporated area that has a population
of greater than 20,000 inhabitants.146 Washington state uses a slightly different definition, by
classifying areas as rural based on population density and proximity to urban centers. The
Washington State Office of Financial Management uses the Urban Growth Areas and rural
boundaries established by counties and cities to determine urban and rural areas within the state.
In 1999, RCW 82.14.370 defined a “rural county” as, “a county with a population density less than
100 persons per square mile.” 147 Subsequent legislation expanded the definition to include, “a
county smaller than two hundred twenty-five square miles.” 148
According to this definition, as of April 1, 2013, 30 of 39 counties are considered rural with a
population density less than 100 persons per square mile or counties smaller than 225 square
miles.149
Map 2: Rural Counties
in Washington and the
Population Density
(persons / mi2)
146 NTIA (2022). Digital Equity Planning Grant NOFO. Accessed at: https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-
05/DE%20PLANNING%20GRANT%20NOFO.pdf
147 Office of Financial management (2023), Population density and land area criteria used for rural area assistance and other
programs. Accessed at: https://ofm.wa.gov/washington-data-research/population-demographics/population-
estimates/population-density/population-density-and-land-area-criteria-used-rural-area-assistance-and-other-programs
148 Ibid.
149 Ibid.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 72
According to ACS data, approximately 26.5% of Washington residents live in rural areas.150 Rural
communities in Washington face various challenges. Among these are limited access to health
care services, educational institutions, transportation and infrastructure, and job opportunities.
Additionally, rural counties have fewer economic opportunities compared to urban areas, leading
to lower income levels, higher poverty rates, and limited economic diversifications; longer
distances to travel to access essential services like healthcare facilities, grocery stores, and other
amenities; and inadequate infrastructure including road, utilities, and broadband internet access.
Digital inclusion, particularly access to high-speed internet, is a significant challenge in many rural
communities. Some current digital assets that are uniquely meant to serve rural inhabitants in
Washington state are described in Table 19 below.
Table 19: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for Rural Inhabitants
Asset Description
Rural Rural Resources Community Action helps residents in Northeastern Washington access
Resources resources for education, health, employment and training, housing, and transportation.
Community They offer free public Wi-Fi available 24 hours, a community digital navigator, two
Action computers for the community to utilize, and have a program to assist with cybersecurity
needs.
A full catalog of digital assets can be found in Appendix 7.2.
150 Note this estimate uses the U.S. Census Bureau definition based on population density since it is more consistent with the state
definition, whereas the DE Notice of Funding Opportunity uses a definition based on number of inhabitants within a defined
metropolitan area. Data was pulled from the Digital Equity Act Population Viewer. Accessed at: Digital Equity Act Population
Viewer.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 73
3.1.1.8 Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs defines a veteran as, “a person who served in the active
military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions
other than dishonorable.” 151 According to the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
(WDVA), Washington is home to approximately 530,000 veterans, 62,000 active duty, 18,000
guard and reserve, and two million family members.152 Washington offers free services to
veterans through WDVA such as financial assistance, transitional assistance, and counseling.153
The state also offers special benefits such as state employment preferences, education, and
tuition assistance.154
Whether it be access to telehealth and virtual counseling services, easy communication with
family or access to educational resources, veterans can benefit greatly from increased digital
connectivity. According to a 2018 Federal Communications Commission Report on promoting
broadband internet access to veterans, “broadband connectivity is crucial to meeting the needs
of and providing benefits to veterans, particularly low-income veterans and those residing in rural
areas.” 155 The report also recognizes the amplified advantage digital connectivity provides for
veterans with disabilities. 156
Veterans without internet access are more likely to be older, unmarried, have completed less
education, and earn a lower annual income than veterans reporting current internet access,
according to an internet access survey by the National Library of Medicine.157 In addition, veterans
without internet access were less likely to report being in good health and less likely to be
confident in filling out medical forms without assistance.158 In order to solve for these issues,
digital connectivity efforts for veterans must be a priority for Washington. Some current digital
assets that are uniquely meant to serve veterans in Washington state are described in Table 20
below.
Table 20: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for Veterans
Asset Description
Kittitas County The Kittitas County Veterans Coalition offers classes to support digital literacy
Veterans Coalition skills, public computer workspaces, mobile hotspots, or device lending programs,
and assists with Affordable Connectivity Program enrollment and the Digital
Navigator Program.
Veterans Outreach The Veterans Outreach Center in Asotin County collaborates with the County
Center: VFW Post-1443 Library to get digital navigator services to veterans at the center, at no-cost.
151 US Department of Veterans Affairs (2019), Determining Veteran Status. Accessed at:
https://www.va.gov/OSDBU/docs/Determining-Veteran-Status.pdf
152 Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, About WDVA. Accessed at: https://www.dva.wa.gov/about-wdva.
153 Ibid.
154 Ibid.
155 US Federal Communications Commission (2018), Report on Promoting Broadband Internet Access Services for Veterans.
Accessed at: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-357270A1.pdf
156 Ibid.
157 National Library of Medicine (2013), Veteran Internet Use and Engagement with Health Information Online. Accessed at:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23707823/
158 Ibid.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 74
Asset Description
Washington State In 2023, WDVA’s Digital Navigator Program provided veterans or their families
Department of Veterans with the tools (a kit containing talk, text, and data through T-Mobile, a laptop, and
Affairs Digital a smartphone with a hotspot) and digital literacy training allowing them to
Navigators Program connect to earned benefits such as disability compensation or pension,
healthcare, and other services. (Note: This program was not funded for FY 2024,
but WDVA is seeking additional funding sources.)
A full catalog of digital assets can be found in Appendix 7.2.
ASSETS IDENTIFIED SERVING STATE UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS COVERED
UNDER ESSHB1723
3.1.1.9 Youth in Foster Care
Youth in foster care refers to individuals who are minors and have been placed under the care
and supervision of the state or a foster care agency due to abuse, neglect, or other reasons that
prevent them from living with their parents or other legal guardians. In Washington state, state
law provides the legal framework for foster care. 159 Accordingly, a child in foster care is defined
as an individual under the age of 18 who has been placed under the care and supervision of the
DCYF or a licensed child-placing agency.160
As reported by a program manager for the DCYF during an informative interview, there were
approximately 10,060 children in foster care in Washington state in July 2023. These children live
across various regions in Washington. Yet, the largest number of children in foster care were from
the two largely urban counties of King and Pierce County, followed by Snohomish County. Another
DCYF program manager who was interviewed supported this observation, stating that children in
foster care are mostly concentrated in urban areas because there is more surveillance and “eyes”
on the treatment of youth within densely populated communities.
Youth in foster care experience many unique challenges that can impact their well-being and
future opportunities. Some of the main challenges observed in Washington include frequent
placement changes, educational disruptions, and emotional and behavioral issues. Additionally,
when youth age out of foster care, no longer having access to direct support for housing,
employment, and accessing supportive services can be challenging. Digital inclusion is another
significant concern for youth in foster care, since access to technology and the internet is crucial
in today’s world for normalcy, education, social connection, and access to resources. Some
current digital assets that are uniquely meant to serve youth in foster care in Washington state
are described in Table 21 below.
159 Washington State Legislature (2022), Adoption support program administration—Rules and Regulations—Disbursements from
general fund, criteria—Limits. Accessed at: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=74.13A.020
160 Ibid.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 75
Table 21: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for Youth in Foster Care
Asset Description
Independent Living The Independent Living program is a voluntary program for youth ages 15 through 22
Program, DCYF who are or were in foster care with DCYF or a tribal court. The program is open to all
youth who meet specific eligibility requirements. Youth can be anywhere on the
spectrum of transitioning to adulthood. DCYF contracts with local community-based
agencies and federally recognized tribes throughout the state to provide independent
living skills, including digital skills, educational support, career exploration, and daily
living skills.
Treehouse Treehouse Educational Advocates support students in foster care by providing timely,
Educational appropriate educational supports and interventions tailored to each individual’s
Advocacy Program academic and developmental needs. By partnering with a team of existing supports in
a youth’s life — caregivers, caseworkers, teachers, school counselors, and community
providers — Treehouse Educational Advocates help resolve barriers and identify
needed resources for the youth to make progress at school, including digital literacy
skills and devices.
Youth The Youth Empowerment Program specializes in ensuring that the children under the
Empowerment care of the DCYF have the tangible resources needed to participate in their
Program, DCYF educational, professional, or personal endeavors; including, access to technology such
as a laptop to participate in online schooling or for online enrollment into social
services.
A full catalog of digital assets can be found in Appendix 7.2.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 76
3.1.1.10 Individuals Experiencing Housing Instability
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, a person is considered
homeless if they reside in a place not meant for human habitation, emergency shelters, or
transitional housing. 161 Those who are exiting an institution and have no other residence are also
considered homeless. Washington state law defines a “homeless person” as, “an individual living
outside or in a building not meant for human habitation or which they have no legal right to
occupy, in an emergency shelter, or in a temporary housing program which may include a
transitional and supportive housing program if habitation time limits exist.” 162
The precise number of people experiencing homelessness in Washington can fluctuate due to
various factors, making it challenging to provide an exact figure. However, according to the July
2023 Washington State Snapshot of Homeless in Washington report there were just over 202,000
individuals who were unstably housed or homeless based on combined data sources from
Medicaid, Economic Service, and the Homeless Management Information System. The counties
with the highest number of homeless households were King County, Pierce County, Snohomish
County, and Spokane County, representing over 58% of the total number of homeless households
in the state. 163
People experiencing homelessness also face grave challenges such as struggling to meet their
basic needs including access to food, clothing, hygiene facilities, and transportation. Additionally,
these individuals often face mental health and substance abuse issues and difficulties with
accessing health care or mental health services. Barriers to digital inclusion are also prolific
within the population of people experiencing homelessness, including limited to no access to
technology, lack of internet connectivity, and digital literacy challenges. Public Wi-Fi, computer
labs, and libraries have been emphasized as crucial assets for the homeless population to access
the digital world; including to check their emails, look for housing and employment, and for
general entertainment activities. Some current digital assets that are uniquely meant to serve
people experiencing homelessness in Washington state are described in Table 22 below.
161 National Alliance to End Homelessness (2012), Changes in the HUD Definition of “Homeless.” Accessed at:
https://endhomelessness.org/resource/changes-in-the-hud-definition-of-homeless/
162 Washington State Legislature (2022), RCW 43.185C.010. Accessed at:
https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=43.185C.010#:~:text=(12)%20%22Homeless%20person%22,if%20habitation%20ti
me%20limits%20exist
163 Washington State Department of Commerce (2023), Snapshot of Homelessness Report. Accessed at: Snapshot_July_2023.pdf |
Powered by Box
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 77
Table 22: Examples of Digital Inclusion Assets for People Experiencing Homelessness
Asset Description
Mercy Housing Mercy Housing Northwest owns and operates 54 properties throughout Washington
Northwest and Idaho, providing over 5,000 families and seniors a place to call home at below-
market rent. They have staff to provide digital navigation to residents at seven
multifamily housing properties in Pierce County, and to assist with enrolling in the
ACP. Computer labs are available to residents through their properties as well.
Pierce County The Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness has worked rigorously to
Resources, Pierce consolidate resources for those experiencing homelessness and/or poverty in Pierce
County Coalition to County, Washington to a single site. This project, Pierce County Resources, is
End Homelessness intended to be an easy-to-use guide for those experiencing homelessness. It
includes a database where individuals can locate employment and job training
centers, food banks, mental health care, medical care, clothing resources, drug and
alcohol treatment centers, dental care, sexual assault and domestic violence
services, pregnancy services, housing supportive services, utility assistance, and
more.
Valeo Vocation Valeo Vocation combats poverty and homelessness in Pierce County by offering
quick access to income, combined with wrap-around support, to help participants
create a path towards permanent employment and housing. The organization
provides a public computer lab for job seekers to apply for programs, services, and
employment; as well as free public Wi-Fi, digital navigation, and low-cost devices.
A full catalog of digital assets can be found in Appendix 7.2.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 78
3.1.2 Existing Digital Equity Plans
In collaboration with Washington State University-Extension and local government, all 39 counties
and 16 of 29 federally recognized tribes contributed to the development of Community Action
Plans (CAPs), which included both digital equity and broadband infrastructure plans, to showcase
the unique needs of their communities and offer solutions to achieve digital equity. 164 These
plans highlight the need for additional infrastructure, devices, training, and partnerships to equip
residents with the skills they need to participate in the online society. While many counties and
tribes detailed services needed to combat those barriers, a consistent theme within the CAPs was
the desire for additional funding to expand and extend digital inclusion services. Multiple county
and tribal CAPs also mentioned systemic barriers such as lack of housing or transportation as
inhibiting digital access.
Additionally, many BATs detailed the desire to learn and share best practices with neighboring
counties with the goal of supporting vulnerable communities. Table 23 provides a snapshot of
the submitted Digital Equity CAPs, including barriers identified by the counties and tribes within
Washington state.
Table 23: County and Tribe Digital Equity Plan Summaries 165
Activity Name Barrier to Digital Equity
Adams County Identified rural geography of the county and language as major barriers
Asotin County Large percentage of population of the county are older adults and may have a
fear or lack of understanding of technology, also identified affordability as a
barrier
Benton County Identified language barriers, legal status, cost, digital skills, and access to
other services such as transportation, as barriers
Chelan County Identified lack of planning and coordination, resources, digital literacy,
language barriers, and internet speeds
Clallam County Individuals living in rural areas need to travel long distances to access digital
equity services, which results in underutilization and awareness
Clark County Identified issues such as lack of housing, training programs, high costs, and
fear as barriers for the community
Clark County Identified a range of issues including lack of housing, training programs,
affordability concerns, and general fear of technology
Columbia County Identified funding sources, knowledge of devices, and lack of support services
like digital navigators and the library system as barriers
Confederated Tribes Identified affordability and availability as major barriers to connection within
of the Colville the county
Reservation & Ferry
County
164 In addition to the 12 tribes that submitted independent Community Action Plans, four tribes partnered with counties in
developing a Community Action Plan.
165 Note: Across the board, insufficient funding was identified as a challenge, but is listed out when it was explicitly identified in
plans.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 79
Activity Name Barrier to Digital Equity
Cowlitz County Identified a lack of community wide digital equity resources including
nonprofit and organization support, limited equipment, and understaffed
libraries
Cowlitz Indian Tribe Identified groups facing the greatest needs as elderly, low-income, individuals
with language barriers, and tribal members in rural or remote locations
Douglas County Identified lack of planning and coordination, resources, language barriers,
digital literacy, and internet speeds
Franklin County Identified costs, need for digital skills and staff support, and funding for
programming, understanding that some organizations serve covered
populations, but may not formally provide digital equity support
Garfield County Identified understaffed community resources such as libraries and that
individuals living in rural areas need to travel long distances to access digital
equity services
Grant County Identified lack of planning and coordination, resources, language barriers,
digital literacy, and internet speeds
Grays Harbor County Identified the need for sustainable funding for programs, spaces for services,
and community awareness and partnerships to connect residents with digital
equity services
Hoh Indian Tribe Identified lack of broadband as the major barrier for digital equity support
services
Island County Identified the topography of the county and lack of digital literacy as major
barriers
Jefferson County Identified lack of transportation to digital equity services, lack of material in
languages other than English, understaffing at community anchor sites, and
lack of devices
King County Identified disparities in access and affordability, need for digital skills, and
building capacity for community organizations and cross-sector partnership
and collaboration
Kitsap County Identified costs of services, lack of awareness of programs like ACP, costs of
repairing or replacing devices, and mistrust of government programs and ISPs
Kittitas County Identified community awareness, outreach, and perceived value of learning
new technology and its economic utility and potential opportunities
Klickitat County Identified limited capacity and resource constraints for local organizations;
dispersed population creating challenges for getting to services, limited
staffing to support culturally specific program development in rural areas
Lewis County Identified economic barriers for the county population including limited
access to devices, lack of affordability, other systemic barriers such as
transportation to access services at libraries or other community anchor
organizations
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 80
Activity Name Barrier to Digital Equity
Makah Tribe Identified lack of infrastructure, cost of installation, lack of digital equity
services available on the reservation
Mason County Identified lack of affordable services and devices; also mentioned that some
residents prefer to live in rural areas without internet access
Nisqually Indian Identified need for sourcing translation services as well as devices to
Tribe & Thurston maximize effectiveness of digital skills training
County
Nooksack Indian Identified that lack of service availability is the largest barrier to access for the
Tribe community, with all tribal households as underserved
Okanogan County Identified lack of digital literacy, affordability of devices, lack of programming
to support communities, and historically underserved tribal community
Pacific County Identified cost of installation in low population density areas, costs of
equipment and service, and lack of digital literacy
Pend Oreille County Identified access and affordability as the biggest barriers
Pierce County Identified lack of funding for infrastructure, technical support, wrap around
services, devices, and consistent partnerships with ISPs
Samish Indian Identified sustainability of supporting the community in obtaining personal
Nation devices and maintain locations for communities to access public networks as
a major barrier, including maintaining the devices and reliability of the internet
service at the public network locations
San Juan County Identified services that are concentrated on three islands for organizations
providing digital equity services and the unique travel challenges residents
face
Skagit County Identified affordability and availability as major challenges; lack of awareness
in community about support programs such as ACP
Skamania County Identified limited capacity and resource constraints for local organizations;
dispersed population creating challenges for getting to services, limited
staffing to support culturally specific program development in rural areas
Snohomish County Identified lack of trust in technology and security, affordability, and
accessibility
Spokane County Identified need for more resourcing of community anchor organizations, need
for devices, language access and support understanding cultural barriers, and
additional literacy
Stevens County Identified low population density, high costs of services, digital literacy, and
limited communication to share information with community and
stakeholders
Swinomish Indian Identified lack of resources, lack of unified approach to sharing information
Tribal Community with the community, inconsistent services
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 81
Activity Name Barrier to Digital Equity
Wahkiakum County Identified need for more resources and services within the county including
support for community anchor organization, equipment, and facilities to meet
community needs
Walla Walla County Identified lack of high-speed internet and reluctance to ask for assistance due
to immigration status and/or share personal information via online system
Whatcom County Identified underserved communities in rural areas, need for more devices,
additional funding for outreach and communication, and community
understanding the benefits of adoption
Whitman County Identified lack of digital skills and affordability of devices and internet
subscriptions
Yakima County Identified community awareness, outreach, and perceived value of learning
new technology and its economic utility and potential opportunities
The Confederated Identified a lack of devices, limited access to property due to jurisdictional
Tribes and Bands of barriers, and an inability to pay due to fixed incomes
the Yakama Nation
3.1.3 Statewide Assets for Broadband Adoption
Facilitating the adoption of broadband services is an essential component of providing reliable,
universal, high-speed internet for residents, communities, and businesses across the state.
According to federal law, broadband adoption equates to “daily access to the internet”:
(1) At speeds, quality, and capacity necessary to accomplish common tasks,
(2) With the digital skills necessary to fully participate online, and
(3) On a personal device and secure convenient network.” 166
Using ACS data, an average of 92% of households within the state have a broadband internet
subscription and 96% have digital devices.167 This is likely an overcount as these rates include
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology, but for the BEAD Program, locations served only by DSL
technology will be considered underserved. 168 Additionally, as Map 3 displays, broadband
subscription is not uniform throughout the state, as some areas have household broadband
subscription rates well below this average. Moreover, household broadband subscription rates in
counties such as Ferry, Columbia, and Pend Oreille are as low as 71%, 75%, and 78%, respectively.
The inequitable distribution of broadband subscription rates across Washington state can be
attributed in part to limited access to broadband services, but there are also many
Washingtonians who do not adopt broadband services because they do not have the digital
literacy skills to use the internet, do not see the need for internet access, or they do not have a
device to access the internet. Fortunately, a wide array of collaborators in local governments,
166 Digital Equity Act of 2021 (2021). Accessed at: 47 USC Ch. 16: BROADBAND ACCESS (house.gov)
167 American Community Survey (2021), S2801: Types of Computers and Internet Subscriptions [5 Year Estimates]. Accessed at:
ACS Data: S2801 Types of Computers and Internet Subscriptions [5 Year Estimates]. Note this estimate includes satellite and
cellular service
168 Washington State Department of Commerce (2023). Initial Proposal Volume I. Accessed at:
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-statewide-broadband-act/internet-for-all-wa/
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 82
tribes, community anchor institutions, and nonprofits are continuing efforts to expand broadband
and invest in digital equity programs.
Map 3: Percent of
Households with a
Broadband
Subscription by
Census Tract 169
Source: Analysis of
ACS’s broadband
subscription data
accessed on May
24, 2023.
Many internet service providers (ISPs) in Washington state are involved in promoting broadband
adoption to counteract low subscription rates. ISPs promote access to broadband adoption
through campaigns, low-cost plans, or digital inclusion initiatives. As providers of broadband
across the state, ISPs are integral to the broadband expansion partner ecosystem. Collaborative
partnerships exist among several ISPs and entities who provide internet connectivity and
navigation services. Multiple digital navigator programs across the state received discounted
digital devices with connective service plans from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Comcast. The following
partnership examples are only a sample, and not inclusive of all ISPs’ recent partnerships across
Washington state.
One partnership example is the previously WSBO-funded digital navigation services offered by
WDVA in collaboration with T-Mobile. This program provided veterans with discounted wireless
service, devices, and support with digital skilling.
Another example of a private ISP promoting adoption is Comcast, who has partnered with
Goodwill of the Inland Northwest to expand its low-income internet and technology offerings.
Together, the organizations opened the Comcast Digital Training Classroom in Spokane for
Goodwill’s job training and placement program, which helps people increase their digital skills
and workforce opportunities, giving participants the skills needed to facilitate broadband
169 Although satellite services are not a reliable source of broadband, in accordance with NTIA definition, it may be the only viable
option for some households in Washington that are in extremely high-cost locations. Please note that as fixed wireless is
considered broadband by the FCC, it is captured in the ACS broadband subscription data on this map.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 83
adoption. Comcast and Goodwill also announced the expansion of Comcast’s Internet Essentials
broadband adoption program, which allows low-cost internet to be more available to low-income
households in Comcast’s Washington service area and includes training resources and guidance
for individuals on internet basics and how to stay safe online. 170
A third example is the partnership between AT&T and Digitunity who selected InterConnection to
provide refurbished computers and technical support to two thousand Seattle-based students
through their 10-City Project.171 This collaboration provides funding to eleven nonprofit
refurbishing organizations from Digitunity’s Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse
Network to award devices directly to local K-12 students and their families, addressing one of the
causes of low broadband subscription rates.
In addition to efforts by ISPs to improve subscription rates, many state and community
organizations are supporting broadband adoption by focusing on improving digital literacy and
augmenting digital skills. As Table 24 shows below, programs range from those that promote
digital inclusion or provide skills training, to those that offer subsidized or low-cost device
distribution. It is worthwhile to note that the Washington State Legislature identified two
additional underserved populations in the Digital Equity Act, namely individuals experiencing
housing instability and children and youth in foster care.
170 Comcast (October 7, 2019), Comcast, Goodwill Celebrate Internet Essentials Washington State Expansion. Accessed at:
https://washington.comcast.com/2019/10/07/comcast-goodwill-celebrate-internet-essentials-wa-state-expansion/
171 InterConnection (n.d.), InterConnection Partners with AT&T and Digitunity to Bridge Digital Divide Among Students. Accessed at:
InterConnection Partners with AT&T and Digitunity to Bridge Digital Divide Among Students | Charitable Computer Recycling &
Reuse
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 84
Table 24: Examples of Programs Supporting Broadband Adoption
Asset Covered
Organization Names Asset Description
Type Populations 172
Asian Counseling A comprehensive program Digital Literacy Individuals with a language
and Referral serving people with limited Program barrier; Individuals who are
Service’s Ready English overcome language members of a racial/ethnic
to Work barriers, gain digital literacy minority group
skills, find meaningful
employment, and achieve
economic self-
sufficiency.173
Community A program that serves Digital Navigator Individuals who live in low-
Health Network patients in all 39 counties Program income households
of Washington’s across Washington
Link to Care remotely. It provides free
Program digital navigation; free
digital literacy skills
training; affordable internet
access assistance and
connected device
acquisition assistance for
residents or households at
or below 135% of the
Federal Poverty
Guidelines.174
172 "Target Covered Populations" describes the 8 population groups NTIA identified as underrepresented communities: low-income
households; aging individuals; incarcerated individuals; veterans; individuals with disabilities; individuals with a language barrier,
including individuals who are English learners or have low levels of literacy; individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic
minority group, and individuals who primarily reside in a rural area. Additionally, we also included two population groups—
children and youth in foster care and individuals experiencing housing instability—identified in Washington state law's definition
of 'covered populations', when applicable.
173 Asian Counseling and Referral Service (n.d.), Ready to Work. Accessed at: https://acrs.org/services/employment-and-training-
services/ready-to-work/
174 Community Health Network Washington (n.d.), Link to Care WA. Accessed at: https://www.linktocarewa.org
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 85
Asset Covered
Organization Names Asset Description
Type Populations 172
Computing for All A program that seeks to Digital Skills Training All
break down cultural and Program
systemic social barriers
that prevent young adults
of all races, genders, and
abilities from exploring
computer science as a
potential career. These
employer-mentored,
project-based work
programs support
practicing the application of
critical thinking and
problem-solving to real-
world work scenarios.175
HelpingLink A program that offers iPad Digital Literacy Aging individuals; Individuals
lessons and training for Program with a language barrier;
adults and older adults, Individuals who are members
from beginner basics to of a racial/ethnic minority
advanced features of iPads. group
Enrollment in the class is
free and provides students
with everything they need to
know about using an iPad
for translation, navigation,
and communication. 176
InterConnection A nonprofit organization Discounted Device All
that enables digital equity Program
by providing technology
and connectivity to
underserved communities
through sustainable
refurbishment and re-use of
digital devices.177
175 Computing for All (n.d.), Launch Your Tech Career. Accessed at: https://www.computingforall.org/
176 Helping Link (n.d.). Accessed at: https://www.helpinglink.org/about/
177 InterConnection (n.d.). Accessed at: https://interconnection.org/
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 86
Asset Covered
Organization Names Asset Description
Type Populations 172
Microsoft LEARN Microsoft’s centralized Digital Skills Training All
(formerly training and professional Program
Microsoft development platform for
Imagine K-12, where educators and
Academy) school leaders can explore
free learning and skills
resources and learn about
programs, professional
development offerings, and
Microsoft technologies that
advance teaching and
learning practices. 178
Seattle Housing A program that offers Digital Navigator All except incarcerated
Authority Digital digital navigation services Program individuals
Navigation to Seattle Housing
Authority residents. Digital
navigation services include
learning how to set up a
computer, signing up for
discounted internet
services, navigating the
internet, using
contemporary meeting
apps such as Zoom,
Microsoft Teams and
Google Meet, and using
Microsoft Office to create
documents with word
processing and
spreadsheet software. 179
178 Microsoft (n.d.), Microsoft Learn. Accessed at: Training | Microsoft Learn
179 Seattle Housing Authority (n.d.), Technology Training. Accessed at: https://www.seattlehousing.org/supportive-
services/education-and-job-training/technology-training
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 87
Asset Covered
Organization Names Asset Description
Type Populations 172
TechConnect A program that provides Digital Navigator All
Washington free multi-lingual, multi- Program
Community cultural technical support
Helpdesk (Equity to Washington residents to
in Education help them engage in a
Coalition) virtual environment.
Helpdesk technicians
provide technical guidance,
digital navigation support,
and connections to other
community resources, such
as telehealth calls, and
online access to food,
rental assistance, and
socio-emotional supports.
The program supports all
community members
including parents, students,
and aging individuals. 180
WSU-Extension A program that helps adults Digital Literacy All
4-H Tech and other learners by Program
Changemakers supporting digital literacy,
digital equity, tech
adoption, and promoting
tribal or rural broadband. 4-
H Youth are helping adults
find jobs, understand
remote work, and how to
access or adopt new
technology. 181
Washington A grant program aimed at Digital Literacy All except incarcerated
Office of supporting digital learning Program individuals
Superintendent environments by allocating
of Public state funds to grow and
Instructure’s support 1:1 device program,
(OSPI’s) Digital provide access to training
Equity and in inclusionary practices,
Inclusion Grants and more. 182
180 TechConnect Washington (n.d.). Accessed at: https://techconnectwa.org/
181 Washington State University (n.d.), 4-H Tech Changemakers. Accessed at: Tech Changemakers | Spokane County | Washington
State University (wsu.edu)
182 OSPI (2023), Digital Equity and Inclusion Grant. Accessed at: https://www.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/grants-grant-
management/digital-equity-and-inclusion-grant
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 88
The volume of diverse actors in the broadband adoption space provides multiple avenues to
reach Washingtonians without broadband subscriptions. Although the programs and
opportunities related to broadband adoption listed here are not comprehensive, this section
demonstrates the breadth of assets related to adoption within Washington state. Organizations
working in the digital equity space have the potential to effectively improve subscription rates
and reduce the number of unserved households within the state.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 89
3.1.4 Statewide Assets for Broadband Affordability
The WSBO recognizes that affordability is a significant barrier for many community members
when it comes to broadband internet adoption. As Map 4 shows, this is particularly relevant in
areas where a high proportion of the population live at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty
Guidelines. In approaching this obstacle to universal adoption, it is important to look to the
existing ecosystem of affordability programs and incentives that can reduce the cost burden for
consumers throughout the state.
Map 4: Percent of
Population Living
at or Below 200%
of the Federal
Poverty Guidelines
by Census Tract
Source: Analysis
of 2021 ACS
data.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 90
To address concerns surrounding broadband affordability, the federal government requires
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding recipients to ensure that consumers
benefitting from subsequent broadband projects have access to affordable internet options,
including the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP is a Federal Communications
Commission program that provides different internet service discount options according to tiers
of eligibility for individuals living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or
participating in various assistance programs. Figure 3 shows the percentage of the population
enrolled in ACP for each zip code. As the administering entity, the WSBO is committed to ensuring
that all subscribers within BEAD project areas can utilize the ACP to increase the affordability of
broadband services.
Figure 3: Estimated
Enrolled percent of eligible
(329,000+) households enrolled
in ACP as of
November 2023
29.3%
Source: Education
SuperHighway
Affordable
Connectivity
Dashboard
November 2023.
70.7%
Not Enrolled
(795,000+)
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 91
Although the ACP is the largest federal program for subsidizing broadband subscriptions, it is not
the sole program for providing a discounted broadband service and equipment program to
consumers throughout the state, as outlined in Table 25 below.
Table 25: Examples of Broadband Affordability Programs Throughout Washington
Organization Asset
Asset Description Asset Eligibility
Name Type
Affordable An FCC program that helps families Enrollment in the ACP is open to Subsidy
Connectivity and households afford internet households that meet specific Program
Program service. The program benefits criteria, which can include having
include up to $30 per month discount an income that is at or below
on internet service; up to $75 per 200% of the Federal Poverty
month discount for households on Guidelines or participating in
qualifying tribal lands; and a one-time assistance programs, such as
discount of up to $100 for a laptop, Supplemental Nutrition
desktop computer, or tablet through Assistance Program, Medicaid,
a participating provider. Federal Public Housing,
Supplemental Security Income,
Special Supplemental Nutrition
Program for Women, Infants, and
Children, or Lifeline. 183
Connect All A program that provides low-cost Residents can qualify if they are a Discount
powered by internet for $14.95 per month on the DSHS services recipient or have Program
InterConnection T-Mobile LTE Plus network through an annual income no greater than
Mobile Citizen. There is a one-time $54,000. 184
cost fee of $99 to purchase an LTE
modem hotspot, but the program
includes unlimited LTE plus data with
no overage charges. The program
also offers refurbished laptops
available for a low-cost with software
(Windows, Microsoft Office,
Microsoft Security Essentials) and a
one-year warranty.
Internet The program provides download This program provides internet Discount
Essentials speeds up to 50 megabits per service at no cost if customers Program
Program from second (Mbps), free installation and are qualified for and enrolled in
Comcast in-home Wi-Fi, and other benefits. the ACP. 185
Eligible households are also able to
purchase refurbished laptops for
$149.99 + tax.
183 Washington State Department of Commerce (n.d.), Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline. Accessed at:
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-statewide-broadband-act/affordable-connectivity-program-
acp-and-lifeline/
184 InterConnection (n.d.), Connect All. Accessed at: https://connectall.org/
185 Xfinity (n.d.), Internet Essentials. Accessed at: https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 92
Organization Asset
Asset Description Asset Eligibility
Name Type
Lifeline A federal program that lowers the Eligible residents can get Lifeline Subsidy
monthly cost of phone or internet if their income is 135% or less Program
service. Eligible consumers can get than the federal poverty
up to $9.25 off the cost of phone, guidelines. The guideline is based
internet, or bundled services. If you on their household size and state.
live on tribal lands, you can receive a Residents may also qualify if they
discount of up to $35.25 per month, or someone in their household
and up to a $100 reduction for first gets Supplemental Nutrition
time connection charges. Assistance Program, Apple
Health (Medicaid), or other
federal assistance programs.186
Simply Internet A program in Seattle that is open to Eligibility includes those who Discount
by Astound (by current or new Astound powered by qualify for the Seattle Utilities Program
Wave) Wave customers who live in an area Discount Program, low-income
where Astound is available. The subsidized housing, or those who
service provides service levels of have a child who qualifies for the
50/5 Mbps for $9.95 per month + tax, free or reduced school lunch
free installation, and in-home Wi-Fi. program.187
Spectrum Spectrum Internet Assist is an To qualify for Spectrum Internet Discount
Internet Assist affordable, reliable Internet option for Assist, a household member Program
(Charter low-income households. must be receiving one of these
Communications) assistance programs: (1)
National School Lunch Program,
(2) Community Eligibility
Provision of the NSLP, or (3)
Supplemental Security Income
(for applicants age 65+ only).
According to the Universal Service Administrative Co. ACP Enrollment and Claims Tracker,
Washington has an estimated 1,125,000 eligible households. As of November 2023, 329,000 were
enrolled. 188 Despite its many benefits, only about 29% of households eligible for ACP enrolled in
the program. 189 There is also uncertainty about what will happen if and/or when the ACP program
funding runs out if no additional funding is approved by Congress, which is forecasted for April
2024. The WSBO and DEU are having conversations with partners about how to address
affordability challenges if additional ACP funding is not approved. The FCC has issued Wind-
Down guidance with critical information and estimated dates.190
186Universal Service Administrative Co. (n.d.), Lifeline Support. Accessed at: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
187Wave (n.d.), Simply Internet. Accessed at: https://wavesimplyinternet.com/
188 Universal Service Administrative Co. (November 2023), ACP Enrollment and Claims Tracker. Accessed at:
https://www.usac.org/about/affordable-connectivity-program/acp-enrollment-and-claims-tracker/#enrollment-by-state
189 Ibid.
190 Federal Communications Commission (2024). Accessed at: ACP_Wind-down_Fact_Sheet_Final.pdf (fcc.gov).
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 93
Supplementing state and local government outreach efforts, some private ISPs in Washington
were also implementing programs intended to increase ACP enrollment. For example, Comcast
announced that residents can visit Xfinity Retail Stores throughout Washington state to enroll in
ACP to get internet service for free via Internet Essentials Plus, a service that includes 100 Mbps
speeds, a cable modem, access to Wi-Fi hotspots and unlimited data for $29.95 per month.191
This program provides eligible households with the opportunity to have someone walk them
through the application process step by step: a crucial service considering that our interviews
with digital equity professionals within the state identified the multi-step application process as
a barrier to program entry. Other nonprofit organizations, such as Goodwill and the Equity in
Education Coalition, also regularly promoted the ACP to eligible constituents and provided them
with the information needed to apply to the program.
In addition to state subsidy and discount programs, recent changes to state law now allows some
utility services providers to include broadband discounts as part of existing utility discount
programs. Signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee in 2021, the Public Broadband Act allows local
governmental entities—including Public Utility Districts (PUDs) and port districts—the
unrestricted authority to provide internet services to end-users, thereby classifying broadband as
a basic utility, such as water and electricity.192 This expansion of services that PUDs and ports
can provide to their customers creates an opportunity to make broadband services more
affordable, as broadband can be incorporated into existing utility discount programs.
One such state administered utility discount program is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
Program offered by Commerce, which provides funds from a federal block grant program to help
low-income households in Washington maintain affordable, dependable utility services and avoid
disconnection. 193 Through a network of community action agencies and local partners, local
partner agencies send payments directly to eligible residents’ energy utility provider, which could
potentially be replicated for internet services.
On the local level, Jefferson County’s PUD #1 offers low-income rates for its electric and water
customers and will be automatically extending discounted rates to eligible internet service
customers as well, which will be available to customers who earn either 150% of the median
federal poverty level or less or are over age 62 with a household income not exceeding $30,000
per year. Eligible customers can receive both ACP and Jefferson County’s PUD #1 low-income
benefits, meaning some low-income customers could receive 150/150 Mbps internet for only $15
per month. Additional information on other planned affordability programs from PUDs, port
districts, and tribal and local government entities is included in Appendix 7.4.
191 Comcast (May 11, 2022), Comcast Makes ACP Program Available at Washington State Retail Locations. Accessed at:
https://washington.comcast.com/2022/05/11/comcast-makes-acp-program-available-at-washington-state-retail-locations/
192 Washington Public Utility Districts Association (2021), New laws take effect in Washington State aimed at bridging the digital
divide. Accessed at: https://www.wpuda.org/retail-broadband-laws-go-into-effect-july-25--2021
193 Washington State Department of Commerce (n.d.), Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Accessed at:
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/growing-the-economy/energy/low-income-home-energy-assistance/
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 94
Ultimately, there are a range of programs and initiatives underway in Washington state that the
WSBO and the DEU will continue to leverage to promote and expand broadband affordability. This
section is not an exhaustive overview of every broadband affordability asset in the state, but it
provides insight as to where BEAD funding may be disbursed to maximize community impacts.
Scaling affordability programs, expanding assistance for ACP applications, and building
awareness of the program and low-cost plans, increasing public recognition of affordability
resources, and working with local and tribal governments to identify opportunities to work with
ISPs to decrease service costs are all ways the WSBO and the DEU can endeavor to improve
broadband affordability.
3.2 NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Every covered population has unique needs and distinct barriers to accessing, affording, and
adopting broadband services. In Washington, 75.5% of the population falls within the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) definition of a “covered population.”
Racial and ethnic minority populations and rural populations make up the largest covered
populations within the state, as Figure 4 shows. 194 In an effort to hear directly from each
population about their needs and experiences of accessing the internet, the WSBO collaborated
with community partners, WSU-Extension, and state, tribal, and local government representatives,
to partner with or conduct more than 80 engagement events. These engagements took place at
local meeting spaces, schools, buses, parking lots, and on Zoom and Teams to meet
communities where they gather and to hear from those who may not traditionally engage in
government-led outreach. In addition to the WSBO-led public engagement, the needs assessment
featured in this chapter also includes information from the Digital Equity Forum’s digital
technology survey, which gathered and analyzed responses from approximately 3,000
Washingtonians. More details on the Public Engagement process can be found in Section 4.1.
Incarcerated population 13,900
Rural Population 2,020,000
Minority Population 2,488,199
Language Barrier Population 1,319,000
Disability Population 983,000
Veteran Population 523,852
Aging Population 1,690,242
Low Income Population 1,196,000
State Population 7,614,893
Figure 4: Washington’s Covered Populations 195
194 US Census defines racial minorities as those who identify as a race other than White alone or as Hispanic or Latino of any race.
195 U.S Census (2023), Digital Equity Act Population Viewer. Accessed at: https://mtgis-
portal.geo.census.gov/arcgis/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c5e6cf675865464a90ff1573c5072b42. Note: This table does
not include youth in foster care and those experiencing housing instability. Those populations are specific to Washington state
legislation not included in the Digital Equity NOFO. Individuals may be members of more than one covered population.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 95
Based on the information gathered at these in-person and online engagements, along with data
provided in CAPs and other reports on the state’s digital equity efforts, the WSBO has documented
the needs and barriers that impact covered populations’ ability to access, afford, and adopt
broadband. The following section is organized into two sections – systemic needs and unique
needs – that highlight the similarities, uniqueness, and intersectionality of the needs across
Washington state.
• Systemic needs: needs that are the result of historical, political, and/or economic policies
affecting almost all covered populations.
• Unique needs: needs that are specific to the covered population or particularly notable
across populations.
Although Section 3.2.2 discusses the needs related to each covered population, it is important to
acknowledge that populations are not monolithic. Individuals may belong to more than one
covered population category, and everyone has unique challenges that can impact their
experience with broadband and digital skills. For example, gender and sexual orientation-specific
identities are not included in the definition of “covered populations” but can contribute to
intersectional social and economic barriers. Where identified, intersectional needs (needs that
are compounded based on overlapping identities) are included in the analysis. The intersectional
needs are non-exhaustive. Various populations can experience similar needs, even if not directly
indicated. While characterizations like “covered populations” are helpful to identify trends, this
section is not intended to invalidate anyone’s experience, especially those who identify with
multiple covered populations.
3.2.1 Systemic Needs
“I did a speed test at my
Systemic needs are often the result of historical, political, and/or
daughter's. She lives in
economic policies. Systemic needs are complex and need to be
addressed through multiple avenues, such as: acknowledging and Poulsbo. It was 256
providing reparations for generational harms; building trust through megabytes, and she pays
transparency and demonstrating a willingness to learn from and work $50 a month. I'm going to
alongside impacted populations; developing new partnerships; be paying tomorrow $65 for
allocating or redistributing adequate resources; proposing policy 12 megabytes. That's not
changes to address the root of the need. The systemic needs listed equitable."
below impact all covered populations. Addressing these needs —Okanogan listening
equitably is required to bridge the digital divide.
session participant
NEED FOR AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE OPTIONS
A key theme that emerged from public engagement events and CAPs is that cost is a barrier to
obtaining internet services. These sources stated that one’s zip code should not limit one’s
opportunities for affordable service. While geographic terrain, population density, and proximity
to infrastructure assets contribute to the price Washington consumers pay for broadband service,
many communities were displeased with the disparity in affordability between rural and urban
communities and wanted to better understand options for reliable and affordable service.
Additionally, many focus group participants felt that broadband service within their community
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 96
was expensive, making broadband service seem like more of a luxury than an essential service
to participate in today’s digital society.
Although programs like the federal ACP offer subsidized internet service, many Washingtonians
have not taken advantage of its offerings either because they are unaware of the program, have
trouble applying for it, cannot access it because their service provider does not accept the
program, or they simply may not qualify for the subsidy based on their income. Focus group
participants also commented on barriers to enrollment due to the complicated application
process. Internet service providers provided their comments on why some may not accept ACP,
citing its complicated administrative process as a main deterrent. One participant in Sunnyside
commented that "[My] bill was about $94 per month. That's a lot for me, because I don't qualify
for those subsidy programs, doesn't mean that the prices aren't too high for me." With the ACP
subsidy, eligible households qualify for a $30 per month subsidy, or up to $75 per eligible
household on tribal lands. According to the Universal Service Administrative Co. ACP Enrollment
and Claims Tracker, Washington has an estimated 1,125,000 eligible households, however, only
approximately 329,000 were enrolled as of November 2023.196
It should be noted that ACP cannot be counted on to support affordability. Aside from the
shortcomings listed above (difficulty in enrolling, lack of awareness, etc.) ACP is federally funded
and at this point, it is uncertain if ACP will be refunded once its current funding is exhausted.
Exhaustion dates are now estimated to be sometime in April 2024 by the FCC. 197 Therefore, for
affordability to be promoted and sustainable, it is incumbent upon ISPs to offer low-cost plans
that are robust, easy to acquire, and offer speeds of at least 100 Mbps/20 Mbps.
Additionally, due to the lack of competition in some areas, there can be fewer affordable options
for low-income households and no alternative if ISPs increase prices at their own discretion.
Multiple focus group participants expressed frustration with increased prices for broadband
service year after year. Focus group participants commented that they were unaware their price
would increase. A participant in Okanogan stated that " [ISPs] come in and talk a cheap price for
a year and then jack it up." Washington residents, especially those
in rural areas, have little recourse if their provider increases the "Mind you, I'm paying for this
price. Many residents expressed dissatisfaction with prohibitive now. I'm paying $170 for
costs, emphasizing that there are often limited options to change buffering. And then I try
to another provider. Amazon Prime, can't get it. So I
go over to Hulu, HBO Max-- I'm
Lastly, there are Washington residents who experience unreliable
paying for all of that, too! That's
service, including service disruptions, network congestion, and
extra! I'm paying for all these
outages. Many focus group participants expressed that even if
services and I'm not getting
they upgrade their service, or pay for the next tier of speed, that
anything!"
they are still left with constant disruption. A participant in Moses
Lake stated, "I have the fastest internet package available and still —Oak Harbor listening
session participant
196 Universal Service Administrative Co. (November 2023), ACP Enrollment and Claims Tracker. Accessed at:
https://www.usac.org/about/affordable-connectivity-program/acp-enrollment-and-claims-tracker/#enrollment-by-state
197 197 Federal Communications Commission (2024). Accessed at: ACP_Wind-down_Fact_Sheet_Final.pdf (fcc.gov).
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 97
have issues with it. Technicians come out and there are still issues after that."
NEED RESILIENT BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE
Washington state’s diverse topographical and geographical makeup benefits its residents and
communities in many ways, but it also presents challenges and barriers to broadband
infrastructure expansion. For example, in Pacific County, which lies on the western coast of the
state, the proximity to the Pacific Ocean means that high wind events are common and winter
storms typically include hours of 40–80 mph winds. These high wind events cause trees to fall,
damaging lines and structures used for aerial fiber optic infrastructure. Similarly, although
wireless technologies are less expensive than fiber, they are more susceptible to hazardous
weather, such as rain, wind, salt spray, and snow, and therefore more likely to experience
equipment malfunction and signal interference, which can make wireless technologies more
expensive to maintain. Although buried, fiber optic cables would appear to be the more viable
option in Pacific County. Since Pacific County’s topography also includes mountainous landscape
with heavily forested areas, dense canopy cover, numerous wetlands, and geologic hazard areas,
any construction project here require significant planning and expensive hardening of in-ground
broadband infrastructure. 198 Map 5 below illustrates the topography of the state.
Map 5: Topographic
Map of Washington
State
Source: Esri’s
National
Geographic base
map.
198 Pacific County (2023), Community Action Plan. Accessed at: Pacific_County_Community_Action_Plan.pdf | Powered by Box
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 98
On the opposite side of the state, Asotin County’s completely different topography creates its
own set of geographic challenges to broadband deployment. Asotin County has difficult terrain
with severe elevation changes – including North America’s deepest river gorge – which makes
construction of high-speed broadband expensive and complicated. The county also experiences
frequent forest or wildland fires, which limits the viability of aerial infrastructure. Underground
fiber optic and pole installations are also challenging due to underlying basalt rock formations.199
Ultimately, Washington’s diverse topography is an obstacle to building broadband infrastructure
and requires additional review and careful planning when expanding broadband infrastructure
due to varying construction requirements.
NEED RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY ANCHOR INSTITUTIONS
Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) play a critical role in
Types of CAIs Outlined in
serving local communities. Institutions such as libraries, the DE Notice of Funding
schools, and nonprofits provide resources like books and The term “community anchor
computers, serve as community gathering locations, and act as institution” means a public school,
trusted institutions for information sharing across Washington a public or multi-family housing
state, as Map 6 shows. Many of the events during public authority, a library, a medical or
engagement were intentionally located in CAIs because of the healthcare provider, a community
cross-cutting populations that frequent these spaces. From college or other institution of
families with kids needing printouts for homework, to young higher education, a state library
adults in foster care participating in Adult 101 classes, to people agency, and any other nonprofit or
experiencing housing instability using the library’s Wi-Fi to find governmental community support
out the hours that the soup kitchen is open for the night, CAIs organization. The Initial Proposal
act as critical resources and are well connected to their local Volume I defines additional
community. categories of CAIs.
199 Asotin County (2023), Community Action Plan. Accessed at: Asotin_County_Community_Action_Plan.pdf | Powered by Box
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 99
Map 6: Community
Anchor Institutions in
Washington
Source: Analysis of
Washington state
data as of 2015.
Many of the BATs applauded their CAIs for providing digital equity services, but also stated that
many institutions are understaffed and under-resourced. Skamania County’s Community Action
Plan highlighted that although the county has digital equity assets, community centers and
nonprofits need staff with technology related skills to serve the digital needs of the community.200
This is shown in many of the other CAPs linked in Appendix 7.3. This is especially true for CAIs
that serve specific covered populations, such as senior centers or schools, which may not have
the resources, staffing, or hours of operation to provide dedicated programs to teach and support
digital learning effectively.
Many of the CAIs also provide devices to communities. For example, some schools in Kitsap
County run mobile hotspot programs, yet the county identified a need to expand resources so that
all schools within their district can provide this critical resource.201 Libraries, community and
technical colleges, and CBOs can also offer computers and laptops as well as tablets, yet it is
evident that they need additional resources to ensure their devices are functional and up to date
to help with digital learning.
To address some of the resourcing challenges, some counties are expanding partnerships with
CAIs that do not traditionally offer digital equity programming to fill resource gaps. For example,
during the COVID-19 pandemic when libraries were closed, Stevens County partnered with a
200 Skamania County (2023), Community Action Plan. Accessed at: Skamania_County_Community_Action_Plan.pdf | Powered by Box
201 Kitsap County (2023), Community Action Plan. Accessed at: Kitsap_County_Community_Action_Plan.pdf | Powered by Box
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 100
health clinic that was under construction to create public Wi-Fi areas, tables, and safety
equipment so the community could continue to access digital services safely. 202
NEED TO ADDRESS OVERLAPPING BARRIERS
It is difficult to address the need for broadband access, affordability, and adoption without
understanding the interconnection of barriers impacting covered populations, such as lack of
housing, public and private transportation options, and other quality of life barriers.
The Samish Indian Nation Community Action Plan, like many other CAPs, stated that community
members are experiencing a negative spiral due to not having broadband, and that the lack of
broadband access has resulted in a lack of access to social services, consistent employment, or
local housing opportunities.203 Due to the transition to online servicing for social service agencies,
job and apartment searches and applications, a lack of access to broadband can impact one’s
ability to address other barriers within their life.
Additionally, many Washingtonians, especially those in rural areas, are miles away from a CAI,
limiting access to digital resources and support. Grant County has a population of approximately
100,000, yet most of their digital literacy classes, training programs, and other digital services are
offered in Moses Lake, a city within Grant County. 204 Therefore, residents in other cities within the
county need transportation to travel to access those resources, which can be difficult for low-
income populations or individuals with disabilities.
There are also adoption barriers that affect multiple populations. There is a potential adoption
barrier related to individuals who are unaware of the benefits of having a home broadband
internet connection. For example, the NTIA’s Internet Use Survey results from 2021 indicated that
of the 24 million offline households, a majority (58%), responded that they had no interest or need
to be online. Anecdotally, several of the individuals we surveyed during community engagement
did not see the value of broadband internet, although they indicated that they did connect
occasionally using smart phones.
Some of the needs and barriers that are most salient for specific covered populations related to
broadband access, affordability, and adoption are described in the following sections.
202 Stevens County (2023), Community Action Plan. Accessed at: Stevens_County_Community_Action_Plan.pdf | Powered by Box
203 Samish Indian Nation (2023), Community Action Plan. Accessed at: Samish_Indian_Nation_Community_Action_Plan.pdf |
Powered by Box
204 Grant County (2023), Community Action Plan. Accessed at: Grant_County_Community_Action_Plan.pdf | Powered by Box
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 101
3.2.2 Covered Population Needs Assessment
Some of the most pressing needs identified specific to each covered population are described in
this section. However, intersectional identities can result in these needs compounding or
intersecting across covered populations, impacting people’s day-to-day lived experiences. The
subsections below each focus on describing needs for a specific covered population. Strategies,
objectives, and activities discussed in Chapter 5 are intended to address the needs of all covered
populations.
3.2.2.1 Aging Individuals
In Washington state, 22% of residents are considered aging individuals, over the age of 60.205
Aging individuals in Washington are predominantly white (81%) and often receive the majority of
their income from Social Security (74%). 206 A majority of aging individuals in Washington are also
considered low-income based on the federal poverty rate (86%). Map 7 and Table 26 highlight the
counties where there are large concentrations of aging individuals. 207
Map 7: Percentage of
Washington
Residents Over 60
Table 26: Top Five Counties with Highest Percentage of People Aged 60+
County % 60+ Years Old
Jefferson 47.1
205 The term “aging individuals” and the definition as individuals who are over the age of 60 come from the Digital Equity Act – State
Digital Equity Planning Grant Program NOFO. Accessed at: DE PLANNING GRANT NOFO.pdf (doc.gov).
206 U.S. Census Bureau (2023). ACS 1-Year Estimates Public Use Microdata Sample 2022. Accessed at:
https://data.census.gov/mdat/#/search?ds=ACSPUMS1Y2022&vv=AGEP&cv=RAC1P&rv=ucgid
207 Data pulled from Digital Equity Act Population viewer. Accessed at: https://mtgis-
portal.geo.census.gov/arcgis/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c5e6cf675865464a90ff1573c5072b42
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 102
County % 60+ Years Old
Wahkiakum 43.8
San Juan 43.1
Pacific 39.7
Clallam 37.8
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE BASELINE DATA 208
Broadband subscription rates Device ownership rates
74% of individuals 60+ years have broadband 81% of individuals 60+ own a laptop or
internet service compared to 82% statewide. computer compared to 87% statewide.
NEED TO PROTECT PRIVACY AND SAFETY ONLINE
According to the FBI, aging adults lose the most money to cybercrimes, compared to other age
demographics. Adults aged 60+ lost $1.7 billion dollars in 2021, a 74% increase from 2020.209 In
Washington state, phishing scams target aging individuals by duplicating official documents or
government websites. An older adult in Ocean Shores mentioned how due to previous hacking
attempts, they usually call after receiving information via email stating, “The bank won’t get upset
with you if you call to verify that the information is from them.” While calling the bank is one
method for ensuring safety online, older adults need more protections when using the internet.
Lack of online security has also left older adults reluctant to use "I don't give out
online resources. Online shopping has increased over the years with
my information
about 80% of the U.S. population shopping online. However, some
about banking or
older adults do not feel comfortable using the internet to make
anything or credit
purchases. During a focus group in Port Angeles, a participant
card information.
commented that because they are not confident with their internet
I'll go to the bank.”
security, they do not buy things online. Additionally, data shows that
older adults represent the smallest demographic of online shoppers -Tacoma focus
(28%) suggesting that barriers such as safety, level of comfort with group participant
the internet, and reliable access may be contributing factors to the
low utilization.
NEED TO FEEL INDEPENDENT
Many older adults mentioned that having fast and reliable internet access provides them with the
opportunity to age in place, defined as the ability to live in one’s own home independently and
comfortably. This includes being able to access information, like local weather alerts, checking
208 Source: ACS 1-Year Estimates Public Use Microdata Sample 2022. Note: Satellite and cellular internet services were excluded.
209 AARP (2021), Older Americans’ Cybercrime Losses Soared to $3 Billion in 2021. Accessed at:
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2022/fbi-elder-fraud-report.htm
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 103
in with family and friends, as well as controlling home security centers. In rural areas with multiple
dead zones for mobile phone coverage or costly landline service, older adults need internet
access to stay connected to critical information like wildfire alerts.
Aging individuals in rural areas also need broadband to access critical healthcare services that
may not be available otherwise without having to travel long distances. A participant in Forks
commented that the town has limited specialty doctors and that access to fast, reliable internet
is needed to use telehealth services. The ability to video conference medical professionals allows
older adults to choose where they live while still having access to the services that they need.
NEED TO AFFORD INTERNET ON A FIXED INCOME
Currently, U.S. households pay a median of $75 per month for fixed internet service. 210 With 73%
of older adults in Washington on Social Security income, about $568 a month in Washington state,
$75 for broadband service can be considered too expensive. While ACP offers a $30 a month
subsidy, or up to $75 per eligible household on tribal lands, older adults may have difficulties
enrolling in the program due to a complicated multi-step enrollment process, lack of availability
through their ISP, or general unawareness of the program. In addition to accessing internet
services, access to affordable up-to-date digital devices is also necessary for older adults
challenged by rapidly evolving technology. Increases in monthly costs such as a plan rate
increase or the need to replace a device can also be a major budgetary concern for older adults
who are on a fixed income who may have a more challenging time adjusting to higher consumer
prices than individuals who are still actively employed. For example, if ACP is not renewed, this
could create a disruption in service for households who cannot absorb the additional plan cost.
NEED FOR ACCESS TO DIGITAL SKILL TRAINING
In research done by the National Library of Medicine, 8% of adults aged 65–74 reported having
above basic digital skills compared to 60% of those aged 16–24. During public engagement, many
older adults commented on needing improved digital skills to feel more comfortable and safer
online, yet many spoke about their difficulties and hesitancy in adapting to the technology. One
participant in Oak Harbor commented, "I'm old. I don't like change. I want my life to be easier, not
harder, and this is driving me nuts to almost wanting to take the computer and throw it across the
room." In addition to learning skills related to using devices and technology, a computer literacy
teacher in a Seattle focus group discussed the physical mobility challenges and decreased vision
that many older adults he was teaching faced. Older students often required his assistance to
adjust settings to make text larger on phones or computers and assistance adjusting features on
smart phones for individuals who had hand tremors.
Digital skills are essential for participating in today’s digital society through activities such as
searching and applying for jobs, accessing benefits, or engaging with friends and family on social
networks. While digital upskilling programs exist at community anchor institutions within
Washington, it may be difficult for some older adults to access services. During public
engagement, many older adults expressed the desire for in-person digital skill training to have a
210 Consumer Reports (2022). “Fight for Fair Internet: Consumer Reports white paper on broadband pricing.” Accessed at:
https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/research/fight-for-fair-internet-consumer-reports-white-paper-on-broadband-
pricing/?clreqid=df8f1a70-6745-4591-a0f1-6b561fc1ed5d&kbid=117828
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 104
hands-on learning experience. However, as Map 7 previously displayed, there are higher
percentages of older adults in rural areas of Washington state, resulting in additional barriers,
such as lack of in-person digital skills resources, lack of devices or broadband service, and
inability to travel to community anchor institutions. Many of the Community Action Plans
identified assets such as senior centers as trusted places where older adults gather, but many do
not have dedicated staff or equipment to provide digital skill trainings.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 105
3.2.2.2 Incarcerated Individuals
Washington state had approximately 14,000 individuals in confinement as of June 30, 2023, with
92% in a state prison and the rest in reentry centers, community parenting alternatives, or in-state
rented beds. 211 Map 8 shows the percentage of incarcerated individuals by county. Notably some
of the less populated counties have relatively high percentages of incarcerated residents relative
to their population, such as Grays Harbor and Walla Walla.
Map 8: Percent of
Population
Incarcerated by
County 212
Table 27: Top Five Counties with Highest Percentage of Incarcerated Individuals
County % Incarcerated Population
Walla Walla 4.7
Grays Harbor 3.5
Franklin 2.2
Jefferson 1.9
Mason 1.3
175 Washington State Department of Corrections, Agency Fact Card (2023). Accessed at:
https://www.doc.wa.gov/docs/publications/reports/100-RE004.pdf
212 Note: This map does not factor in Washington’s adjusted redistricting data with people incarcerated in state prisons reallocated
to their home addresses
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 106
The justice system across the country has a profoundly disparate impact on communities of color
and Washington state has faced similar inequities – with a disproportionately higher percentage
of Black, Latino and American Indian people incarcerated. 213 In 2017, the incarceration rate of
Black adults in Washington was more than five times that of white adults. 214 Given that these
racial and ethnic groups additionally struggle with fewer economic opportunities in Washington
and are disproportionately impacted by poverty, the brunt of the financial burden from
incarceration falls onto these communities and further exacerbates their day-to-day struggles.215
Through focus groups, the WSBO was able to engage with formerly incarcerated individuals to
identify needs within the facilities.216 These individuals were open about the challenges they
faced when it came to digital connectivity and access to internet or technology basics. Below are
consolidated insights, and research to align their experiences with evidence-based findings from
a myriad of sources discussing technology in correctional facilities.
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE BASELINE DATA 217
Internet availability Device access
The Washington State DOC has implemented • Individuals with permissible custody levels
an Off State Network (OSN) that allows can use tablets provided by a private
incarcerated individuals restricted access provider, although connectivity is
through computer labs located in all restricted to approved applications.
correctional facilities except two. *
• Access to computers (desktop or laptop)
is typically restricted to computer labs or
law libraries. Number of computers
connected to the OSN:
o Reentry Centers: 31
o Education in Prisons: 88
o Law Library (LexisNexis
online): 100 (average 20 per
law library with 5 currently
online)
o Support Clerks: 2
*Note: There are plans to extend the OSN to all facilities, and as of writing, the network and
computers connected to the OSN are still being expanded.
213 Vera Institute of Justice (2019), Incarceration Trends in Washington. Accessed at
https://www.vera.org/downloads/pdfdownloads/state-incarceration-trends-washington.pdf
214 American Civil Liberties Union (2019), A Smart Justice Profile of Washington’s Prison System. Accessed at:
https://50stateblueprint.aclu.org/assets/reports/SJ-Blueprint-WA.pdf
215 Economic Policy Institute (2020), Racial disparities in income and poverty remain largely unchanged amid strong income growth
in 2019. Accessed at: https://www.epi.org/blog/racial-disparities-in-income-and-poverty-remain-largely-unchanged-amid-strong-
income-growth-in-2019/
216 Note: Due to restrictions related to human subject research requirements governed by the National Institute of Standards and
Technology, the WSBO did not conduct research with currently incarcerated individuals.
217 Washington State Department of Corrections (2024). Email from February 1, 2024.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 107
NEED FOR AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE INTERNET CONNECTION WITHIN
FACILITIES
President Joe Biden has said that the majority of justice-involved Americans deserve a bona fide
second chance at life – but incarcerated individuals need some form of internet access to have
a chance of successfully reentering today’s tech-driven society. 218 Currently, access to internet is
restricted for incarcerated individuals, as there are concerns about incarcerated individuals using
the internet to conduct illegal activity, outside of regulated educational opportunities. 219 As our
society becomes increasingly internet-dependent, the internet is being used to facilitate gang
violence and drug trafficking and providing those currently incarcerated with the potential to
continue criminal activities while incarcerated, posing security and safety concerns for the DOC.
On the other hand, a lack of internet access is an issue for reentry purposes when so much of
modern life is carried out digitally. This will require a delicate balance between ensuring the safety
of the incarcerated individuals and Washington communities, and providing incarcerated
individuals the opportunity to learn, communicate with friends and family, and prepare for reentry
into society.
A pilot program in 2019 gave incarcerated students access to the “It can be hard to keep up
internet for the first time in state history, allowing them to receive
with changes in technology
their Tacoma Community College certificate in web
even when you’re
development. 220 The coding class had been offered before, but
experiencing them firsthand.
this was the first-time students had access to secure websites
When you’re locked away, it’s
that were screened and closely monitored while in use. A student
virtually impossible.”
told KOMO News, “Being able to actually use the internet while we
were here, although it’s secured, I was able to use the things that —Tacoma focus
I need for when I get out.” 221 group participant
Correctional institutions determine the resources available for
incarcerated individuals to access the outside world, including access to phone calls, emails, or
video calls. Consideration is needed for how to improve access to affordable internet services for
incarcerated individuals to stay in communication with friends and family. 222
218 White House (2023), A Proclamation on Second Chance Month. Accessed at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-
room/presidential-actions/2023/03/31/a-proclamation-on-second-chance-month-2023/
219 Department of Corrections. Accessed at: https://www.doc.wa.gov/corrections/incarceration/technology-provider.htm
220 Komonews (2019), Incarcerated students in Washington have access to Internet for first time. Accessed at:
https://komonews.com/news/local/incarcerated-students-in-washington-have-access-to-internet-for-first-time
221 Komonews (2019), Incarcerated students in Washington have access to Internet for first time.
222 Department of Corrections (2022), Press Release. Accessed at: https://www.doc.wa.gov/news/2022/05032022p.htm
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 108
NEED FOR MODERN DIGITAL DEVICE EQUIPMENT
Currently, incarcerated individuals in Washington have limited
“[A woman] just got out
access to computer equipment. Facilities will often have computer
[of prison last Thursday]
labs or institutional libraries available for incarcerated individuals,
so she's trying to get yet the devices may be limited in number, only available at certain
adapted with how to use times of the day, and highly regulated and under surveillance. 223 A
an iPhone." formerly incarcerated individual shared during a focus group in
—Tacoma focus Tacoma that, "You got to share [computers] with 30 other people.
group participant Sometimes up to 150," while at a carceral facility, and when there
are only a few computers, the lines can get long.
Upon release, many incarcerated individuals, particularly those who have been incarcerated prior
to widespread usage of the internet, lack the knowledge and skillsets necessary to engage with
the rest of society via digital devices, which have increasingly become a part of our everyday lives.
For example, a 2021 Pew Research Center survey in 2021 found that 85% of Americans owned a
smart phone, up from 35% when it first surveyed smartphone ownership in 2011. 224 As a
participant mentioned during the public engagement events in a Tacoma, "[A woman] just got out
[last Thursday] so she's trying to get adapted with how to use an iPhone." Incarcerated individuals
need access to current digital devices to optimize their ability to engage with and become
accustomed to the outside world after release.
The DOC renegotiated a contract for individual technology services to “lower costs and expand
services” into all state prisons, initiating the Individual Technology Services program.225 The
program aims to provide all incarcerated individuals in Washington state prisons a new tablet,
and a limited number of free weekly phone calls, monthly Video Connect sessions, and free
stamps for e-messaging. The tablets include applications such as podcasts, Law Library, and a
suite of educational and reentry resources. Full implementation to all facilities statewide was
completed by the end of 2023.
While a tablet program removes long lines at computer centers by providing a device to each
person, tablets should not completely replace traditional computer labs and institutional libraries.
Tablets have more limited functionality than desktop computers or laptops for performing
complex tasks that may be required for education and training programs.
NEED FOR WIDELY AVAILABLE DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING AND RESOURCES
Incarcerated individuals often lack the digital skills necessary to benefit from internet connectivity
upon release, such as accessing government services, job and housing applications, and
cybersecurity tools.226 Currently in Washington state, one of the most common ways to gain
access to digital devices and potentially the internet is to be enrolled in an educational program,
through DOC’s partnership with the SBCTC, Washington’s community and technical colleges, and
223 Department of Corrections (2021), Bridging a Technology Gap. Accessed at: https://www.doc.wa.gov/news/2021/07072021.htm
224 Pew Research Center (2021), Mobile Fact Sheet. Accessed at: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile/
225 Department of Corrections, Individual Technology Services. Accessed at:
https://www.doc.wa.gov/corrections/services/technology.htm
226 WIRED (2023), Inmates Need Internet to Prepare for Life after Prison. Accessed at: https://www.wired.com/story/inmates-need-
internet-to-prepare-for-life-after-prison/
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 109
the Evergreen State College. 227 These programs provide opportunities for justice-involved
individuals to complete high school, prepare for college, and learn high-wage and high-demand
workforce skills in college credit-bearing certificate and degree programs.228 From 2020–2021,
Washington state corrections education increased laptop capacity by 60%, although these
laptops work only in an offline internet environment or the OSN. 229 Adult basic education
programs are also available in every prison, providing a foundational education in reading, writing,
math, and the English language.230
However, currently, there is a gap in universal digital skills
training available to incarcerated individuals in Washington, "[Digital skills] are all skills
which is particularly crucial in the window of time when they are that have become life skills
preparing for reentry. Digital skills are crucial for being able to and if you don't have
engage with, contribute to, and safely navigate the world outside support [when you're out of
of prison walls. Participants voiced their concerns during the prison…], then tough luck."
public engagement efforts by stating that, "[Digital skills] are all
skills that have become life skills and if you don't have support –Tacoma focus
[when you're out of prison…], then tough luck." Without knowing group participant
how to use the technology of today, a participant shared that
they, “couldn't apply for a job, look for a place, look for resources since the application for
Department of Social and Health Services is online. Otherwise, you have to stay on the phone for
three hours. Then they want to email you. And then you have to upload the document,"—all things
that can be incredibly challenging without basic digital skills. Another participant shared that “you
need to have an email and you need to have internet, [as if] these are necessities even if you don't
know how to navigate them." The DOC has a Reentry Navigator program, which includes training
topics related to using email and other digital security topics, but the classes are limited in
duration and are currently not able to go in-depth into most digital skills individuals will need upon
release. 231
Incarcerated individuals need to be able to navigate the current conditions of modern life, which
has increasingly become technologically reliant and digitally based. Digital skills training with up-
to-date technology and internet access for training to enable navigating resources, researching,
and staying connected with loved ones can help ease the transition from incarceration and reduce
recidivism.
227 Washington Community and Technical Colleges (2023), Washington College in Prisons Program. Accessed at:
https://www.sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/programsservices/prisons/.
228 Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) (2022), Corrections Education. Accessed at:
https://www.sbctc.edu/resources/documents/colleges-staff/programs-services/corrections/fy-21-corrections-education-
annual-report.pdf
229 Ibid.
230 Ibid.
231 Interview with DOC staff on June 2, 2023.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 110
3.2.2.3 Low-Income Households
In Washington, 10% of the population lives in poverty according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 232 The
Census Bureau uses a set of income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to
determine who is in poverty. 233 If a family's total income is less than the poverty threshold for that
family size, then that family and every individual in it is considered in poverty. Map 9 and Table
28 show the distribution of households with an income below 150% of the Federal Poverty Line
across the state of Washington and the top five counties with the highest percentage.
Map 9: Percent of
Population with
Income Below 150%
of Federal Poverty
Line
Table 28: Top Five Counties with Highest Percentage of People Living Below 150% of the Federal
Poverty Line 234
County % Below 150% of the Federal
Poverty Line
Adams 38
Whitman 37.8
Okanogan 32.4
Yakima 32.4
Ferry 30.8
232 U.S, Census Bureau (2022), Quick facts Washington. Accessed at:
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/WA/PST045222
233 U.S. Census Bureau (2023), How the Census Bureau Measures Poverty. Accessed at: https://www.census.gov/topics/income-
poverty/poverty/guidance/poverty-measures.html
234 Data pulled from Digital Equity Act Population viewer. Accessed at: https://mtgis-
portal.geo.census.gov/arcgis/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c5e6cf675865464a90ff1573c5072b42
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 111
Due to compounding socioeconomic and racial inequities that exist in the United States, low-
income households often struggle with additional vulnerabilities besides their income level, such
as living in rural areas, having a disability, having limited English proficiency, being a veteran or
an aging individual, etc. Therefore, as the needs in this report are established, low-income
individuals also have similar needs as other covered populations due to the intersectional nature
of these identities. Nevertheless, three notable needs have been identified for low-income
households.
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE BASELINE DATA 235
Broadband subscription rates Device ownership rates
• 75% of individuals receiving Medicaid or • 78% of individuals receiving Medicaid or
other government assistance have access other government assistance own a laptop
to broadband compared to 82% statewide. or desktop compared to 87% statewide.
• 29% of eligible households enrolled in
ACP.
NEED FOR AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE INTERNET SERVICE PACKAGES
"Internet providers are In the state of Washington, several programs exist to help make
willing to accept [ACP] internet access more affordable for low-income individuals such as
but I didn't want to have the ACP and Lifeline Program. Several ISPs additionally have their
own low-income packages for inexpensive service offerings.
them do that for three
However, these packages frequently have low internet speeds and
megabytes. It's just not
restrictive data caps. Several participants voiced their frustrations
worth it in the end."
with low-income packages that had been offered by school districts,
–White Salmon focus the ACP, or individual ISPs, claiming that the services rarely worked
group participant and would often spend more time buffering, lagging, or dropping than
being useful.
As such, there is a need to ensure that ISPs are encouraged to
provide affordable internet service packages that also ensure “I have the $10 plan
reliable internet connections without data caps, and if receiving through my school district,
BEAD or Digital Equity Program funding, requiring that low-cost but it never works. My
plans meet minimum speed and reliability requirements. Low- kids have been penalized
income households deserve to be able to access the internet for not being able to turn
without being concerned about the service dropping or lagging. in homework or complete
Larger households where multiple people need to access the online tasks in time.”
internet at the same time experience a more limited ability to stream
–Sunnyside focus
movies, join online classrooms, work remotely, do homework,
group participant
235 Source: ACS 1-Year Estimates Public Use Microdata Sample 2022. Note: Satellite and cellular internet services were excluded.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 112
communicate with friends and family, or use social media when using lower speed internet
packages available for low-income families.
NEED FOR INCREASED PROMOTION OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES
As previously mentioned, several programs offering assistance and resources are available to
low-income households in Washington provided by federal, state, and local governments as well
as nonprofit organizations. These include digital navigator programs, services provided through
community anchor institutions, free public Wi-Fi hotspots, and numerous other digital skills and
device loaning programs serving the state’s covered populations. However, during the WSBO’s
public engagement period, it was evident that these resources are not being utilized as widely as
they could be. These needs were further emphasized in the CAPs submitted by counties and
tribes. For example, Walla Walla County stated that a barrier preventing the provision of digital
equity support services through their region is “staffing and funding for outreach for
organizations to increase awareness of the challenge and to encourage [internet] adoption.” 236
Awareness building is essential for low-income households to utilize digital inclusion assets and
resources that are publicly available, as many people are not aware that these resources exist.
Individuals may also be too embarrassed to request assistance or have other barriers that limit
them from accessing the plethora of digital inclusion resources that the state of Washington has
compiled. Therefore, it is crucial that the WSBO and other partnering organizations engaged in
digital equity work also continue to expand their promotional material and outreach efforts to
engage low-income households and other covered populations to help them access these
resources and programs. An outreach and engagement strategy will be discussed in Section 4.1.
NEED FOR AFFORDABLE COMPUTER EQU IPMENT
The reliance on smartphones is very common for low-income households and other covered
populations that struggle to afford updated computer equipment. 237 Through public engagement
the WSBO found that many low-incomes individuals struggled with accessing digital devices
other than smart phones, particularly low-income racial or ethnic minorities. According to a
representative of immigrant small business owners who spoke at the Spokane listening session,
“My community relies on the phone. That is their main source of internet.”
Cellular data plans are typically more affordable and available for low-income individuals, and the
average smartphone also costs less than the average computer or laptop. For individuals using
the internet daily to communicate, access social media, find directions, or lookup information, a
smartphone can be especially useful and affordable. However, this reliance can negatively affect
those who need computer equipment for other activities that require a large screen, such as
online schooling, working remotely, filling out forms, etc. Therefore, low-income individuals need
affordable computer equipment to fully utilize internet access to its fullest extent. This can
include not just the computer itself, but accessories that help people conduct critical activities
such as mice, keyboards, headsets, webcams, etc. These peripheral accessories can be
236 Walla Walla County (2023), Community Action Plans. Accessed at: Walla_Walla_County_Community_Action_Plan.pdf | Powered by Box
237 Pew Research Center (2021), Digital divide persists even as Americans with lower incomes make gains in tech adoption.
Accessed at: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/06/22/digital-divide-persists-even-as-americans-with-lower-
incomes-make-gains-in-tech-adoption/
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 113
especially crucial for conducting work, education, and telehealth related activities and are not
always included in device gifting programs.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 114
3.2.2.4 Individuals with Language Barriers
U.S. Census Bureau data indicate that a sizable percentage of Washington residents have limited
proficiency in English and speak another language at home. In Washington state, just over 20%
of its population speak a language other than English at home, and close to 8% of individuals
speak English less than very well, according to the ACS 5-Year Estimates data from the U.S.
Census. 238 That amounts to nearly 1.5 million individuals speaking a language other than English
at home, and over 547,000 individuals who have limited English language proficiency. 239 Map 10
shows the percent of each county’s population that has a language barrier.
Map 10: Percent of
Population with a
Language Barrier by
County
Additionally, while there are native-English speakers with low literacy rates, there is a notable
intersection between low literacy rates and limited English proficiency due to multiple factors that
may impede this population’s ability to access resources. This may include minimal or inefficient
schooling, exacerbated by socioeconomic and racial inequalities in the U.S. Research also
indicates that a mother’s education is the most important indicator of her child’s future
educational achievement. Parents who are illiterate cannot teach their children to read, increasing
the likelihood that a child will be illiterate as well. Map 10, Map 11, and Map 12 show how the
percentage of a population that is low literacy by county also coincides with counties with the
highest percentage of immigrants and racial and ethnic minorities such as Yakima County,
Adams County, and Franklin County.
238 U.S. Census Bureau, Languages Spoken at Home. Accessed at: https://www.census.gov/acs/www/about/why-we-ask-each-
question/language/
239 U.S. Census Bureau (2021), Selected Social Characteristics in the United States. Accessed at:
https://data.census.gov/table?tid=ACSDP5Y2021.DP02&g=040XX00US53&hidePreview=true
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 115
Map 11: Percent of
Population with Low
Literacy by County
Map 12: Percent of
Population That is a
Racial or Ethnic
Minority by County
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 116
Low literacy, or limited ability to understand, evaluate, use, and engage
with written texts,240 affects about 18% of U.S. adults. Low literacy
“Not being able to read
rates are higher among Hispanic individuals, Black individuals, foreign-
born individuals, and low-income individuals. 241 According to the and write and being too
Center for Immigration Studies, 41% of immigrants score at or below embarrassed to ask for
the lowest level of English literacy. 242 Literacy skills are at the help [is a barrier to
foundation of digital skills and digital literacy. Without literacy skills, accessing the internet].”
individuals will not be able to navigate digital resources and the –Sunnyside listening
internet. Therefore, this intersection between low literacy rates, racial session participant
and ethnic minorities, and people with limited English proficiency is an
essential component to understanding their needs to be able to
engage with the digital world.
Additionally, many entities, from government agencies to nonprofits and private businesses, use
websites and digital services to provide information and services to the public. 243 This includes
accepting applications, managing accounts, and offering services or products. People with
language barriers need to access these websites and digital services to accomplish everyday
tasks, such as paying their internet service bills, staying up to date with banking activities, and
looking up the hours to their favorite restaurants or stores. Vital information displayed on digital
service platforms should be accessible to individuals with language barriers in frequently
encountered languages, yet that is often not the case. 244 The following gaps have been identified
for individuals with language barriers.
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE BASELINE DATA 245
Broadband subscription rates Device ownership rates
• 85% of individuals who speak English “very • 87% of individuals who speak English “very
well” have broadband internet service well” own a computer or laptop compared
compared to 82% statewide. to 87% statewide.
• 80% of individuals who speak English • 80% of individuals who speak English
“well” have broadband internet service. “well” own a computer or laptop.
• 74% of individuals who speak English “not • 74% of individuals who speak English “not
well” have broadband internet service. well” own a computer or laptop.
240 Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (n.d.). Accessed at:
https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/piaac/measure.asp
241 Ballard Brief (2017), Illiteracy Among Adults in the U.S. Accessed at: https://ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/illiteracy-among-
adults-in-the-us
242 Center for Immigration Studies (2017), Immigrant Literacy. Accessed at: https://cis.org/Immigrant-Literacy-Self-Assessment-vs-Reality
243 Limited English Proficiency Committee, (2021), Improving Access to Public Websites and Digital Services for Limited English
Proficient Persons. Accessed at: https://www.lep.gov/sites/lep/files/media/document/2021-
12/2021_12_07_Website_Language_Access_Guide_508.pdf
244 Limited English Proficiency Committee, (2021)
245 Source: ACS 1-Year Estimates Public Use Microdata Sample 2022. Note: Satellite and cellular internet services were excluded.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 117
Broadband subscription rates Device ownership rates
• 62% of individuals who speak English “not • 47% of individuals who speak English “not
at all” have broadband internet service. at all” own a computer or laptop.
NEED TO PROMOTE AWARENESS AND EXPAND DIGITAL LITERACY TRAINING IN
ADULT ENGLISH LITERACY PROGRAMS
Currently, Basic Education for Adults programs in Washington state include Adult Basic Education
to improve academic skills, English as a Second Language classes, English Literacy and Civics
Education, GED/High School Equivalency, High School Plus, and integrate digital literacy
instruction into basic skills classes.246, 247 Studies show the advantages of developing digital
literacy skills alongside English literacy programs. The lack of digital skills inhibits people’s ability
to succeed in the 21st Century workforce. An estimated 92% of jobs require digital skills. 248 Yet,
one-third of workers, particularly those in low- to middle-skilled occupations, do not have the
foundational digital skills necessary to progress and thrive in today’s careers. 249 Individuals who
face language barriers may be unaware of the advantages of simultaneously improving English
literacy and digital literacy, and there is an opportunity to continue strengthening the integration
of learning opportunities.
NEED FOR ACCESSIBLE LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION SERVICES FOR
NAVIGATING GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED SERVICES ONLINE
Navigating government resources can be a complex and challenging task,
Washington State
even for those who are fluent in English. Individuals with language barriers
Executive Order 05-03
face an additional layer of difficulty when trying to access and understand
established the use of
these resources, which may be crucial for gaining access to basic needs
plain talk principles for
such as food, housing, and education. To ensure equitable access to
select government
government services and information, it is essential to provide more plain
agencies. This includes
language, multilingual translations, and translation service upon the
request of individuals trying to communicate with the government. Plain using short sentences in
language is language that accommodates people of all ages and abilities, clear language utilized
including those with cognitive disabilities, people with low literacy skills, by the intended
and speakers of English as a foreign language. Plain language should also audience.
be clear, concise, and free of technical jargon that the average reader may
not understand whenever possible. 250 During the WSBO’s public engagement period, Spanish-
speaking participants in Sunnyside expressed their frustration with “la lengua de abogados,” or
246 Washington Community and Technical Colleges, (2023), Providers of Basic Education for Adults. Accessed at:
https://www.sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/programs-services/basic-education-for-adults/providers
247 U.S. Department of Education (2013). Accessed at: https://lincs.ed.gov/publications/pdf/CCRStandardsAdultEd.pdf.
248 National Skills Coalition (2023), Closing the Digital Skill Divide. Accessed at:
https://nationalskillscoalition.org/resource/publications/closing-the-digital-skill-divide/
249 National Skills Coalition (2023)
250 Executive Order 05-03, Plain Talk. Access at: Executive Order 05-03: Plain Talk (wa.gov)
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 118
“lawyer language.” One participant explicitly said, “Things are too long and would take a whole
day to understand.”
Washington state is working to help improve language access across a variety of sectors. For
example, Governor Inslee issued a memo for a language access plan to help state agencies
streamline a process for agencies to translate vital health information into the top 37 languages
spoken in the state during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 251 A hotline for COVID-19 also
included interpretative services. Even as the pandemic subsides, language access needs remain
and public agencies may want to consider prioritization for translation services that are accurate,
culturally sensitive, and accessible for vital documents such as application forms, official notices,
and frequently used resources. Language helplines, interpretation services, and multilingual
websites are necessary for people with language barriers to enable their access to critical public
services.
NEED FOR MULTI-LINGUAL TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES FROM SERVICE
PROVIDERS
Individuals with language barriers often lack the ability to ask for and understand technical
support from internet service providers in their spoken language. While there are community
resources to assist with every-day technology issues, such as TechConnect WA that provides free
technical support to Washington residents to help them engage in a virtual environment, there is
a lack of accessible, multi-lingual tech support services specifically designated to assist
individuals with navigating ISPs and their services. TechConnect WA is the nation’s first
multilingual, multicultural help desk staffed by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
technicians. Technicians help callers navigate the internet, telehealth calls, and online access to
food, rental assistance, and socio-emotional supports. Multilingual technical support services
play a crucial role in ensuring that everyone has access to a vital service that will help with
navigating the complexities of acquiring internet services and fixing malfunctioning digital
devices. Acquiring internet services often involves technical procedures, such as setting up
routers, troubleshooting connectivity issues, or understanding different subscription plans.
Multilingual technical support services are needed to guide individuals through these technical
processes, ensuring that language barriers do not impede their ability to set up and enjoy internet
services effectively.
“My bill increased from $100
Not being able to communicate with technical support to $175 without me knowing
services can lead to frustration, confusion, and hinder because my contract had
peoples’ ability to enjoy the benefits of being connected to the expired. I didn’t know how to
online world. Multilingual technical support services aim to
fix it or fight it because my
bridge this gap by providing assistance and guidance in a
English isn’t that good.”
variety of languages. Individuals with language barriers can
then articulate their needs, understand the available options, –Aberdeen focus group
and make informed decisions. As a participant shared, “Some participants
families come to the library and speak languages that are
251 Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, Washington State Language Access Plan. Accessed at:
https://capaa.wa.gov/washington-state-language-access-
plan/#:~:text=Jay%20Inslee%20issued%20a%20memo,and%20with%20limited%20English%20proficiency
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 119
rare. It took months to get internet service for a family because they didn't understand text
messages from the service providers.” This is a direct example of how a lack of multilingual
technical support services and application information from ISPs acts as a serious barrier for
individuals with limited English proficiency.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 120
3.2.2.5 Individuals with Disabilities
According to census data, individuals with disabilities make up nearly 13% of the population
within Washington state. The U.S. Census Bureau defined disabilities as individuals that have
difficulty with hearing, vision, cognition, and ambulation. 252 However, a 2012 report from the
National Disability Rights Network stated that due to accessibility challenges, the disability
community is undercounted and misrepresented in the census. 253 National Disability Rights
further states that that questions related to disabilities such as chronic health and psychiatric
disabilities that impact more than 43% of individuals in the U.S., are not asked by the census, thus
not capturing the true number of Americans living with disabilities. 254 This is also visible in the
discrepancy between the estimated percentage of adults in Washington with a disability noted in
Section 3.1.1.5 (nearly 25%) based on data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
Map 13:
Percentage of
Population with
Disabilities
Table 29: Top Five Counties with Highest Percentage of Disabled Population 255
County % Disabled Population
Ferry 26.8
252 U.S. Census Bureau, Disability Status. Accessed at: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/note/US/DIS010219.
253 National Disability Rights Network (2021), Count Everyone, Include Everyone. Accessed at: https://www.ndrn.org/wp-
content/uploads/2021/10/NDRN_Count_Everyone_Include_Everyone_2021.pdf
254 National Disability Rights Network (2021), Count Everyone, Include Everyone. Accessed at: https://www.ndrn.org/wp-
content/uploads/2021/10/NDRN_Count_Everyone_Include_Everyone_2021.pdf
255 Data pulled from Digital Equity Act Population viewer. Accessed at: https://mtgis-
portal.geo.census.gov/arcgis/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c5e6cf675865464a90ff1573c5072b42
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 121
County % Disabled Population
Pacific 24.7
Columbia 24.3
Wahkiakum 23.2
Cowlitz 20.9
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE BASELINE DATA 256
Broadband subscription rates Device ownership rates
• 71% of individuals with a disability have • 75% of individuals with a disability own a
broadband internet service compared to laptop or computer compared to 87%
82% statewide. statewide.
NEED FOR ACCESSIBLE SERVICES
People living with disabilities face unique challenges to
accessing the internet including websites, mobile
“I had to go to the doctor yesterday.
applications, and other information and communication
They were asking a lot of personal
technologies and services including hardware and
questions during check-in at the
software, ability to afford services, digital skills, or
hospital. So, I told them, ‘This device
complex systems and languages. Specific disabilities
may require special resources to access the internet, for has a voice.’ They said, ‘No but let me
example, individuals with vision impairment may need check.’ It was an iPad. I said, ‘Siri: turn
screen readers or audio support to receive the information on the voiceover.’ Then I was able to
on a screen. However, screen readers may not be do all the questions by myself.
available on devices such as cell phones, or websites with Technology is changing and if it’s
photos without descriptive captions. going to benefit us [then we’ll] always
have to educate. When you educate
Individuals with disabilities may also need additional
someone, you get a lot of things done.”
support to feel comfortable using technology and building
their digital skills, or conversely, they may face encounters –Seattle focus group participant with
where they must explain how assistive technology works vision impairment
to others. While support is often available at libraries or
other community anchor institutions, staff need to ensure
they have resources and training to assist with the specific needs of people with disabilities. This
could include hardware such as computers and keyboards with large font, and software such as
text readers and screen dimmers.257
Even with access to assistive technology and training on how to use devices, another need is for
websites and applications to be designed to meet technical accessibility standards such as the
256 Source: ACS 1-Year Estimates Public Use Microdata Sample 2022. Note: Satellite and cellular internet services were excluded.
257 Screen dimmers are useful for populations that suffer from seizers and can be induced from bright or flashing websites.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 122
international recognized Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, which is also referenced in
Washington’s Office of the Chief Information Officer’s Policy #188 on Accessibility.
NEED FOR ISPS TO INCLUDE ACCESSIBILITY TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR
THEIR CUSTOMERS
While some ISPs provide programs or resources for their customers with disabilities, including
different bill formats, hearing aid-compatible cell phones, and Text Telephones or
Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf directory listings, customer service providers are not
consistently knowledgeable about these resources nor sensitive to a customer’s disability. 258
There is a need to standardize tools and resources for ISPs that can assist customers with
disabilities with troubleshooting internet connection issues or with accessing customer service
information.
During a focus group held to engage with individuals with vision impairment, one participant
expressed, “As a visually impaired, when [the internet] doesn’t work you have to know the problem
and even if you know, it’s tough. Customer service reps ask if there are green lights, red lights,
yellow lights, if they are blinking or not. We can’t see them.”
NEED FOR AFFORDABLE, SUBSIDIZED, OR INSURANCE-COVERED ASSISTIVE DEVICES
AND TRAINING
Assistive technology includes products, equipment, and systems that assist people with
disabilities in accessing computers and other information technologies. This form of technology
also enhances learning, working, and daily living for people with disabilities. Assistive technology
can be low-tech, such as communication boards, or high-tech, such as special-purpose
computers, screen readers and communication programs, special switched keyboards, or
applications that can act as “eyes and ears” for individuals with disabilities.
The cost of high-tech assistive technologies and insufficient
“But to live, you need training on how to use assistive technologies can often act as a
those services [assistive barrier for individuals with disabilities trying to fully engage with
technology]. For those the digital world. While the state of Washington already has state
who are low-income programs and funds available to assist individuals with
and need support, they disabilities with acquiring assistive technology, there remains a
can’t get them.” need for more resources to be allocated to those most in need.
As an example, the DSHS offers three assistive technology and
–Seattle focus group
assessment practitioners — who help with assessing the needs
participant
of individuals with disabilities attempting to achieve their
employment goals by merging assistive technology and vocational rehabilitation training — in
their respective regions of Eastern Washington, Northwest Washington, and Southwest
Washington. 259 The University of Washington additionally houses the Washington Assistive
Technology Act Program, which provides resources and services to individuals with disabilities
258 CenturyLink, Programs for customer with disabilities. Accessed at:
https://www.centurylink.com/aboutus/community/community-development/programs-for-customers-with-disabilities.htm l
259 Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Assistive Technology Services. Accessed at: Assistive Technology
Services | DSHS (wa.gov)
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 123
seeking assistive technology, including lending programs. 260 Disability Rights Washington and
the Department of Services for the Blind also act as a resource for individuals with disabilities by
providing a list of external links that can direct a person to avenues of funding and programs that
can bring the power of assistive technology to someone’s residence.261 For long-term digital
inclusion, every person with a disability should have access to affordable assistive technology
and training on how to use the technology.
NEED FOR AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE INTERNET SERVICES TO POWER
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Individuals with disabilities additionally rely extensively on internet connections to connect or
enhance the devices they do use as assistive technology. For those who are also low-income,
low-cost programs often cannot serve them due to slow internet speeds or network congestion
causing lags and buffering. For example, a focus group participant shared, “Sometimes when
they design the affordability programs, it does not serve me. It’s very slow, a lot of lag.” Individuals
with disabilities often rely on assistive technology to do basic, everyday tasks such as reading,
writing, and listening. Many tools require internet connectivity for full
functionality. As a participant expressed during a focus group with “I’ve tried low-cost
individuals with vision impairment, “We use iPhones to connect and programs. For about
do most of the things. [We need] higher-end phones for proper 24 hours. They were
accessibility. We use computers but we have to use magnifiers or too slow.”
other tools that need faster connectivity.” There is a substantial need
for this community to have both reliable and affordable internet –Seattle focus group
options to engage with the digital world and accomplish daily tasks. participant with
vision impairment
260 Washington Assistive Technology Act Programs (2023), Technology for Independence. Accessed at: https://watap.org/
261 Disability Rights Washington (2018), Accessibility & Assistive Technology. Accessed at:
https://www.disabilityrightswa.org/resources/resource-category/accessibility-and-at/
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 124
3.2.2.6 Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Racial and ethnic minorities span many of the other listed covered populations. In Washington
state, 33% of residents identify as a racial or ethnic minority. Map 14 showcases concentrations
of racial and ethnic minorities across the state, while Table 30 showcases the percentage. It is
important to note that while grouping racial and ethnic minority for analysis, this group is
extremely diverse and has unique needs that are largely driven by systemic barriers. For example,
the needs of migrant workers and the ability to seek out support for digital resources and skills
training may be impacted by fear of deportation in addition to potential language barriers. The
needs below are not exhaustive nor specific to the experiences of various racial and ethnic
groups.
Map 14: Percentage
of Minority
Populations in
Washington
Table 30: Top Five Counties with Highest Percentage of Minorities 262
County % Minority Population
Adams 66.2
Franklin 59.6
Yakima 56.8
Grant 46
King 40.4
262 Data pulled from Digital Equity Act Population viewer. Accessed at: https://mtgis-
portal.geo.census.gov/arcgis/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c5e6cf675865464a90ff1573c5072b42
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 125
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE BASELINE DATA 263
Broadband subscription rates Device ownership rates
• 82% of white individuals have a broadband • 89% of white individuals own a laptop or
subscription, compared to a statewide computer, compared to 87% statewide.
82%.
• 82% of Black or African Americans own a
• 79% of Black or African Americans have a laptop or computer.
broadband subscription.
• 86% of American Indians own a laptop or
• 74% of American Indians have a computer.
broadband subscription.
• 82% of Alaska Natives alone own a laptop
• 74% of Alaska Natives alone have a or computer.
broadband subscription.
• 73% of American Indian and Alaska
• 70% of American Indian and Alaska Natives own a laptop or computer.
Natives have a broadband subscription.
• 91% of Asian Americans own a laptop or
• 87% of Asian Americans have a broadband computer.
subscription.
• 72% of Native Hawaiians and other Pacific
• 81% of Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders own a laptop or computer.
Islanders have a broadband subscription.
• 70% of “some other race alone” own a
• 73% of “some other race alone” have a laptop or computer.
broadband subscription.
• 87% of “two or more races” own a laptop
• 84% of “two or more races” have a or computer.
broadband subscription.
NEED FOR CULTURALLY SENSITIVE ONLINE FORMS
“Government websites
As previously mentioned, language barriers may prevent individuals
don’t recognize my last
from navigating government websites due to complex language or
name, because it’s pretty
a lack of translation options. Similarly, some racial and ethnic
long. I often have to
minorities may have difficulties using government websites due to
the spelling of their name. For example, there are more than shorten it then remember
150,000 Chinese Americans in Washington state with Li being one which version of my last
of the most common surnames. Yet, for some government forms, name I used when trying
the last name Li would not be recognized due to the insufficient to log back in.”
characters, as the form defaults to traditional American last names –Burien focus group
participants
263 Source: ACS 1-Year Estimates Public Use Microdata Sample 2022. Note: Satellite and cellular internet services were excluded.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 126
that usually feature more characters. 264 Additionally, first or last names with hyphens or other
symbols are also rejected which can lead to people needing to “Americanize” their names in order
to fill out information online. Being able to enter your name without having to modify it for
computer systems promotes digital inclusion and can also reduce barriers to accessing services.
NEED TO WORK WITH NONTRADITIONAL COMMUNITY ANCHOR INSTITUTIONS
FOR OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT
Nontraditional CAIs offer opportunities to meet diverse communities where they feel comfortable
and frequently visit. As one example, during the era of American slavery, enslaved individuals
were allowed to work in barbershops, providing haircuts to affluent customers. Today,
barbershops are recognized as cultural centers within the Black community, serving as spaces to
share information, host events, and showcase elected officials, with some barbershops serving
as food distribution centers during COVID-19. 265 Due to their connection and central locations
within many communities, barbershops could serve as public Wi-Fi networks, digital training
locations, or locations where public engagement events are hosted and information is shared,
such as how to sign up for discount programs like ACP, offering communities opportunities to
stay connected.
Similarly, across the United States, many racial and ethnic minorities are religious, with higher
percentages of Black (83%), Latino (74%), and Asian (68%) populations attending a religious
service at least a few times a year, as compared to their white (66%) counterparts. 266 Some faith-
based institutions run nonprofits and assist with food distribution, clothing drives, or homework
help for kids within the community. Faith-based institutions are well connected, with space and
resources to share information and create safe and comfortable spaces for digital skills and
digital literacy trainings.
NEED FOR MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT WITH TRIBAL COMMUNITIES
Government agencies need to invest resources into meaningful engagement with tribal
governments, Native community-based organizations and residents. Some tribes in Washington,
such as the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, have been faced with losing federal recognition, hunting
and fishing rights, and rights to their land, resulting in negative impacts to the tribal community’s
health care and education. 267 Colonialism has been cited as a barrier for tribal communities to
access economic opportunities and resources that affect their quality of life, such as more job
opportunities to address high unemployment rates.268 To combat the history of government
mistrust, relationship building is essential to create an environment where tribal community
members can feel that their contributions are valued, and they are empowered to participate in
public engagement
264 Wall Street Journal (2021), What can’t the internet Handle in 2021?
Apostrophes. Access at:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/internet-mangles-names-accents-web-forms-11664462695
265 Library of Congress Blogs (2022), Honoring African Americans: Barbering. Accessed in:
https://blogs.loc.gov/inside_adams/2022/02/african-americans-barbering/
266 Pew Research Center, Racial and Ethnic Composition. Accessed at: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/religious-landscape-
study/racial-and-ethnic-composition/
267 Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe (2023), Community Action Plan. Accessed at: Jamestown_S_Klallam_Community_Action_Plan.pdf |
Powered by Box
268 United Nations, Fight Racism. Accessed at: https://www.un.org/en/fight-racism/vulnerable-groups/indigenous-peoples
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 127
During the tribal listening sessions hosted by the WSBO, many tribes expressed frustration for
being left out of the planning process. Some members proposed creating coalitions where tribes
can work with state and federal governments to advocate for their needs. This also includes
creating coalitions with neighboring counties to share resources and information. There are
opportunities for tribes to continue to cultivate relationships with other governmental entities to
assist with expanding digital equity resources. Other tribes want to ensure that the government
understands both differences and similarities of the 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington
to create a unique strategy that engages in government-to-government partnerships, with an
emphasis on respecting tribal sovereignty. Establishing partnerships takes work and
communication. Many tribes are willing to engage with the state to provide their communities
with the resources they need. The WSBO has an opportunity to listen and co- create to ensure
that all Washingtonians can participate equitably in our digital society.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 128
3.2.2.7 Rural Inhabitants
Currently, an estimated 26% of the population in Washington live in a rural area. 269 Map 15 reflects
the percentage of each county’s population living in rural areas.
Map 15: Percentage
of Rural Population by
County
Rural areas in Washington have low population densities as shown in Table 31 with seven of 39
counties having population densities at or below 10 people per square mile, which can make it
economically challenging for ISPs to invest in broadband infrastructure. As demonstrated in Map
16, high population densities are clustered around the I-5 corridor in western Washington, Yakima
in central Washington, and Spokane in eastern Washington. Challenging terrain may also pose a
barrier to accessing high-speed internet. Mountains, forests, rivers, or large distances between
households can make it difficult to deploy traditional broadband infrastructure, increasing the
cost and complexity of expanding services.
Table 31: Counties with Population Densities at Or Below Ten People Per Square Mile 270
County Population density (People/Mile2)
Garfield 3
Ferry 3
Columbia 5
Lincoln 5
269 Note this estimate uses the U.S. Census Bureau definition based on population density since it is more consistent with the state
definition, whereas the DE NOFO uses a definition based on number of inhabitants within a defined metropolitan area.
270 Data from 2020 US Census.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 129
County Population density (People/Mile2)
Skamania 7
Okanogan 8
Pend Oreille 10
Map 16: Washington
State Population
Density
Source: Analysis
using 2020 U.S.
Census data.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 130
Additionally, the lack of market competition often contributes to limited broadband options and
higher costs for residents. ISPs may have little incentive to invest in infrastructure upgrades or to
extend their services to underserved areas without competition. As a result, many rural
communities are underserved or unserved. Local governments, PUDs, Port Authorities, and
municipalities can play a vital role by encouraging competition and facilitating partnerships to
expand services in rural areas.
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE BASELINE DATA 271, 272
Broadband availability
• 92% of the unserved/underserved locations are in rural areas of the state of Washington.
• The majority of Washington state’s 348 building locations managed by 60 public library
systems are in rural areas (as defined in the Digital Equity NOFO).
NEED TO CONSIDER RURAL SPECIFIC BROADBAND NEEDS
Local municipalities must consider needs that may be more specific
“Stuff like [smart
to rural areas for planning for and administering broadband expansion
agriculture] is really
projects as well as digital equity programs. Currently, local
changing the way rural
municipalities often center municipal boundaries as the areas to
communities are
expand internet access or to deploy digital equity programs because
developing, and how we
of the higher population density in those areas. However, expanding
access the internet right
broadband access beyond city limits and including rural areas can
bring significant benefits to rural inhabitants. Internet has become now is probably the largest
essential for various aspects of daily life, including education, bottleneck we have."
healthcare, business, and communication. A participant in the – Spokane listening
listening session in the city of Forks emphasized the need to consider session participant
areas outside of city limits, by saying that, “The population within
Forks city limits is less than the population outside.”
The need to consider areas outside of city limits also expands Washington’s potential for
economic development by no longer relying on city hubs as the sole attractor for businesses and
industries. Reliable broadband infrastructure outside of city limits
“Everything comes over
will be crucial for attracting skilled laborers and businesses, as it
the internet and so much
creates an environment conducive to economic growth. It enables
relies on it: jobs, education,
local businesses to expand their reach, attract remote workers,
health, commerce…,”
and access markets outside of their immediate vicinity. This can,
–Okanogan listening in turn, stimulate job creation, increase income levels, and boost
session participant the overall economy of the rural region. As a participant mentioned
271 The rural boundaries were sourced from: Office of Financial Management, Census Geographic Files. Accessed at: Census
geographic files | Office of Financial Management (wa.gov). Underserved location analysis from FCC broadband serviceable
location fabric for Washington state as of October 24, 2023. Note: Satellite and cellular internet services were excluded.
272 Washington State Library. Data provided via email on 1/25/2024. Appendix 7.10.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 131
during the Oak Harbor listening session, “there’s a real chance of it impacting the potential to
increase property value.”
Education opportunities, healthcare services, agricultural innovation, and social connectivity
would also be positively impacted in rural communities through the expansion of broadband in
areas outside of city limits:
• Education: Students in rural areas can access online learning resources, participate in
virtual classrooms, and engage in distance education programs to ensure that they have
the same educational opportunities as their urban counterparts.
• Healthcare services: Broadband connectivity also expands the delivery of telehealth
services. Access to telehealth services is particularly vital in areas where medical
resources are scarce or distant. Remote consultation, monitoring of health conditions,
and sharing of medical records with medical professions can lead to improved access to
quality healthcare and better health outcomes for rural inhabitants.
• Agricultural innovation: Technological advances can also be brought to the agricultural
industry, such as precision farming, remote monitoring, and data-driven decision-making
for small farmers in rural Washington. Farmers can access real-time weather data, market
information, and agricultural research which can increase productivity, reduces cost, and
may promote sustainable practices.
• Social connectivity: Internet access can help rural inhabitants stay connected with friends
and family by allowing them to access online social platforms and to participate in virtual
communities or video calls. More social interaction with loved ones may reduce social
isolation, improve mental well-being, and can provide opportunities for cultural exchange,
civic engagement, and community building.
Considering the needs of areas outside of city limits when planning and
administering broadband expansion projects is crucial for the well-being “I can’t fulfill work
and progress of rural inhabitants. By bridging the digital divide, fostering responsibilities at
economic development, improving education and healthcare, encouraging home and other
agricultural innovation, and enhancing social connectivity, the state, creative opportunities
counties, and municipalities can support inclusion of rural areas in the
because the bandwidth
digital age--creating a more equitable and inclusive society. As mentioned
is not great, and it’s
by an individual participating in a listening session in Spokane, “Stuff like
unable to upload.”
[smart agriculture] is really changing the way rural communities are
developing, and how we access the internet right now is probably the – Asotin listening
largest bottleneck we have." Considering areas outside of city limits allows session participant
for focused planning and innovative solutions that may address the unique
geography and challenges of rural Washington.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 132
NEED FOR MORE MOBILE CONNECTED SERVICES IN RURAL AREAS
Rural inhabitants need easy access to free public Wi-Fi and digital inclusion assets such as skills
training, device lending programs, and digital navigation assistance. In densely populated areas
around the state, many individuals and families have access to community anchor institutions
that can offer both. As rural areas are sparsely populated and have stretches of uninhabited land,
it is difficult to ensure easily reachable community anchor institutions for each household. During
the WSBO’s public engagement period, a participant in the Forks listening session emphasized
the importance and usefulness of their bookmobile hotspots, a large vehicle providing mobile
library and free hotspot connectivity sponsored by the libraries. There are, “no free internet
[locations] in remote areas,” with no places like, “a Starbucks or McDonalds,” as a participant in
the Forks listening session stated, making innovative solutions such a mobile connected services
a need for rural inhabitants.
Currently, CAIs in Washington are geographically distributed mostly around urban areas, heavily
surrounding the Seattle-Tacoma area as well as the Spokane area, as shown in Map 17.
Map 17: Community
Anchor Institutions in
Washington
Source: BEAD Five-
Year Action Plan
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 133
Rural inhabitants have limited or inadequate internet infrastructure, making it difficult to access
high-speed internet. Furthermore, rural areas in Washington can be very vast with limited
transportation options, making community resources such as libraries and community centers
difficult to reach. Without free public Wi-Fi being offered at local community anchor institutions,
rural inhabitants have an additional barrier to accessing internet compared to their urban
counterparts. Community anchor institutions notably may serve as lifelines by providing
individuals with internet connectivity, access to educational resources, job portals, government
services, and other essential online platforms; therefore, their absence in rural Washington further
exacerbates the digital divide and hinders opportunities for rural inhabitants. An expansion of
mobile connected services in these locations with dedicated, recurring funding in state and local
government budgets can potentially help bridge financial gaps and ensure their sustained
availability in the community. Some areas of the state of Washington have successfully
implemented the concept of mobile library services and mobile hotspots, such as in the city of
Seattle, North Central Washington, Whatcom County, Snohomish and Island County, as well as
Spokane County. 273 These successful programs can be expanded to serve rural areas of
Washington consistently and sustainably.
273 The Seattle Public Library, Mobile Library Services. Accessed at: https://www.spl.org/programs-and-services/outreach/mobile-
library-services; NCW Libraries, The Bookmobiles. Accessed at: https://www.ncwlibraries.org/bookmobiles/; Whatcom County
Library System, Bookmobile & Mobile Services. Accessed at: https://www.wcls.org/bookmobile-mobile-services/; Sno-isle
Library, Library on Wheels. Accessed at: https://www.sno-isle.org/library-on-wheels/; Spokane Library, Mobile & Homebound
Service. Accessed at: https://www.spokanelibrary.org/mobile-and-homebound
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 134
3.2.2.8 Veterans
As of September 30, 2023, there are approximately 525,000 veterans in Washington, according to
data from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans are mostly
concentrated in western Washington as displayed in Map 18 and Table 32. Many veterans have
overlapping identities with other covered populations, such as low-income, rural, aging and people
living with disabilities. For example, in Washington there are 217,000 veterans 65 and older with
11,000 veterans living below the federal poverty level. Of the 11,000 below the poverty level, 48%
have a disability. For veterans, compounding identities result in complex and unique needs that
can exacerbate the digital divide.
Map 18: Percentage
of Veterans in
Washington State
Source: U.S. Census
2020
Table 32: Top Five Counties with Highest Percentage of Veterans 274
County % Veteran Population
Island 14.4
Kitsap 12.4
Wahkiakum 12.2
Jefferson 12.1
Clallam 11.9
274 Data from 2020 U.S. Census.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 135
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE BASELINE DATA 275
Broadband subscription rates Device ownership rates
• 78% of veterans that have been on active • 85% of veterans that have been on active
duty in the past, but are not now, have duty in the past, but are not now, own a
broadband internet service compared to laptop or computer, compared to 87%
82% statewide. statewide.
NEED FOR DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING, PARTICULARLY FOR RE CENTLY
SEPARATED VETERANS
Like many other covered populations, veterans need digital skills training to participate in today’s
digital society. As a whole, veterans have an unemployment rate of 2.7%. However, young
veterans, ages 18–24, have a higher-than-average unemployment rate of 6.5%. 276 Studies show
that recently separated veterans struggle with unemployment due to proximity to their service.
This infers that they are having difficulties adjusting to the civilian workforce. It is essential to
provide recently separated veterans with the resources and digital skills necessary to support
their integration into civilian work.
NEED FOR SYSTEM AND DEVICE SUPPORT FOR VA PROGRAMS
During COVID-19, many programs and resources were moved
"The VA has gotten
online with the intention of keeping vulnerable populations safe
more and more online to
and reducing the spread of the coronavirus. Today, many of those
make it more easy for
resources are still online. However, some veterans struggle with
veterans, but you get to
the complicated system, preferring in-person methods for
a certain generation.
accessing benefits through agencies like the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs. Double authentications
become a difficulty.”
To combat this, programs such as the Digital Navigator Program
operated by WDVA were able to provide 4,000 participants with a -White Salmon
laptop, smart phone, or hotspot, as well as some training to use the participant
devices to ensure veterans have the tools and support they need to access systems through mid-
2023. Unfortunately, the need for services exceeded funding available, and WDVA is seeking
funding opportunities to reinstate and expand the program. Expanding programs such as digital
navigators and other community-based programming can help veterans navigate complicated
government systems to receive the benefits they have earned and need.
275 U.S. Census Bureau (2022), ACS 1-Year Estimates Public Use Microdata Sample 2022. Note: Satellite and cellular internet
services were excluded.
276 Syracuse University (2023), The Employment Situation of Veterans. Accessed at: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/wp-
content/uploads/2023/07/IVMF-Employment-Situation-of-Veterans-June-released-July-2023.pdf
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 136
OTHER UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS
3.2.2.9 Youth in Foster Care
Youth in foster care are a particularly underserved and vulnerable population, facing numerous
challenges that can hinder their well-being and prospects. These children are in the temporary
custody of the state, specifically the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
There are approximately 10,060 children in foster care in Washington as of July 2023; over 2,100
of these children are waiting for adoptive families, as shared by a DCYF program manager during
a key informant interview. 277 Some are in group homes; others are cared for by foster families.
The child welfare system in Washington struggles to recruit and retain foster parents. 278 There is
also a shortage of licensed group homes and foster homes, resulting in overcrowded group care
and frequent placement changes. 279 State agencies are therefore increasing the practice of
housing children and youth in hotel rooms.280 Washington state recorded over 4,000 hotel stays
in 2022 for children and youth under the age of 18. 281 There has been a 468% increase in hotel
stays for youth in foster care since 2017, as recorded by the Washington State Office of the Family
and Children’s Ombud.282 The instability of these environments can disrupt educational
continuity, exacerbate emotional trauma, and hinder the development of meaningful relationships
with caregivers. Studies show that congregate care causes harm to youth, reducing timely
placements and increasing chances of incarceration.
Youth in foster care are protected both federally and in Washington
“If we can’t get in touch
state to ensure that their basic needs are met, including their
with our young people,
educational, physical, and emotional needs. The Independent
we can’t do our work.”
Living Program run by DCYF for foster youth is an example of a
government service that the state offers for youth in foster care. – Independent Living
The program is federally required to provide academic support, Provider for Youth in
career preparation support, employment support, healthy Foster Care
relationships coaching, health and risk prevention coaching, home
management support, post-secondary education support, and tangible items such as computers
(if funding is available) that would help children become more independent. However, youth in
foster care may lack the necessary digital skills to safely navigate information online, devices,
and consistent access to the internet that are crucial for success in education, employment, and
daily life. This digital divide places them at a further disadvantage. The needs delineated below
have mostly been identified through informative interviews with program managers at DCYF.
277 This figure shifts from month to month and the WSBO will work with DCYF to track data related to youth in foster care as this
information is not publicly available.
278 US Department of Education, Meeting the Challenges of Contemporary Foster Care. Accessed at:
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ795825.pdf
279 Washington State Office of the Family and Children’s Ombud (2018), New report sounds alarm over state of Washington’s foster
care system. Accessed at: https://ofco.wa.gov/new-report-sounds-alarm-over-state-washingtons-foster-care-system
280 Washington State Office of the Family and Children’s Ombud (2019), Hotel Stays Put Pressure on Washington Lawmakers to
Increase Foster Care Funding. Accessed at: https://ofco.wa.gov/hotel-stays-put-pressure-washington-lawmakers-increase-
foster-care-funding
281 Ibid.
282 Ibid.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 137
NEED FOR ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES FOR FOSTER CARE
MANAGEMENT SERVICES TO ENSURE THAT YOUTH HAVE THE TOOLS THEY
NEED TO ACCESS THE INTERNET SAFELY
Foster care management services, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, were required to meet youth
in foster care in-person to conduct check-ins, administer resources, and provide assistance and
support for their educational, physical, and emotional needs. However, during the pandemic,
these requirements were lifted and instead DCYF conducted their check-ins and adjacent services
virtually, including court hearings, online schooling, and enrollment into government programs for
benefits and financial aid. During this time, the state agency got a clearer understanding of the
digital needs of youth in foster care, particularly gaps in internet access and digital devices.
Foster care case managers assist foster children with getting connected to the internet by
providing options on how to access free public Wi-Fi, such as going to a local business or the
local library, and how to travel to these spots using publicly available resources. However, this
could be on a case-by-case basis as it is not included as a standard part of case management.
The resources that are available, as noted by Independent Living Providers for youth in foster
care, are, “incredibly outdated, especially for technology—from the 1990s, even.” Each situation
also is unique depending on the age group of children, since some case managers need to assist
elementary-aged children while others serve adolescents to young adults. Now after the
pandemic, the DCYF has noted there is still a definitive need to ensure that children have the tools
and resources required to access online schooling resources and online enrollment applications,
as well as for social connectivity. 283 Ensuring that DCFY staff and other foster care practitioners
are aware of concrete ways to assist youth with getting connected would help mitigate issues
that come from a lack of stable internet connectivity.
There is also a need for resources that are youth friendly, as mentioned during an informant
interview with a program manager at DCYF. While children are generally technology savvy given
that they have grown up with smartphones and computers, they may struggle with understanding
“adult” or legal language that is used to access resources, update them on court information,
provide instructions, etc. Using plain talk and youth friendly language when creating guidance and
resource tools for youth in foster care can help keep them engaged with their care management
services. Providing information in different platforms such as videos or through social media may
also be more effective than print resources. 284
NEED FOR ADDITIONAL DEVICE LENDING PROGRAMS OUTSIDE OF K-12 PROGRAM S
Another need that was identified for youth in foster care is the need for additional device lending
programs for school-aged children outside of K-12 programs. Currently, there are two main
computer lending programs for youth in Washington: the Computers 4 Kids (C4K) program
administered by OSPI and the Computers for Learning program administered by the U.S. General
Services Administration. The C4K program makes it possible to request and to donate state-
owned, surplus computers and computer-related equipment to any public school district or
283 Interview with program manager at DCYF on July 7, 2023
284 Adolescent Health Initiative (2017), Engaging Youth on social media. Accessed at: https://umhs-adolescenthealth.org/wp-
content/uploads/2018/03/social-media-plan-starter-guide.pdf
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 138
educational service district in Washington state. By law, only public-school districts in
Washington state are eligible for equipment sourced through C4K. Computers for Learning is a
federally-administered program that provides schools and educational programs across the
country with computer equipment for classroom learning. The Computers for Learning program
allows eligible organizations to view and select the computer equipment that federal agencies
have reported as surplus, which then is sent to their locations.
However, as mentioned by a program manager at the DCYF, there are youth in foster care that are
no longer enrolled in schooling or that have completed their K-12 education. These individuals
have found it difficult to acquire a device through lending programs, since many device lending
programs are administered through schools, and they may be unaware of other device lending
programs. Therefore, there is a need for lending programs specifically for minors through
avenues besides schools.
NEED FOR DIGITAL NAVIGATION SUPPORT FOR FOSTER PARENTS
Foster families are a critical component to caring for the youth that are under the temporary
custody of the state. To become a foster parent, the state requires a home study, extensive
interviews with family members, a background check, and pre-service training. The required
training courses include a Caregiver Core training course, a First Aid/CPR training course, and a
Bloodborne Pathogens course. Foster parents also get free, high-quality access to many training
courses through The Alliance and support services through The Alliance Caregiver Retention,
Education, and Support (CaRES) program.285
The CaRES program has a course for Parenting During the Digital Age, however it is not a
requirement and foster families must individually seek out the resource and self-enroll. Currently,
there is no statewide support for digital navigation for foster families. Conversations with staff at
the DCYF indicate that foster homes may not have internet access for the children under their
care and lack the awareness or resources for acquiring subsidized packages from ISPs or the
ACP program. The DCYF has observed a lack of knowledge or motivation to acquire internet
services. There is a need for digital navigation tailored specifically to foster parents, including
assistance with enrolling in the ACP program and other subsidy programs for internet services.
3.2.2.10 Individuals Experiencing Housing Instability
According to the July 2023 Washington State Snapshot of Homeless in Washington report there
were just over 202,000 individuals who were unstably housed or homeless based on combined
data sources from Medicaid, Economic Service, and the Homeless Management Information
System. 286 Populations are considered to be experiencing housing instability if they are
unsheltered, in temporary shelter, or in their vehicle. According to a report by the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development, Washington state’s population experiencing housing
285 Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (n.d.), Caregiver Training and Alliance CaRES. Accessed at:
Caregiver Training and Alliance CaRES | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families
286 Washington State Department of Commerce (2023), Snapshot of Homelessness Report. Accessed at: Snapshot_July_2023.pdf |
Powered by Box
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 139
instability has increased by 10% from 2020 to 2022, with the largest population growth happening
in Seattle.
The population experiencing housing instability intersects with other covered populations
including low-income, veterans, foster care youth, and aging populations. For example, in the U.S
31-46% of youth exiting foster care experience housing instability. 287 However, there are likely
many more people and intersecting communities experiencing housing instability as the
population is severely undercounted. 288 Many agencies use a point-in-time count, which would be
conducted on a single night and not adequately represent the population. While these numbers
are important to understanding the baseline in Washington state, these numbers can fluctuate
significantly from year-to-year.
NEED FOR MORE PU BLIC WI-FI LOCATIONS
Many of the covered populations that were engaged for the creation of this
“I sleep in the parking
Digital Equity Plan spoke to their reliance on cell phones as their primary
lot…and when the Wi-Fi
device for connecting to the internet. Programs such as Lifeline offer cell goes off, I can’t use my
phones to low-income communities, but limited minutes keep the most phone. That’s usually
vulnerable populations from connecting to broadband. One participant in how I know the soup
Lynnwood that identified as having unstable housing, said how valuable kitchens that are open
public Wi-Fi locations are for accessing the internet. Locations such as for the night."
coffee shops or grocery stores may close in the evening and not have a
– Lynnwood focus
strong enough signal for people to access from outside. For those
group participant
experiencing housing instability, resources and access to the internet are
needed, even after regular business hours.
As mentioned in earlier sections, access to public Wi-Fi networks is essential for the most
vulnerable populations to access resources in an increasingly digital society. Critical functions
such as job searches and applications are increasingly moving online as more companies are
going paperless. For people experiencing housing instability and without a mailbox, information
related to government services and community resources is mostly made available and
accessible online. To help address these needs, more public Wi-Fi locations need to be made
available all hours to meet a critical need for services that meet populations in need where they
are.
287 American Public Health Association (2013), Homelessness During the Transition from Foster Care to Adulthood. Accessed at:
https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2013.301455
288 The Seattle Times (2023), WA’s homeless population is increasing, new HUD report shows. Accessed at:
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/was-homeless-population-is-increasing-new-hud-report-shows/
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.3 CURRENT STATE OF DIGITAL EQU ITY 140
4. COLLABORATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS & PARTNERSHIP
WITH TRIBES
4.1 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
The vision of the state’s Digital Equity Plan can only be accomplished by centering the voices of
individuals from covered populations and working with communities to eliminate barriers to
connection. The state’s commitment to ongoing partnerships and stakeholder engagement is
critical for creating a strong foundation to successfully provide affordable broadband and the
skills to use it. The state of Washington has connected with over 4,000 individuals from July 2022
through January 2024 through public engagement activities. These activities combined
conversations related to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity
programs, with their feedback contributing to the development of this Digital Equity Plan.
However, the state recognizes that more outreach is required to support overarching goals and
that community needs evolve over time. Plans to continue community outreach and engagement
as an ongoing effort are described in Section 4.1.3.
The WSBO is deeply invested in conducting meaningful engagement with community members
and organizations to aim to ensure that the overall vision, strategy, and desired outcomes at the
end of the BEAD and Digital Equity programs are reflective of diverse communities across the
state. To that end, the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) is tailoring its approach to
ongoing engagement to meet the following public engagement goals:
1. Establish meaningful engagement with communities that have historically not been
represented in decision-making and governance, with particular attention paid to
geographic coverage across the state.
2. Promote an open, inclusive, and transparent public involvement process.
3. Strengthen partnerships with active digital equity champions and entities serving covered
populations by offering diverse engagement opportunities.
4. Provide concise information through multiple communication channels regarding how
the public can engage with this work to reduce confusion.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 141
PRE-BEAD PUBLIC E NGAGEMENT – CREATING STRONG FOU NDATIONS (2022)
Figure 5: 2022 Stakeholder Engagement and Tribal Partnership Timeline 289
Pre-BEAD Foundation
2022 2023
Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Digital Equity Forum Public
survey and focus Kick-off Event ISP Survey comment
groups BAT formation and coordination for existing BATs
Tribal engagement (DTLL, consultation events, ATNI conference)
Interviews, focus groups, listening
sessions
Internet for All Webinars
In anticipation of the BEAD and Digital Equity planning processes, and prior to the period of
performance for National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) planning
funds, the WSBO convened the state’s Digital Equity Forum to identify challenges to digital equity
in the state, as Figure 5 shows. This action was taken in partnership with the Washington State
Office of Equity. The forum conducted activities using state funds identified in the fiscal year (FY)
22 supplemental budget. These activities served as an important precursor to the planning efforts
funded by NTIA. These activities included:
• Public listening sessions: Four 90-minute public listening sessions were held with the
goal of providing an accessible space to identify community needs related to digital equity
and barriers to internet use in Washington state.
• An online community survey: Accessible in 17 languages including American Sign
Language, was developed to reach Washington state residents to better understand
challenges to accessing and using the internet. The survey was available for 45 days and
more than 2,700 total responses were received from Washington residents.290
• Focus groups: The Equity in Education Coalition and Goodwill coordinated four in-person
focus groups across the state to help give people with lived experience the opportunity to
share their experiences and stories. Focus groups were held in Ephrata, Pasco, Seattle,
and Tacoma Washington.
Results from the analysis of the listening sessions, online survey, and focus groups conducted in
2022 uncovered four key themes:
• Higher quality broadband service is needed: Faster and more reliable service needs to be
available to more people at more affordable rates and from more providers.
289 Note: “DTLL” refers to the Dear Tribal Leader Letter
290 Washington State Department of Commerce (April 4, 2022), Digital Equity Forum Report. Accessed at:
https://app.leg.wa.gov/ReportsToTheLegislature/Home/GetPDF?fileName=CommerceReports_2022_LGD_Digital%20Equity%20
Forum_Final_4.4.23_66571f42-74cb-40e6-994f-e1e81fe78e89.pdf. Survey and focus group results found in the Appendix.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 142
• Expanded access and digital skills are required: Expansion of broadband internet access
must be coupled with culturally informed efforts and multilingual outreach to elevate
digital literacy and digital skills for broader adoption to occur.
• Higher quality equipment is needed: Varied quality of internet access equipment (such
as modems, Wi-Fi routers, etc.) negatively affects broadband access, and individuals need
access to quality equipment to fully benefit from broadband-level speeds.
• Active role of state government: There is a desire to see internet service provider
deficiencies addressed through effective regulation and the development of new state
programs and initiatives to serve underserved communities more effectively. 291
Findings from these efforts provided foundational early inputs for the planning and public
engagement being implemented for the BEAD and Digital Equity planning process. Additional
engagement activities, which were designed specifically with the BEAD and Digital Equity
planning in mind, are described in the next section.
4.1.1 Public Engagement – BEAD and Digital Equity Planning (2023 and Onwards)
Figure 6: 2023 Public Engagement Timeline
BEAD & Digital Equity Engagement
Ongoing Public Engagement (Listserv, project website, social
media, etc.)
2022 2023
Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Digital Equity Forum Public
survey and focus Kick-off Event ISP Survey comment
groups BAT formation and coordination for existing BATs
Tribal engagement (DTLL, consultation events, ATNI conference)
Interviews, focus groups, listening
sessions
Internet for All Webinars
As depicted in Figure 6, the WSBO is building from prior efforts to support ongoing public
engagement by demonstrating its commitment to learn from previous engagement efforts and
to continue hearing from all Washingtonians. Importantly, the WSBO used state funds to support
the development of Broadband Action Teams (BATs). The WSBO partnered with Washington
State University-Extension to support existing BATs and stand-up new teams. In total, 51 BATs
across all 39 counties and 12 of 29 federally recognized tribes submitted Community Action
Plans (CAPs). These CAPs informed the BEAD Five-Year Action Plan and this Digital Equity Plan.
In addition to the 12 tribes that submitted independent CAPs, four tribes partnered with counties
in developing a CAP. BATs consist of a variety of partners including local and tribal government
291 Washington State Department of Commerce (April 4, 2022), Digital Equity Forum Report. Accessed at:
https://app.leg.wa.gov/ReportsToTheLegislature/Home/GetPDF?fileName=CommerceReports_2022_LGD_Digital%20Equity%20
Forum_Final_4.4.23_66571f42-74cb-40e6-994f-e1e81fe78e89.pdf
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 143
representatives, economic development councils, community anchor institutions (CAIs), and
more.
Additionally, the WSBO and its partners, including the Equity in Education Coalition and the City
of Seattle, conducted over 90 engagement activities throughout the state between July 2022 and
January 2024, which have helped inform this Digital Equity Plan as Table 33 shows.
Table 33: Public Engagement Activities
(July 2022 through January 2024)
Engagement Type (# of events) Number of People Covered Populations /
Engaged Organizations
Representing Covered
Populations 292
Interviews (32) 56 All
Focus Groups (33) 262 All
Community Events (mobile engagement) 157 All except incarcerated
(5) individuals
Listening Sessions (12) 267 All
Public Comment Open Houses (3) 31 All
Internet for All Webinars (8) 1161 All
Surveys (2) * 2,745 Aging individuals,
Individuals who are
members of a racial or
ethnic minority group, and
Individuals who primarily
reside in a rural area
Total 4,679 All
*Note: The 2022 survey included age, race/ethnicity, and zip code information, but did not include
information related to all underrepresented community categories as defined in the Digital Equity
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
Map 19 shows counties where in-person engagement events were conducted between May to
October 2023. In-person engagement events were held in 17 of 39 counties. Due to time and
resource limitations that prevented WSBO staff from visiting every county, the WSBO selected
locations to cover each region of the state (western, central, and eastern), areas where both
venues and partners could be identified, and venues that were accessible by public transit when
possible.
292 "Covered Populations" describes the eight (8) population groups NTIA identified in the Digital Equity Notice of Funding
Opportunity (NOFO). 1) Individuals who live in covered households (income <150% of Federal Poverty Level), 2) Aging individuals,
3) Incarcerated individuals, 4) Veterans, 5) Individuals with disabilities, 6) Individuals with a language barrier, 7) Individuals who
are members of a racial or ethnic minority group, 8) Individuals who primarily reside in a rural area. Washington state also
recognizes two additional populations under its ESSHB1723 State Digital Equity Act: 1) Individuals experiencing housing
instability and 2) Children and youth in foster care.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 144
Map 19:
Locations of In-
Person
Engagement
Events (May –
October 2023)
Source: List of
public
engagement
activities
(Appendix 7.6)
The public engagement process has allowed Washingtonians across the state to engage in the
planning process, share the needs of their communities, contribute ideas for how to meet digital
equity and universal access goals and build and strengthen partnerships that will be critical to
the implementation of BEAD and this Digital Equity Plan. To hear perspectives that may have been
missing from previous outreach attempts, multiple methods were used to reach out to invite
stakeholders including e-mail blasts, flyers, advertising in local papers, promoting through local
libraries, and phone calls. For example, for one listening session hosted by Sunnyside School
District, district staff advertised the session as a parent meeting and individually called and
invited parents to encourage them to attend the session. Food was provided at focus groups and
listening sessions as recommended best practice. Gift cards provided through state funding were
also given out at the end of in-person focus groups and mobile outreach events. This helped
foster a welcoming environment and adhered to Washington state guidance on lived experience
compensation, recognizing the expertise and contributions of community members.293
Such strategies appear to have produced a positive effect on engagement participation.
Participation at events, described above, included covered populations who have historically been
underrepresented through engagement activities conducted both virtually and in-person across
the state. Additionally, Map 20 and
Map 21 illustrate the reach of engagement for participants across the state in its public listening
sessions and survey. A full list and details of public engagement activities is provided in Appendix
7.6.
293 Washington State Office of Equity (n.d.), Community Compensation Guidelines. Accessed at:
https://equity.wa.gov/people/community-compensation-guidelines
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 145
Map 20: Residential Zip
Codes Provided by
Listening Session
Participants 294
Source: Analysis of
zip codes provided by
participants.
294 Altogether, 419 participants provided 402 valid zip codes.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 146
Map 21: Location of
Survey Respondents
by Zip Code
Source: Analysis of
zip codes provided
by respondents
One important lesson that the WSBO intends to integrate into Example engagement event
ongoing and future engagement activities is the value of
attending existing community events. Although the WSBO
hosted different types of engagement activities, the The engagement team visited the
engagement team found that they were able to engage with food bank in Port Angeles and was
more people by attending community organized events that able to connect one-on-one with
were already planned as compared to planning an event over 80 people from various covered
specific to this planning process. Examples of community populations to discuss questions
events and services included local festivals, career fairs, public related to internet access,
transit centers, senior center lunches, and food banks. affordability, and adoption.
Acknowledging that there is still a need for targeted listening
sessions and focus groups to reach specific covered populations in more regions of the state,
the WSBO intends to prioritize events that best align with the principle of “meeting people where
they are” whenever possible.
Engaging with trusted partners – schools, libraries, local and tribal officials, and community-
based organizations – is critical to amplify communication, reach community members, and
expand multilingual outreach opportunities. This is essential for those who may rely on word of
mouth or nondigital forms of outreach, including those who lack broadband altogether.
Accordingly, the WSBO and the DEU will continue to engage and coordinate with community-
based organizations and CAIs as it arranges additional engagement activities during the BEAD
and Digital Equity implementation phase.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 147
The WSBO supplemented the digital public comment opportunities with three in-person outreach
events to engage with communities during the public comment period for the Digital Equity Plan,
which occurred in September 2023. At these events, community members had the opportunity to
provide in-person public comments, ask questions, and learn more about Internet for All in
Washington and existing available resources, such as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
benefit and digital navigation services. The WSBO also intentionally extended the public comment
period from the minimum 30-day requirement to 60 days to allow more individuals and
organizations time to provide input. Additionally, the WSBO has been holding monthly webinars
to discuss progress and BEAD- and Digital Equity-related topics and to answer questions.
The WSBO can help identify and coordinate objectives for engagement with partners and act as
a resource through both financial and technical support to local and tribal government entities,
CAIs, and various organizations to directly conduct the engagement work. For example, the City
of Seattle conducted 10 focus groups funded by the WSBO in May 2023 with questions
corresponding to a survey for multiple covered populations including: individuals who live in
covered households, aging individuals, individuals with disabilities, individuals with a language
barrier (with a particular focus on emerging languages), and individuals who identify with a
racial or ethnic minority group. These focus group questions were mirrored closely by the
WSBO’s recent public engagement activities to help with data comparability. 295
Altogether, the WSBO intends to implement an ongoing engagement strategy involving five
related activities, as Figure 7 describes.
Figure 7: Ongoing Engagement Strategy
Identify Targeted Outreach Clarify Intended Incorporate Feedback
Determine Method of Establish and Allocate
Goals and Engaged Result of into Digital Equity
Outreach Necessary Resources
Stakeholders Outreach Strategy
1. Identify Partners and Stakeholders. To capture full public engagement from distinct
covered populations and stakeholders, it is helpful to focus on a specific population with
a related outreach method.
2. Determine Method of Outreach. Consider a variety of data gathering measures, as
underserved communities are often hard to reach using traditional, digital methods.
Offline methods may include door-knocking or texting residents.
3. Clarify Intended Result of Outreach and Engagement. Depending on the method of
outreach, clarify the intended result of public engagement efforts – e.g., give updates on
project rollout, provide opportunity for feedback, or facilitate forums for larger discussion.
4. Establish and Allocate Necessary Resources. Resources may include funding, staff, time,
or content creation.
5. Incorporate Feedback into Digital Equity Work. Iterative understanding and incorporation
of partner and stakeholder feedback can act as a benchmark for success in meeting
community needs.
295 City of Seattle Information Technology Department (2023). Technology Access and Adoption Study: Qualitative Research Report.
Accessed at: https://seattle.gov/techaccessstudy
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 148
Please note that there will not be one singular outreach method for one covered population. The
WSBO will consider the intersectionality and diverse needs within each covered population to
support holistic engagement.
4.1.2 Identification of Stakeholders and Partners
To ensure that all covered populations are involved in ongoing engagement, it is necessary to
identify a multitude of partners and stakeholder organizations that work alongside covered
populations or represent individuals from covered populations. Additionally, tribal government
and stakeholders are important implementation partners, so identifying different types of
stakeholders who will play different roles and can expand the reach of both outreach activities
and program impact is important. Table 34 contains a preliminary stakeholder and partner list by
type with over 200 organizations. The full list of tribal governments and stakeholder organization
names and the covered populations they serve is in Appendix 7.5. This list has been developed
as part of the planning process and will function as a living document, as various partners
continue to introduce additional tribal governments and stakeholders through engagement
activities.
Table 34: Summary of the Number and Type of Partners and Stakeholder Organizations as of December
2023
Count by Stakeholder
Stakeholder / Partner Type
Type
Civil Rights Organization 2
Community Anchor Institution 15
County or Municipal Government 28
Economic Development 3
Health or Telehealth Organization (Direct Service and Policy 3
focus)
Hispanic-serving Institution 1
Indian Tribe, Alaska Native Entity, or Native Hawaiian 3
Organization
Industry Representative or Association (501c6) 7
Institutions of Higher Education (if not listed above) 6
Internet Service Provider 32
Labor Organization or Union 1
Local Education Agency 7
Nonprofit Organization (501c3) 15
Organization that Represents Covered Populations 9
Other 25
Port 6
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 149
Count by Stakeholder
Stakeholder / Partner Type
Type
Predominantly Black Institution 1
Public Housing Authority 2
Public Utility 11
State Agency 24
Tribal Government 20
Workforce Development Organization 15
TOTAL 236
4.1.3 Determine Methods of Outreach and Engagement, Clarify Intended Result of
Outreach and Engagement, and Establish and Allocate Necessary Resources
The most appropriate outreach and engagement methods will depend on the intended audience
and results. Below, Table 35 and Table 36 outline outreach methods the WSBO is currently using
to engage with the public or specific covered populations, and additional outreach methods that
the WSBO could potentially use for future engagement activities, respectively. These tables are
non-exhaustive, as the selected method will need to be tailored for potential partners, message
and intended results, resources needed, platform or format, and outreach coordinator for each
engagement effort. To support consistency for all engagement activities, the WSBO will review
engagement material and objectives with partners for communication consistency and goal
alignment. As such, the WSBO will need sufficient outreach and engagement administration
resourcing. The WSBO team hired a Policy and Communications Manager who will help to lead
stakeholder and partner communications working closely with the current Broadband
Engagement Coordinator and will continue to evaluate resourcing needs as BEAD and Digital
Equity Program-related activities commence.
As described in Table 35, digital navigators can help with targeted outreach in unserved and
underserved areas and can provide opportunity for two-way engagement methods for sharing
and receiving information about community connectivity and digital inclusion needs. The second
cohort began at the end of 2023. 296 As service providers who will be working with
underrepresented communities offering one-on-one assistance, there is a great opportunity for
outreach through this program. Digital Equity Forum members will continue to be engaged
through regular meetings to provide input on the Digital Equity Plan, which will also include
strategies for outreach to communities of interest and covered populations. The WSBO
established review teams to review this Digital Equity Plan, the BEAD Five-Year Action Plan and
both volumes of the Initial Proposal. Local and tribal BATs that were formed prior to the planning
process, and community partners who helped with planning and hosting engagements for the
last round of public engagement may also help play an important role in public outreach and
296 Washington State Department of Commerce (n.d.), Digital Navigator Program. Accessed at:
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-statewide-broadband-act/digital-navigator-program/
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 150
engagement. Additionally, as facilitators of recently submitted CAPs, BATs will continue to be a
resource through project implementation, providing the WSBO with information as projects are
deployed. The WSBO has devoted a staff person to interface, liaise, and engage with BATs
regularly. The WSBO, in partnership with the DEU, will also continue to consult steering group
members as part of the implementation process for the Digital Equity Plan, which includes,
amongst others, representatives from the Office of Equity, the Department of Social and Health
Services, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, and the Washington State
Department of Transportation. The WSBO has solicited input from other state agencies who may
have data related to key performance indicators (KPIs) and could be potential implementation
partners for activities as part of BEAD and Digital Equity Programs.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 151
Table 35: Currently Utilized Outreach Methods
Outreach Method Category Description
BAT Meetings Population • General and covered populations
Potential Partners • Local Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
• Economic development associations
• Schools and libraries
Message & • Liaison between local broadband advocates and the state.
Intended Results • Local champions for broadband and digital equity
initiatives.
Resources Needed • Continued financial and technical support from the WSBO
Platform or Format • Virtual and in-person meetings
Digital Equity Population • General and covered populations
Forum Meetings
Potential Partners • Digital Equity Forum Members and extended networks
Message & • Ensure healthy relationships with tribes, key stakeholders,
Intended Results and members by creating an ongoing platform for feedback,
reception, and communication.
Resources Needed • Funding to staff and support forum activities.
Platform or Format • Virtual meetings accessible by using mobile-friendly
platforms and call-in options for those without broadband.
• Meetings to be recorded and posted for later viewing.
Digital Navigator Population • General and covered populations
Program
Potential Partners • Public Housing Authorities
• State and local libraries
• Nonprofit umbrella organizations
• Community health networks
• Community-based organizations
• Department of Veterans Affairs
• Department of Social and Health Services
Message & • Expand the utilization of Digital Navigators through targeted
Intended Results outreach in unserved and underserved areas and include
built-in opportunities for feedback and two-way engagement
methods to ensure high-quality deliverance and program
sustainability.
Resources Needed • Continued support for digital navigators to expand into
unserved and underserved areas.
• Continued program funding.
Platform or Format • Virtual meetings accessible by using mobile-friendly
platforms with call-in options for those without broadband.
• In-person workshops and training sessions.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 152
Outreach Method Category Description
Internet for All Population • General and covered populations
Webinars
Potential Partners • Digital Navigator Grantees
• Other community-based organizations
• State agencies
Message & • Updates will be provided on the state’s plans for accessing
Intended Results and investing federal funds to bring high-speed broadband
infrastructure to unserved and underserved communities.
Participants can ask questions and share challenges their
communities are facing.
Resources Needed • The WSBO and NTIA staff to present on BEAD and Digital
Equity grants
Platform or Format • Virtual meetings accessible by using mobile-friendly
platforms and call-in options for those without broadband.
• Meetings to be recorded and posted for later viewing.
Surveys Population • General and covered populations
Potential Partners • Stakeholder groups, including ISPs, local workforce
development boards, associations, local government,
schools, hospitals etc.
• Local and tribal BATs
• Community-based organizations serving covered
populations
Message & • Distribute surveys to key partners, stakeholder groups and
Intended Results community-based organizations to help with disseminating
more widely to understand needs and challenges, measure
progress.
Resources Needed • Staff to create and disseminate surveys.
• Resources to analyze and report results.
• Time to adequately engage with partners and stakeholder
groups.
Platform or Format • Digital and paper-based surveys
TVW (public Population • General and covered populations
broadcast
Potential Partners • Local and tribal government communication teams
network)
Message & • Opportunity to disseminate information widely and for
Intended Results people to get information if they do not have internet.
Resources Needed • TVW staff availability
Platform or Format • Live broadcast and virtual recording
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 153
Outreach Method Category Description
Website Population • General and covered populations
Potential Partners • Communication teams from engagement with tribal nations
and stakeholders.
Message & • Update key governmental agencies on the progress and
Intended Results implementation of broadband expansion efforts.
• Disseminate vital information to encourage ongoing
engagement, such as future meetings and conferences.
• Encourage two-way engagement via submission boxes and
link to online surveys embedded into the website
Resources Needed • Technical team to format and update website
• Staff to monitor broadband efforts and produce online
content
Platform or Format • Accessible webpage
Different levels of resources will be needed to create new and updated materials depending on
the outreach and engagement activity. For example, running community engagement workshops
will require more staff resources than deploying surveys. Some outreach methods may also be
recurring whereas some methods may be conducted on a more ad hoc or one-off basis; for
example, newsletters may be sent on a monthly cadence, whereas specific engagement events
such as TVW broadcasting may occur ad hoc as part of a promotional campaign to build
awareness around a specific program like the ACP. Table 36 provides additional examples of
potential ongoing outreach methods that could be utilized in the future to reach both the general
population and specific covered populations. As mentioned previously and documented in the
BEAD Five-Year Action Plan, the WSBO’s Policy and Communications Manager and Broadband
Engagement Coordinator will work together to plan the most relevant outreach methods for
different phases of the program and tailor as needed for underrepresented communities. The
WSBO will determine if supplemental staff resources may need to be contracted or where it is
possible to leverage existing communications support from Commerce and other state agencies
who may work with various populations. For example, the Washington State Department of
Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) would be an ideal partner for outreach related to youth in
foster care.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 154
Table 36: Examples of Potential Outreach Methods and Partners for Future Engagements
(Example engagements are listed beginning with those focused on general populations then specific covered populations)
Outreach Method Category Description
Newsletter Population • General and covered populations
Potential Partners • Local and tribal BATs
• Washington State Board of Technical and Community
Colleges (SBCTC)
• Association of Washington Cities
• Chambers of Commerce
• Education and workforce development organizations
• CAIs
• Nonprofits and civil rights organizations
• Washington State Community Action Partnerships
Message & • Share updates on project timeline focused on education and
Intended Results workforce development and opportunities for community
feedback in English, Spanish, and other languages.
• Provide repeated and consistent opportunities for public
engagement.
Resources Needed • Staff to write newsletter content.
• Funding to print/mail out physical copies.
• Translators
Platform or Format • Virtual newsletter via email
• Multilingual hard copy newsletters at CAIs.
Social media Population • General and covered populations
Potential Partners • Office of Equity
• State agency communication teams
• Nonprofit organizations
Message & • Spread awareness about available resources related to digital
Intended Results equity programs.
• Instructions on how to sign up or where to go to get help to
apply for assistance.
Resources Needed • Staff to develop social media content.
• Social media accounts
Platform or Format • LinkedIn
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Others
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 155
Outreach Method Category Description
Attending existing Population • Low-income households
social cultural • Aging individuals
events for various • Individuals with disabilities
covered • Individuals with language barriers
populations • Racial/ethnic minority groups
• Rural populations
• Veterans
Potential Partners • Local and tribal BAT members
• Chambers of commerce
• Associations
• Nonprofit umbrella organizations
• Arts councils
• Museums
• Community-based organizations
• State and local government
Message & • Solicit feedback from covered populations regarding
Intended Results broadband issues such as: connectivity, speed, digital literacy,
and outreach efficacy.
• Conduct ACP outreach.
Resources Needed • Staff to attend events and conduct outreach.
Platform or Format • Informational one-pager
• Comment box for tabling
• Incentives for people to stop by
Reentry council Population • Incarcerated individuals
meetings
Potential Partners • Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC)
• State Reentry Council
• Reentry grant program providers
Message & • Connect with organizations who serve incarcerated
Intended Results individuals to understand digital skills gap and training needs.
Resources Needed • Staff to attend council meetings and communicate with DOC,
Reentry Council staff, program providers.
Platform or Format • Virtual engagement
Digital equity Population • General and covered populations
dashboard (to be
released) Potential Partners • Other state agencies who may have relevant data to share
Message & • Provide open data for the public pulled from a variety of
Intended Results sources for data layers related to Affordable Connectivity
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 156
Outreach Method Category Description
Program, covered population statistics, digital equity related
indices
• Viewers can use the online story maps to layer data or
download data files for their own analyses
Resources Needed • Technical resource to update dashboard and iteratively build
• Software platform (ArcGIS)
Platform or Format • Accessible website
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 157
4.1.4 Incorporate Feedback into Digital Equity Strategy
While it will not be possible to incorporate every piece of feedback received through engagement
activities and public comments, the lived experiences shared by covered populations and
suggestions for ways to address barriers, gaps, and needs will be synthesized and reviewed for
key themes and insights that can be used to iteratively improve the state’s overall strategy for
achieving broadband goals. Overall, the proposed public engagement process should be viewed
as a high-level planning document that lays out general goals, objectives, and methods. However,
the details of outreach and engagement will need to be developed in partnership with the tribes
and key stakeholders according to resource availability, scheduling, and adapted as needed over
the course of the five-year grant period. Interagency, local, and tribal coordination efforts through
multiple platforms and organizations (see Appendix 7.6 for lists of engagement activities with to
date) will be important to meet outreach and engagement goals, and the overarching vision for
universal access across the state. Adaptation of the outreach plan will depend on feedback from
the public and identification of engagement gaps, which may require very targeted and flexible
outreach approaches.
4.1.5 Tribal Consultation and Engagement
Both formal tribal consultations and informal engagement are important components of the
engagement process in partnership with tribes in Washington state. The WSBO has developed a
tribal communications and outreach plan for continued engagement, which is included in
Appendix 7.8. Methods of engagement include but are not limited to:
• Formal government to government consultation
• Regional consultation events in locations identified by and hosted by tribes
• Virtual and in-person listening sessions
• One-on-one conversations between subject matter experts
• Monthly office hours hosted by the WSBO team
On March 23, 2023, the WSBO sent an official “Dear Tribal Leader Letter” to chairpersons of all
29 federally recognized tribes across the state of Washington. In the letter WSBO identified
funding opportunities with the BEAD and Digital Equity programs and extended an invitation to
tribal leaders to engage in consultation. In addition to the Dear Tribal Leader Letter, the WSBO
utilized a variety of methods of outreach to maintain open lines of communication with tribal
partners. The WSBO partners with the Commerce’s Office of Tribal Relations to identify key points
of contact within each tribe. Once these points of contact were established, the WSBO worked to
provide regular updates regarding opportunities for engagement and consultation.
The WSBO also hosted opportunities for consultation at both the Spring and Fall of 2023
conferences for the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI), and at the Infrastructure
Assistance Coordinating Council in October of 2023, and attended the Federal Communications
Commission Tribal Workshop hosted by the Lummi Nation as well as the 34th Annual Centennial
Accord Meeting hosted by the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs. The WSBO partnered with the
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 158
Spokane Tribe of Indians and the Nisqually Indian Tribe to host regional consultation events in
August of 2023.
Informal opportunities for engagement have included three virtual listening sessions, which all 29
federally recognized tribes in Washington were invited to attend, as well as monthly tribal
broadband office hours. These tribal broadband office hours began in August and directly
resulted from a suggestion made during the Spokane regional consultation event. Finally, the
Commerce Tribal Advisory Committee has announced an intention to convene a subcommittee
of representatives from Washington tribes to provide feedback to the WSBO on broadband and
digital equity matters. The WSBO will continue to seek opportunities for engagement and
consultation with tribal partners throughout this process.
The following bullets list formal tribal consultation and engagement activities in 2023. Please
note that formal tribal consultation events are bolded and italicized; as of December 2023, the
WSBO has engaged in formal tribal consultations with 16 tribes.
• 3/23/2023: (Email) Dear Tribal Leader Letter sent to the chairpersons of all 29 federally
recognized tribes in Washington state announcing the BEAD and Digital Equity grant
programs.
• 3/27/2023: (Informal Virtual Meeting) The WSBO met with a representative from Lower
Elwha Klallam Tribe to discuss tribal broadband and BEAD.
• 3/28/2023: (Informal Virtual Meeting) The WSBO met with a representative from the
Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe to discuss tribal broadband and BEAD.
• 5/3/2023: (Virtual Consultation) The WSBO met with representatives of the Confederated
Tribes of the Colville Reservation to discuss BEAD and Digital Equity on the Colville
Reservation.
• 5/6/2023: (Email) The WSBO sent a follow up letter to the chairpersons of all 29 federally
recognized tribes in Washington state to announce WSBO’s attendance at ATNI and to
invite tribal consultation or engagement on the topics of BEAD and Digital Equity.
• 5/10/2023: (Informal Virtual Meeting) The WSBO met with representatives from the
Spokane Tribe of Indians to discuss BEAD and Digital Equity.
• 5/11/2023: (Informal In-Person Meeting) The WSBO hosted an information session to
discuss tribal broadband, BEAD and Digital Equity, and preferred tribal consultation
methods with representatives of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Makah Tribe, and Samish Indian
Nation.
• 5/15/2023: (Informal Virtual Meeting) The WSBO met with representatives of the
Suquamish Tribe of Indians to discuss broadband challenges on the Suquamish
Reservation.
• 5/22/2023: (Informal Virtual Meeting) The WSBO met with a representative of the Makah
Tribe to discuss ongoing challenges to accessing broadband on the reservation.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 159
• 5/23/2023: (Informal Virtual Meeting) The WSBO met with representatives of the
Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe to discuss broadband connectivity on the reservation.
• 6/14/2023: (Email) The WSBO sent a letter to the chairpersons and relevant subject
matter experts of all 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington state to outline the
WSBO’s tribal engagement plan and to solicit feedback.
• 6/26/2023: (Virtual Listening Session) The WSBO met with representatives of the
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Lummi Nation,
Nisqually Indian Tribe, Quinault Indian Nation, Swinomish Indian Tribe, and Tulalip Tribes
to discuss BEAD and Digital Equity.
• 6/28/2023: (Virtual Listening Session) The WSBO met with representatives of the
Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville
Reservation, Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Lummi Nation,
Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama
Nation to discuss BEAD and Digital Equity.
• 6/29/2023: (Virtual Listening Session) The WSBO met with representatives of the
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Hoh Indian Tribe, and Lummi Nation to
discuss BEAD and Digital Equity.
• 7/24/2023: (Email) The WSBO sent a Dear Tribal Leader Letter to the chairpersons of all
29 federally recognized tribes in Washington state to announce two regional consultation
events.
• 8/8/2023: (In-Person Consultation) The WSBO met with representatives of the
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Spokane Tribe of Indians to share
information on the BEAD and Digital Equity timelines.
• 8/15/2023: (In-Person Consultation) The WSBO met with representatives of the Cowlitz
Indian Tribe, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Lummi Nation, Makah Tribe, Nisqually Indian
Tribe, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Quinault Indian Nation, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians,
Swinomish Indian Tribe, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation to
share information on the BEAD and Digital Equity timelines.
• 8/24/2023: (Email) The WSBO sent a follow-up email to representatives of all 29 federally
recognized tribes in Washington state to thank those who were able to attend the regional
consultation events and to announce the public comment period for the Initial Proposal
Volume I.
• 8/31/2024: (Informal Virtual Meeting) The WSBO met with representatives of the Cowlitz
Indian Tribe and Lummi Nation to share information on the BEAD and Digital Equity
timelines.
• 9/11/2023: (Email) The WSBO sent an email to tribal broadband contacts of all 29
federally recognized tribes in Washington state to announce the WSBO’s attendance at
ATNI and to invite tribes to engage in consultation.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 160
• 9/12/2023: (Virtual Consultation) The WSBO met with representatives of the Hoh Indian
Tribe to review the BEAD timeline and requirements.
• 9/15/2023: (Email) The WSBO sent an email to tribal broadband contacts of all 29
federally recognized tribes in Washington state to remind them of the WSBO’s attendance
at ATNI and to reiterate an invitation to engage in consultation.
• 9/18/2023: (In-Person Consultation) The WSBO met with representatives of the Hoh Indian
Tribe, Makah Tribe, and Quileute Tribe at ATNI to discuss BEAD and Digital Equity.
• 9/19/2023: (In-Person Consultation) The WSBO met with representatives of the Shoalwater
Bay Indian Tribe at ATNI to discuss BEAD and Digital Equity.
• 9/19/2023: (In-Person Consultation) The WSBO met with representatives of the Quinault
Indian Nation at ATNI to discuss BEAD and Digital Equity.
• 9/19/2023: (Informal In-Person Meeting) The WSBO met with representatives of the
Samish Indian Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Makah Tribe,
Cowlitz Indian Nation, and a representative from Tribal Ready at ATNI to discuss BEAD
and Digital Equity.
• 9/20/2023: (In-Person Consultation): The WSBO met with representatives of the Lummi
Nation, Nisqually Indian Tribe, and Samish Indian Nation at ATNI to discuss BEAD and
Digital Equity.
• 9/28/2023: (Informal Virtual Meeting) The WSBO met with representatives of the Cowlitz
Indian Tribe, Hoh Indian Tribe, Quileute Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, and Spokane Tribe of
Indians to discuss BEAD funding opportunities and the Challenge Process. The tribal
representatives recommended that a WSBO representative speak on BEAD and Digital
Equity at the 2023 Centennial Accord.
• 10/16/2023: (Email) The WSBO sent an email to tribal broadband contacts of all 29
federally recognized tribes in Washington state to announce upcoming engagement
opportunities.
• 10/28/2023: (Informal Virtual Meeting) The WSBO met with representatives of the Cowlitz
Indian Tribe, Hoh Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, and Spokane Tribe of Indians to
receive feedback regarding tribal consultation efforts to date and hear concerns regarding
pole attachments.
• 10/30/2023: (Informal In-Person Meeting) The WSBO presented updates to
representatives of all 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington state regarding BEAD
and Digital Equity in-person at the 2023 Centennial Accord. A separate working group also
took place to discuss pole attachments.
• 11/14/2023: (Email) The WSBO sent a November newsletter to representatives of all 29
federally recognized tribes in Washington state to solicit the feedback of tribes during the
Initial Proposal Volume II public comment period and to remind them of the upcoming
tribal broadband office hours.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 161
• 11/30/2023: (Informal Virtual Meeting) The WSBO met with representatives of the
Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville
Reservation, Lummi Nation, Nisqually Indian Tribe, and Spokane Tribe of Indians during a
Tribal Broadband Office Hours meeting.
As sovereign nations with plans and goals for digital equity and broadband infrastructure,
collaborating with tribes is critical to expanding digital connectivity across Washington. As the
state implements activities to narrow the digital divide, continuous engagement and developing
data and information sharing agreements with tribes will be crucial to understanding gaps and
successful program implementation.
4.1.6 Applicant and Subgrantee Technical Assistance and Feedback
The WSBO also recognizes the need to provide technical assistance to potential subgrantees
prior to application submittals, which may include workshops and events like technical
assistance webinars or in-person information sessions like those that were held by the NTIA. The
WSBO is planning to continue running monthly webinars through at least 2024. Additionally, to be
responsive to subgrantees, once subgrantees have been selected and funding is awarded, the
WSBO will establish regular check-in meetings with subgrantees for two-way feedback and to
ensure that subgrantees remain compliant with both federal and state requirements for the BEAD
and Digital Equity grant funding.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.4 COLLABORATION 162
5. IMPLEMENTATION
The strategies outlined in this chapter are designed to address the needs of covered populations
identified in Chapter 3.2 not already addressed by current state, local, or private entities. Overall,
the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) and the Digital Equity Unit (DEU) plan to
implement strategies that increase digital access, affordability, and adoption among covered
populations in partnership with agencies like the Office of Equity, the Digital Equity Forum
members, Digital Navigator Program grantees, and many other state and community-based
organizations. While some strategies are expansions of successful digital programming, the
WSBO hopes to implement innovative and sustainable ideas to increase reach and participation
of the covered populations. Coordination between partners will be an important foundation for
successful implementation and continuation of the activities described in this chapter.
Additionally, this Digital Equity Plan and the anticipated National Telecommunications and
Information Administration (NTIA) State Digital Equity Capacity Grant funding should be seen as
catalysts for digital inclusion activities rather than serving as the “last word” in digital equity in
the state.
Washington state’s robust network of digital inclusion assets, local and regional digital equity
champions, community-based organizations, and state legislation provides the WSBO and the
DEU with the opportunity to embed digital equity principles into programs and resources already
operating within the state. The overarching mission is to integrate digital equity into existing and
new efforts that serve covered populations to reduce disparities and address covered population
specific needs identified in this work. These strategies use existing networks and future digital
equity resources. The strategies also consider current and future conditions, such as workforce
needs, of Washington state to safeguard sustainable outcomes.
Each strategy is designed to address needs identified in Section 3.2 through measurable
objectives and sub-objectives introduced in Chapter 2. Below, each of the six strategies are
organized with objectives, sub-objectives, and activities. Each measurable objective or sub-
objective also includes key performance indicators (KPIs). The WSBO will utilize KPIs to measure
progress towards improving digital equity among the covered populations and to identify if there
are any gaps that may need to be addressed to “course correct” or supplement existing activities.
While not every covered population has a specific sub-objective, available baseline data was
reviewed to identify where there were the largest disparities in access to broadband or digital
devices to develop targeted sub-objectives and universal objectives that address all residents in
Washington. Ongoing outreach and research will be conducted to identify additional baseline
data and refine additional KPIs as appropriate. Potential ways to measure success are described
in Section 5.1 and include both quantitative and qualitative information such as Affordable
Connectivity Program (ACP) enrollment data and survey responses. 297
The WSBO intends to regularly monitor KPIs and collaborate with partners who work with
individuals who identify with a covered population to discover opportunities to iterate on the
297 Note: The ACP will run out of funding in April 2024 if the program is not renewed by Congress.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 163
strategies, evaluating and updating them as needed. Some KPIs will be updated quarterly,
whereas other KPIs will be updated more infrequently depending on the data source.
5.1 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY & KEY ACTIVITIES
5.1.1 Strategy 1: Expand Broadband Availability and Increase Affordability
Expanding broadband availability across Washington state is the first step to bridge the digital
divide. A critical next step is to create opportunities for these services to be affordable, so that
even after broadband infrastructure has been expanded into neighborhoods, the service can be
easily adopted by households and businesses without the cost presenting a barrier.
5.1.1.1 Activity 1.1: Coordinate with Washington state’s Broadband Equity Access and
Deployment (BEAD) program to align with digital equity goals.
KEY COMPONENTS
• Require BEAD subgrantees to demonstrate how they plan to conduct outreach and
engagement with covered populations in service areas as part of their application to build
awareness of low-cost service options and internet benefit programs.
• Convene internet service providers (ISPs), state agencies, and local partners to encourage
digital equity coalition building to advance both BEAD and Digital Equity Program goals.
These coalitions should prioritize working with partners who can connect with covered
populations with some of the widest disparities in access.
• Embed equity into workforce planning efforts related to BEAD deployment project.
• Work with partners in local and tribal governments and nonprofit organizations to spread
awareness of the BEAD Challenge Process.
Description
The BEAD Five-Year Action Plan details how the state intends to support broadband
infrastructure deployment and support unserved and underserved populations. This strategy
within the Digital Equity Plan intends to complement that work by ensuring that the deployment
process is equitable, and resources are reaching the covered populations across Washington
state. While the BEAD program will include equity requirements for subgrantees, such as
demonstrating how their projects help support long-term objectives laid out in the BEAD Five-
Year Action Plan and Initial Proposal, this will also involve building coalition support to achieve
the shared goals of reducing digital inequalities and achieving universal access within
Washington state.
To update the list of unserved and underserved locations in the state, the WSBO will be
administering a “Challenge Process” that allows challenges from nonprofit organizations, units
of local and tribal governments, and broadband service providers to submit service challenges
on whether a location should be designated as underserved (speeds below 100 megabits per
second (Mbps] download / 20 Mbps upload) or unserved (speeds below 25 Mbps download /
3 Mbps upload), and therefore eligible for BEAD funding. Residents can submit challenges
through their unit of local or tribal government or a nonprofit. Encouraging residents who are
unserved or underserved to submit challenges to their respective units of local or tribal
governments or nonprofits will increase the accuracy of broadband availability data and help
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 164
KEY COMPONENTS
increase availability of reliable high-speed internet by including unserved and underserved
locations in BEAD-funded project areas. 298
5.1.1.2 Activity 1.2: Leverage partners to help increase enrollment in low-cost and subsidized
broadband service for low-income communities.
KEY COMPONENTS
• Work with digital navigators, local and tribal governments, coalitions such as the
Broadband Action teams (BATs), and organizations described in the Digital Inclusion
Asset Inventory (Appendix 7.2) to expand outreach and enrollment support for covered
populations into programs that subsidize or provide low-cost broadband services.
• Launch statewide outreach campaign in partnership with the Office of Equity focused on
the covered populations to raise awareness about programs that subsidize broadband
services, such as the ACP and the Lifeline Program.
• Encourage and work with ISPs to support the development of low-income service plans
that can reduce affordability barriers for low-income residents as outlined in the BEAD
Initial Proposal Volume II.
Description
Tailoring statewide outreach and engagement campaigns for covered populations will improve
general awareness of the resources available and help identify gaps in digital inclusion
programming. Local leaders and digital equity champions will expand outreach to covered
populations. The approach will include improved, accessible online resources; in-person
capabilities of community organizations and active coalitions. Additional efforts may include
pamphlets and other advertising media distributed across libraries, health clinics, education
institutions, and other high foot-trafficked community buildings; advertisements for
newspapers, radios, billboards, and television channels; a culturally sensitive, social media
campaign supported by communication teams at state agencies; and/or related in-person
events.
5.1.1.3 Activity 1.3: Utilize Washington state’s Digital Equity Dashboard to track progress in
broadband services for covered populations.
KEY COMPONENTS
• Coordinate with state agencies to identify data and feasibility of including in Digital Equity
Dashboard.
• Update the Digital Equity Dashboard with story maps that help track broadband access
metrics alongside geographic data on covered populations for whom data is available
across the state. Facilitate accessibility updates to the Dashboard to support use by
individuals with disabilities. 299
• Utilize the dashboard to help share progress towards digital equity goals and to provide
open data in a centralized location for the public.
298 The Challenge Process is outlined in detail in the BEAD Initial Proposal Volume I document:
https://deptofcommerce.box.com/s/gaq0q6j5myr4ebnxjj9wvcp1ac3ppqfk
299 Note: The Digital Equity Dashboard is currently undergoing usability testing to support user-friendly access for all
Washingtonians before the dashboard goes live.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 165
Description
Transparently sharing data supports the ability to monitor that the distribution of resources for
broadband deployment and digital equity initiatives reaches covered populations and
prioritizes unserved and underserved areas. The Digital Equity Dashboard can supplement
annual progress reports as clearly defined access and affordability metrics alongside
geographic data become available during the implementation of the BEAD and Digital Equity
Act Programs on covered populations across the state of Washington. This can be used to
track progress, and to inform long-term decision making for equitable broadband deployment
and investment. Note that specific metrics to be tracked on the Digital Equity Dashboard still
need to be determined based on technical feasibility and data availability.
5.1.1.4 Activity 1.4: Support Washington community anchor institutions (CAIs) to improve
and increase the number of free public Wi-Fi locations.
KEY COMPONENTS
• Work with CAIs to update Washington’s Drive-in Wi-Fi Hotspots location finder, a
crowdsourced statewide database of free Wi-Fi locations, and identify gaps in service
locations.
• Identify and improve existing CAI broadband connectivity and expand networks to meet 1
Gbps service standards.
• Discuss opportunities for public and private ISPs to provide free public Wi-Fi for
neighborhoods with high need such as areas with a high concentration of low-income
households in partnership with local CAIs.
Description
Free, public Wi-Fi locations across the state offers opportunities for individuals to gain access
to the internet regardless of their level of access at home. Locations for free internet can
include additional library locations, parks, schools, and other CAIs. With more publicly available
Wi-Fi locations, there will be increased opportunities for all to get connected, especially those
who may be experiencing housing instability or rely on public Wi-Fi as their main source of
internet access.
5.1.1.5 Activity 1.5: Solicit innovative solutions that can increase broadband affordability and
adoption among hard-to-reach covered populations or subgroups.
KEY COMPONENTS
• Work with community organizations to assess which covered populations or subgroups
within covered populations may be missing digital inclusion opportunities using
qualitative and quantitative data from sources such as public engagement findings, U.S
Census data on internet subscription rates in Washington state, and state agencies.
• Enlist existing community partners to help with serving hard-to-reach covered
populations.
• Co-create and pilot solutions with partners that can effectively increase affordability and
adoption among hard-to-reach covered populations, for example, due to geographic
remoteness or language barriers.
Description
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 166
A key finding during public engagement was the need to work with communities to further
understand unique needs of the populations. Section 3.2 and the Community Action Plans
(CAPs) developed by tribal and county BATs serve as a valuable starting point. However,
communities may identify with multiple covered populations and experience compounding
complex barriers based on overlapping identities that exacerbate digital inequalities.300
Ongoing engagement is required to dig deeper into some of the nuances across and within
covered populations, which can be supported by existing digital inclusion tools. For example,
the “Digital Equity Census” developed by the Library of Stevens County ascertains the root
causes of not being connected to the internet, for example, due to price, availability, fear, or
unawareness of value, which will help digital navigators with regionally and tribally based
cultural competencies to address the specific need. Additionally, the “Digital Equity Needs
Survey for Educators” conducted by the Washington State Board of Technical and Community
Colleges (SBCTC) assesses digital inclusion needs in communities served by educators in
community and technical colleges providing adult education and workforce development
training.
The WSBO can work with community organizations and coalitions serving covered populations
to create and further support grassroots innovative solutions that can increase broadband
affordability and adoption and potentially be scaled up. Local, regional, and tribal community
organizations in the digital equity space will be supported and strengthened by the state
government through these efforts. This can uplift local needs and grassroots solutions to
provide institutions with resources to accelerate and increase impact.
5.1.1.6 Measuring Success for Broadband Availability and
Affordability Project Spotlight:
Broadband availability and affordability will be measured by a
myriad of different data sources including: the overall percentage Washington State Department of
of households with internet subscriptions and covered populations Veterans Affairs’ (WDVA) Digital
according to the U.S. Census and the percentage of eligible Navigation Program leveraged
households enrolled in the ACP or any successor program. By relationships with other WDVA
actively engaging in activities described under Strategy 1, programs and offices, the US
Washington can make significant strides in improving broadband Department of Veterans Affairs,
availability and affordability, supporting outcomes described in local Veteran Service
Section 2.2 related to economic growth and workforce Organizations and Vet Corps to
development, education, health, civic and social engagement, and quickly scale the strategic reach
delivery of other essential services. 301 of community engagement and
distribution efforts.
300 Zheng, Y. and Walsham, G. (2021), Inequality of what? An intersectional approach to digital inequality under Covid-19. Accessed
at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9761400/
301 Note: The WDVA Digital Navigation Program was not funded in the current cohort of Digital Navigators, but WDVA is continuing
to seek funding to continue the program. WDVA is collaborating with Equity in Education Coalition and other Digital Navigator
consortium members to pursue opportunities to further this work, demonstrating the strength of partnerships developed.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 167
Goal 1: Eliminate Barriers
Strategy 1 Expand broadband availability and increase affordability.
All Washingtonians to have the opportunity to access and afford broadband
Universal objective 1
service.
Sub-objectives
1.1 Aging 1.2 Individuals 1.3 Low-income 1.4 Racial/Ethnic 1.5 Rural
Individuals with Disabilities Households Minorities Inhabitants
Increase the Increase the Increase access Increase Reduce the
percentage of percentage of to low-cost broadband service percentage of
aging individuals individuals with a internet plans that access for unserved/
(60+ years) living disability able to are reliable and American Indian underserved
on a fixed income access reliable sustainably and Alaskan locations in rural
who have and affordable available to low- Native individuals areas
broadband service internet to power income
their assistive households
technology
Baseline Data 302
74% of individuals 71% of individuals 29% of eligible 70% have 92% of all
60+ years have with a disability households broadband unserved/
broadband have broadband enrolled in ACP internet service underserved
internet service internet service (Note: may need to compared to 82% locations in
compared to 82% compared to 82% update if ACP is statewide—the Washington are in
statewide statewide discontinued) lowest of any rural areas 303
racial/ethnic
minority
Key Performance Indicators
Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of
aging individuals individuals with a eligible American Indian unserved/
with access to disability with households and Alaskan underserved
broadband access to enrolled in ACP or Native individuals locations in rural
broadband successor with access to areas
program broadband
Near- and Long-term Targets
Near-term: Near-term: Near-term: Near-term: Near-term:
Increase by 5% Increase by 5% Increase by 10% Increase by 5% Reduce by 50%
Long-term: Long-term: Long-term: Long-term: Long-term:
Increase by 10% Increase by 10% Increase by 20% Increase by 10% Reduce by 90%
302 Sources: 1) ACS 1-Year Estimates Public Use Microdata Sample 2022. Note: Satellite and cellular internet services were
excluded. 2) Institute for Local Self-Reliance Affordable Connectivity Program Dashboard (2023). Accessed at:
https://acpdashboard.com/
303 Underserved location analysis from FCC broadband serviceable location fabric for Washington state as of October 24, 2023.The
rural boundaries were sourced from: Office of Financial Management, Census Geographic Files. Accessed at: Census geographic
files | Office of Financial Management (wa.gov)
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 168
5.1.2 Strategy 2: Implement Innovative Approaches to Expand Options for Device
Availability and Affordability
Currently, a higher percentage of low-income households are unable to access the digital world
due to a lack of digital devices. For example, as Figure 8 shows, 28% of households earning
$60,000 or less lack access to a laptop or desktop at home, which is nearly double the statewide
average of 15%. Barriers such as cost and a lack of available public resources that offer digital
device lending programs or computer labs can result in lower digital literacy rates. The state is
prioritizing access and affordability of digital devices for Washingtonians.
Figure 8: Percentage of Households in Washington Without Laptop or Desktop by Household
Income 304
30%
28%
25%
20%
15% 15%
11%
10%
5%
5% 3%
2%
0%
Between 0 to $60,000 Between $60,001 and Between $101,000 and Between $150,001 and Greater than $200,000
$100,000 $150,000 $200,000
% HHs without laptop/desktop by income % All Washington HHs without laptop/desktop
The following activities were developed to address the general need for modern technology to
access the digital world.
304 ACS (2021), 5-Year Estimates Public Use Microdata Sample. Accessed at: https://data.census.gov/mdat.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 169
5.1.2.1 Activity 2.1: Partner with ISPs, CAIs, and device distributors to develop awareness
campaigns to promote low-cost broadband service plans, mobile hotspots, and free,
subsidized, or low-cost device programs.
KEY COMPONENTS
• Utilize Digital Inclusion Assets identified in Section 3.1 to locate hotspot distribution
programs.
• Understand utilization of the programs among covered populations, and opportunities for
the WSBO, digital navigators and other trusted messengers to support awareness of
where both free network access and digital devices are available, including statewide and
regionally focused campaigns.
• Expand on pre-existing hotspot and computing device distribution programs.
• Increase distribution locations in areas with in high covered population densities, with a
keen awareness towards low-income communities, communities with limited English
proficiency.
• Partner with organizations that serve Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders due to their low
rates of laptop and computer ownership.
Description
During the digital inclusion asset inventory data collection process, mobile networks and
hotspots were often mentioned as a vital source of internet connectivity for Washingtonians
across the state. This is particularly true in areas where traveling to CAIs or other buildings with
publicly available Wi-Fi is a barrier and home internet access is unavailable. Mobile computer
labs offer access to both the internet and devices to areas within their counties that do not
have a physical library location. They also provide access for residents who cannot travel.
Library consortiums may also offer mobile hotspot lending programs, which provide internet
access to smartphones, tablets, and other wireless-enabled devices through cellular networks.
This equipment can typically be borrowed by anyone with a library card and offer unlimited data
plans managed by the library. Free mobile hotspots can offer individuals access to the internet,
regardless of ability to pay, where fixed internet infrastructure may currently be limited, or for
individuals facing housing instability. While this can be viewed as a “stop-gap” measure as the
state makes headway towards universal access, these types of services will likely still fill an
important need into the near future.
Washington state has a wide network of pre-existing resources for device availability and
affordability, as illustrated in Chapter 3, but more resources are needed to continue and expand
upon this work and build awareness. There are digital equity champions working to increase
the availability of internet connectivity and access to affordable digital devices throughout the
state of Washington. However, individuals—predominately those identified as part of a covered
population—are often not fully aware of the resources available to them for getting online. The
WSBO and DEU can work with partners like the Digital Navigator Program grantees to leverage
the existing Digital Inclusion Asset Inventory to locate device lending programs, understand
how they are being used by covered populations, and later determine opportunities to expand
programs, increase range of services, including technical support, and/or support outreach
campaigns.
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5.1.2.2 Activity 2.2: Develop innovative programs like statewide device repair, refurbishment,
reuse, and recycling programs to increase device affordability and availability.
KEY COMPONENTS
• Build upon the lessons learned from previous and existing refurbishment projects (see
Section 3.1.3) to explore incentivizing a statewide device-refurbishing program with
organizations including, among others, private retailers, repair shops, and government
organizations who may currently only recycle or dispose of devices, especially desktop
computers, laptops, and monitors.
• Partner with CAIs to expand locations to drop off devices for recycling and repair, and
support organizations who perform refurbishment and repair of electronics.
• Partner with schools, colleges, and community organizations to create apprenticeships
that can offer local repairs within local communities.
• Begin planning with the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) to consider a
digital device refurbishment, and/or reuse programs for justice-involved individuals to
give them access to low-cost modern devices upon their reentry to society.
• Begin planning with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families
(DCYF) to consider a digital device refurbishment, and/or reuse programs for foster care
families to take advantage of when accepted to foster a child, to increase the availability
of low-cost digital devices.
Description
By encouraging Washington businesses, government agencies, and individuals to send retired
or surplus devices to local businesses and community organizations that refurbish and repair
electronic devices to the highest quality standards, the availability of high-quality affordable
devices increases in the state. There is also the added benefit of potentially reducing the
volume of annually generated e-waste. The WSBO can explore building upon existing
partnerships with counties, schools, libraries, and colleges to develop a statewide device-
recycling program that builds off the work designed by the Take it Back Network, existing
community partnerships, and Washington nonprofit organizations, with multiple drop-off and
pick-up locations across Washington to assist with recycling and upcycling used electronic
equipment.305
305 The Take it Back Network is a partnership among government agencies, retailers, repair shops, charitable organizations and
recyclers that provides consumers with options for recycling certain wastes, including electronics, in a safe and cost-effective
manner with multiple locations across King County. More information can be found at:
https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/dnrp/solid-waste/programs/take-it-back.
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5.1.2.3 Measuring Success for Device Availability and Affordability
Device availability and affordability will be measured statewide by comparing the baseline of
number of households with digital devices, to that same data point in years to come as the
strategies delineated in this chapter are implemented throughout the state. Data for the number
of households without digital devices has been collected for covered populations where possible.
The WSBO has identified the largest disparities in device ownership for low-income households
and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders. Below, sub-objectives have been identified for these
specific populations. Sub-objectives are designed to use a focused approach to address the
largest disparities identified in the state of Washington.
Goal 1: Eliminate Barriers
Implement innovative approaches to expand options for device availability
Strategy 2
and affordability.
All Washingtonians can access and afford the devices needed to maintain
Universal objective 2
digital connectivity.
Sub-objectives
2.1 Low-income Households 2.2 Racial/Ethnic Minorities
Increase the percentage of low-income Increase the percentage of Native Hawaiian and
households that own a laptop or computer other Pacific Islander individuals that own a
laptop or computer
Baseline Data
78% of individuals receiving Medicaid or other 73% of Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
governmental assistance own a laptop or desktop individuals own a laptop or computer, compared
compared to 87% statewide to 87% statewide—the lowest of any racial/ethnic
minority
(Proxy data as Medicaid is a means-tested program
limited to low-income households) 306
Key Performance Indicators
Percentage of households receiving Medicaid or Percentage of Native Hawaiian and other Pacific
other governmental assistance that own a laptop Islander individuals with a laptop or computer.
or computer
Near- and Long-term Targets
Near-term: Increase by 5% Near-term: Increase by 5%
Long-term: Increase by 10% Long-term: Increase by 10%
306 The WSBO recognizes that there are different ways to measure poverty. The 150% federal poverty level established as a criteria
in the Digital Equity Planning Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is lower than both the ACP’s eligibility criteria of 200%
federal poverty level and the recommended Washington State Self-Sufficiency Standard. Further discussion and research are
needed to reconcile these gaps to support low-income households.
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5.1.3 Strategy 3: Consolidate Practices That Promote Online Accessibility and
Inclusivity
Advocating for inclusive online experiences allows for all Washingtonians to have the ability to
access and participate in digital society. Covered populations, such as individuals experiencing
language barriers, racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals living with a disability expressed
the need for a more equitable online experience. These features include more language
translation services, culturally sensitive web designs, and user-friendly accessibility features.
5.1.3.1 Activity 3.1: Partner with trusted messenger programs and organizations to share
information about digital assistance and online accessibility with covered
populations.
KEY COMPONENTS
• Develop partnership with Washington Technology Solutions and Department of Services
for the Blind for a consolidation of good practices in optimizing online accessibility in
alignment with the Washington State Office of the Chief Information Office Policy #188 –
Accessibility. 307
• Identify and strengthen regional trusted messenger organizations and programs such as
digital navigators, BATs, tribes, counties, and coalitions focused on digital equity to
expand awareness of online accessibility resources.
• Identify and invest in programs that serve covered populations, but do not yet provide
digital skill and accessibility training, to expand services to include digital navigation,
multilingual technical support, or digital skill building.
• Host digital inclusion conference to promote sharing of good practices related to online
accessibility.
• Gather language and online accessibility good practices for Commerce that can be
disseminated to other state agencies and partner organizations.
• Develop and disseminate multilingual “plain language” digital navigator curriculum
content to assist individuals with language barriers.
Description
Sharing information about programs such as digital navigators with covered populations
through trusted messengers can help increase the reach of these programs. Digital navigation
programs are run through community organizations with navigators from the communities
they are seeking to reach, providing a trusted facilitator to support digital needs. The expansion
of similar programs and use of trusted messengers can support online accessibility and
inclusivity by providing channels to share information that will reach covered populations.
The WSBO and the DEU can conduct outreach to organizations working in digital equity to help
with collecting and disseminating good practice guidelines and resources for language access
and online accessibility. These resources can serve as a reference for other state agencies and
organizations interested in adopting similar practices. Good practice guidelines can be applied
to how the Digital Equity Capacity Grants Program is implemented and iterated on as needs
may change over time.
307 Washington Technology Solutions (n.d.), Accessibility Policies. Accessed at: https://watech.wa.gov/policies/accessibility.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 173
5.1.3.2 Measuring Success for Online Accessibility and Inclusivity
The WSBO intends to encourage feedback from covered populations and community partners to
understand the user experience on government websites. This may include receiving feedback
through formal channels such as surveys on the webpage, opportunities to leave feedback via
social media or email, and direct feedback provided by Digital Navigator Program participants.
Additionally, the WSBO will work with partners to co-create and promote shared good practices
and resources related to language access and accessibility of online resources. This effort can
be supported by partnering with Washington Technology Solutions to leverage their knowledge
on the Washington State Office of the Chief Information Office Policy #188 – Accessibility in
creating good practice guidelines and language access standards. To measure the success of
these strategies, the sub-objective will include increasing multilingual plain language resources
available, such as digital navigator curriculum material and gathering data from internet service
providers on the types of multilingual services and accessibility tools they offer to customers. 308
Goal 1: Eliminate Barriers
Strategy 3 Consolidate practices that promote online accessibility and inclusivity
Support inclusive practices that allow access to digital services regardless for
Universal Objective 3
everyone
Sub-objectives
3.1 Individuals with a Language Barrier 3.2 Individuals with a Language Barrier and/or
Disability
Increased multilingual resources available related Encourage the improvement of technical support
to digital inclusion activities offerings from internet service providers to include
multilingual services and accessibility tools to assist
both individuals with disabilities and individuals with
limited English proficiency in a culturally/
linguistically appropriate way
Baseline Data
• 9 of 39 counties mentioned language access Baseline will be determined through surveying BEAD
as a barrier to digital equity in their CAPs 309 applicants on if they offer any multilingual services or
• Over 120 languages spoken in Washington 310 accessibility tools to customers
• 20.5% of persons over age five speak a
language other than English at home
• Standardized digital navigator curriculum
resources are under development (see Section
5.1.4.4)
Key Performance Indicators
308 Washington Governor’s Office (2005). Plain Language: General Guidelines. Accessed at:
https://governor.wa.gov/issues/efficient-government/plain-talk/general-guidelines
309 Review of Community Action Plans. Accessed at:
https://deptofcommerce.app.box.com/v/CommunityActionPlans/folder/218672886930
310 U.S. Census Bureau (2023). ACS 1-Year Estimates Public Use Microdata Sample 2022. Accessed at:
https://data.census.gov/mdat/#/search?ds=ACSPUMS1Y2022&cv=HISPEED&rv=HHLANP&nv=ucgid&wt=PWGTP&g=0400000U
S53
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 174
Number of languages that multilingual resources Number of multilingual and accessible technical
are available in for digital equity related support offerings offered by internet service
curriculum available through partners like Digital providers participating in the BEAD program
Navigator grantees and other state agencies
Near- and Long-term Targets
Near-term: Digital literacy curriculum materials Near-term: Establish baseline and share results
shared on Internet for All website available in top
five most widely spoken languages in Washington Long-term: Work with ISPs to set annual
improvement target
Long-term: Digital literacy curriculum materials
shared on Internet for All website in top 15 most
widely spoken languages in Washington
5.1.4 Strategy 4: Provide Services That Increase Digital Literacy
As more individuals connect to the internet through the expansion of broadband services across
Washington, digital literacy skills will become essential to provide the knowledge necessary to
navigate the digital world safely and comfortably. Several activities implemented by Washington
assist with expanding digital literacy trainings.
5.1.4.1 Activity 4.1: Build upon lessons learned through the Washington State Digital
Navigator Program and statewide organizations that offer digital navigation, digital
literacy, or digital skill trainings to expand programs designed to address unique
needs of covered populations.
KEY COMPONENTS
• Continue to build on the success of programs such as the digital navigators by expanding
partnerships with CAIs, particularly those best positioned to serve individuals with limited
to no English proficiency, to embed the digital navigator curriculum into programs that
may not be digitally focused but serve covered populations.
• Engage state agencies, such as DCYF, the Department of Social and Health Services
(DSHS), and the Interagency Council on Homelessness, which support covered
populations to adopt digital navigator programs.
• Coordinate with DOC and Reentry Council staff and program providers to expand training
programs and upskill incarcerated individuals through reentry digital navigation services.
• Leverage digital literacy and digital skills training provided by community and technical
colleges, in partnership with community-based organizations. This training is currently
provided to students within basic education programming, English language acquisition
classes for adults, and workforce training programs.
• Expand digital literacy programs to increase participation of Washington residents and
businesses that are served.
Description
Digital navigator programs provide residents and businesses with digital literacy training, and
have had a positive impact on broadband adoption, access, and affordability for many
Washingtonians. The practice of having an in-person assistant who can help individuals one-
on-one with digital navigation has proven to be a successful model for increasing digital
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 175
literacy. Other CAIs and state agencies could offer digital navigators as a service to help with
advancing digital literacy skills and addressing the unique needs of their community.
Advocating for more funding for digital skills and digital literacy training programs – whether
it is disbursed to community or technical colleges, to libraries, nonprofits, or towards a general
fund to incentivize public-private partnerships – will increase opportunities for digital learning
across the state. Embedding digital literacy, digital navigation, and/or digital skill training into
programs already providing based education and English language acquisition classes will be
crucial in ensuring that the most disadvantaged individuals are receiving the support necessary
to reduce the digital divide. Increased funding would also expand programs to offer more
classes, at different days and different hours, to accommodate for individuals with strict
schedules. Additional resources would also increase the ability to have more one-on-one
trainings, in-person workshops, peer-to-peer learning groups, and classes available in different
languages.
5.1.4.2 Activity 4.2: Leverage existing programs to expand community partnerships that
provide increased knowledge and skills enabling covered populations to participate in
changing workforce and societal needs.
KEY COMPONENTS
• Work with state partners to identify digital skill gaps within the public and private sector in
Washington state.
• Coordinate with educational institutions, workforce boards, and coalitions to expand
training programs to upskill the workforce.
• Encourage public and private institutions to provide increased access to on-the-job digital
skill training programming and resources.
• Work with community partners to increase the public’s awareness about digital resources
available related to telehealth, education, workforce training and opportunities, ways to
participate in civic and social engagement, and access to essential services.
Description
The WSBO and the DEU support skill building and training that will better equip underserved
individuals with the skillsets needed to be hired into well-paying positions that address
workforce needs. These efforts will additionally help individuals with becoming self-reliant and
empowered, by acquiring skills and tools to help with a job search. The WSBO and the DEU can
support potential partners like educational institutions, workforce boards and digital equity
coalitions to identify skills that should be focused on in training programs, ensuring that those
skills are prioritized within digital skills program curriculums that focus on serving covered
populations.
In conversation with SBCTC and other educational institutions, workforce boards and
coalitions, the WSBO has started identifying training programs at community and technical
colleges across Washington that can supply the workforce necessary to deploy broadband at
the scale and speed required of BEAD funding. Using the courses pulled together by the SBCTC
as a preliminary resource, the WSBO can coordinate with statewide educational institutions
and workforce development organizations to support digital skill building that tie into
workforce needs. The WSBO and the DEU can also convene discussions with community
colleges, technical schools, local workforce development boards, ISPs, and others in the
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 176
development of training programs to increase skills necessary to implement broadband
projects. The goal of these discussions would be to increase access to on-the-job training
resources allowing ISPs to upskill their current broadband infrastructure workforce and
advance the skills of employees already invested in broadband-related career opportunities.
The WSBO is also connecting with the Washington’s Workforce Training and Education
Coordinating Board (Workforce Board) in relation to their digital literacy and information
technology (IT) Career Equity legislative decision package to find ways to intersect supporting
digital skill building for covered populations through various avenues including secondary and
postsecondary education and training, career planning and guidance, and navigation of
credential and certification pathways.
In addition to workforce training and economic opportunities, there are many potential
community partners with whom the WSBO can collaborate to increase awareness about digital
resources (e.g., telehealth, education, civic and social engagement opportunities, essential
services). Many of these potential community partners are listed as digital inclusion assets in
Appendix 7.2 These partnerships could take numerous forms, such as listing resources on the
WSBO’s website or partnering on awareness campaigns.
5.1.4.3 Activity 4.3: Build on existing partnership with the Washington Office of
Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to implement innovative and proven
approaches to expand student and family involvement in digital literacy services.
KEY COMPONENTS
• Identify and understand the needs of existing digital inclusion and literacy programs
administered by OSPI.
• Partner with OSPI, community organizations, and school districts to optimize existing
funding opportunities and programming, such as by uplifting OSPI’s Digital Inclusion
Grants by recommending increased outreach and strengthened direct grant coordination
and support to school districts with technology capacity limitations.
• Provide support to OSPI on aligning Digital Equity and Inclusion Grant program objectives
with overall state digital equity goals related to educational outcomes and opportunities
for outreach.
Description
The WSBO and the DEU’s Digital Navigator Program intend to continue strengthening their
partnership with OSPI, understanding the office’s crucial role in bringing connectivity to
schools, and by extension, to students, families, and communities. OSPI has several ongoing
digital literacy and inclusion programs and opportunities for funding that have successfully
brought internet devices and technical support to school districts across Washington state,
including the most rural and under-resourced. By identifying the needs of existing digital equity
programs at OSPI, the WSBO and the DEU can leverage their expertise to support, expand, and
highlight existing programming.
5.1.4.4 Activity 4.4 Develop a standardized publicly available digital skill training curriculum
and resources.
KEY COMPONENTS
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 177
• Conduct a desktop review of digital skills frameworks and existing lesson material related
to digital skill topics, e.g., National Digital Inclusion Alliance resources. 311
• Document experiences of digital navigators, and gather material and lessons learned to
develop a curriculum with increasing skill levels as individuals advance in their training.
• Build out a curriculum and associated multilingual, plain language, and accessible
resources.
Description
The current cohort of the Digital Navigator Program consortiums is working on developing a
standardized digital skill curriculum module that will be available on the Digital Navigator
website for anyone to reference and integrate into their work. Libraries and OSPI will also be
involved with the curriculum development. The content focus will be for older adult and
student-focused areas of need identified. This work is funded through the current Digital
Navigator grantee funding.
5.1.4.5 Measuring Success for Digital Literacy
Various methods and tools can be used to measure the success of the efforts put forth to improve
digital literacy in Washington. Surveys and questionnaires can be provided to students at digital
literacy trainings and workshops to self-report on their digital skills, knowledge, attitudes, and
general understanding of the material discussed. Evaluation tools can also assess digital skills
and knowledge in a standardized manner. It may be recommended that programs across the
state utilize standardized assessment tools to create a baseline and measure the success of their
programs upon participants’ completion. 312 Washington State Library is working on a Digital Skills
Assessment report that will be submitted to the state legislature in June 2025.
For a statewide measure of success, the WSBO will track the number of covered populations
enrolling in programs under their purview. A baseline will be established in the first year of
implementation. To address the gaps identified in current state, local, or private efforts, the Digital
Navigators Program grantees intend to expand their partnerships with organizations, councils,
and program managers that serve individuals experiencing housing instability and foster care
families. The WSBO, in collaboration with the DEU, will initiate outreach to communicate the need
to expand digital literacy and digital navigation services to the DSHS, DOC, and other agencies
serving covered populations. The dialogue will also include a direct request to collect data on the
level of digital literacy of their populations, to be incorporated for annual progress reporting. The
data collected will assist with statewide tracking of the progress and success of these strategies.
311 National Digital Inclusion Alliance (2022). “Planning to Build a New Digital Skills Curriculum? Read This First.” Accessed at:
https://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2022/08/31/planning-to-build-a-new-digital-skills-curriculum-read-this-first/.
312 Some example existing tools and resources include NorthStar Digital Literacy Assessment and the International
Telecommunications Union's guidebook of national digital skills assessments.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 178
Goal 2: Empower Residents
Strategy 4 Provide services that promote digital literacy.
Washingtonians have opportunities to acquire the skills and understanding
Universal objective 4
to participate in digital connectivity activities.
Sub-objectives
4.1 All covered populations (except incarcerated 4.2 Incarcerated individuals
individuals – see Sub-objective 4.2)
Increase opportunities for covered populations to Include digital navigation services as part of
receive digital navigation services wraparound services to support reentry
Baseline Data
In 2023: 155,651 individuals assisted by Digital In 2023: 149 interactions with incarcerated
Navigator Program (breakdown by covered individuals 314
populations not available from all grantees) 313
Future cohorts of the Digital Navigator Program will
have more information on numbers by specific
covered populations. The DEU will work with other
partners who are offering digital skill to gather data
on other trainings being offered.
Key Performance Indicators
Number of interactions with digital navigators (all Number of interactions with digital navigators for
covered populations except incarcerated incarcerated individuals
individuals)
Near- and Long-term Targets
Near-term target: Increase by 10% relative to Near-term target: Increase by 20% relative to
covered population baseline baseline
Long-term target: Increase by 20% relative to Long-term target: Increase by 40%relative to
covered population baseline baseline
313 Digital Equity Unit (2024). Digital Navigator Program Data. Shared over email.
314 Connect Washington (2024). Digital Navigation Monthly Reporting Dashboard. Results filtered for 2023 “Correctional” population.
Accessed at: https://connect-wa.org/digital-navigation-monthly-reporting/
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 179
5.1.5 Strategy 5: Promote Practices and Leverage Tools to Enable Online Privacy and
Security
Online protection and safety are essential to encouraging covered populations to engage in digital
society. Services such as telehealth, banking, online purchasing, and connecting with family
members on social media are basic activities yet can become risky if the user does not have the
skills or knowledge to be safe online.
5.1.5.1 Activity 5.1: Leverage the Digital Navigator Program and other digital skills education
providers to conduct outreach and engagement, provide in-person trainings, and tools
and educational resources related to online privacy and cybersecurity.
KEY COMPONENTS
• Equip digital navigators with resources including standardized cybersecurity curriculum,
best practices for online privacy, and cybersecurity training tools.
• Utilize digital navigators to serve as messengers and support for covered populations
related to cyber security.
• Provide resources to other state agencies and community-based organizations that may
provide skills education related services.
Description
The Digital Navigator Program, which is housed in Commerce’s DEU, is one example of
programming essential for providing digital support for covered populations. These types of
programs serve as hands-on support to Washingtonians through community organizations
that provide one-on-one digital skills training throughout the state. Due to their relationships
with their communities, including covered populations, digital navigators are uniquely equipped
to support with outreach, sharing messages and resources with communities, to conduct
outreach, provide in-person trainings, and tools related to cybersecurity and how to protect
personal information online. A cybersecurity training module is planned for integration into the
standard state Digital Navigator curriculum that is under development.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 180
5.1.5.2 Activity 5.2: Support the Statewide Cybersecurity Strategy to protect data and privacy
of covered populations online.
COMPONENTS
• Collaborate with the Washington State Office of Cybersecurity to spread awareness of
cybersecurity standards and require that subgrantees projects have cybersecurity risk
management plans, as required by the BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity.
• Coordinate a cybersecurity best practices campaign for Washington residents, including
tools and resources such as how to recognize and report online scams, free antivirus
software and other security resources.
• Recommend the inclusion of cybersecurity tools within digital navigator training.
Description
The WSBO will support the Washington State Office of Cybersecurity in implementing their
statewide cybersecurity strategy. This includes supporting the office in a campaign tailored to
the covered populations that increases awareness of ways to stay safe online. Washington
residents, especially those most vulnerable to scams, including aging populations, those with
a language barrier, veterans, and low-income populations, need tailored campaigns that
provide information on how to protect data and privacy online. The campaign should also
include tools and resources, such as how to recognize and report online scams, free antivirus
software and other security resources. The WSBO will work with the Office of Cybersecurity to
develop compliance requirements that ensure that subgrantees have adequate cybersecurity
risk management plans in place prior to allocating funds to a subgrantee.
Other partners such as the DEU, local governments, and community groups can assist in
reaching covered populations by disseminating information to their communities through
listservs, printed pamphlets, community bulletins, and other platforms. These skills and tools
can also be shared with communities through programming such as digital navigators,
providing hands-on tools to remain safe online.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 181
5.1.5.3 Activity 5.3: Partner with internet service providers (ISPs) to promote cybersecurity
education.
COMPONENTS
• Advocate for ISPs to increase cybersecurity standards including ensuring that covered
populations are protected online through threat monitoring, firewall features, and
reporting suspicious activity across their networks.
• Encourage ISPs to share user-friendly, multilingual accessible information, and best
practices for protecting data and privacy online with customers.
Description
Some internet service providers are already investing in digital equity efforts across
Washington state. These efforts include increasing programs like digital navigators and
creating more public Wi-Fi zones. In addition to digital skill support, ISPs can participate in
ensuring covered populations are safe and protected online through threat monitoring,
implementing firewall features, and reporting suspicious activity across their networks. ISPs
can also share information with their customers around trends in cyber threats and resources
to improve user awareness. ISPs who apply for BEAD funding will be incentivized to participate
by including secondary selection criteria that awards points to applicants who participate in
digital adoption and digital navigation activities with their subscribers.
5.1.5.4 Measuring Success for Online Privacy and Cybersecurity
To measure the success of the strategy, the WSBO will continue to serve as a close partner to the
Washington State Office of Cybersecurity and the Washington State Office of the Attorney
General, where cyber incidents are reported. To supplement the Federal Trade Commission’s data
related to fraud reporting, the WSBO, in partnership with the DEU, can explore gathering
information from digital navigators and ISPs to better understand if and how information related
to online privacy and cybersecurity is being distributed and uncover opportunities to improve
communication to covered populations.
Goal 2: Empower Residents
Strategy 5 Promote practices and leverage tools to ensure online privacy and security.
Advancing measures that keep Washingtonians safe and protected online
Universal objective 5
from cyber threats.
Baseline Data
35 per 100,000 population fraud reports related to internet services reported in the Federal Trade
Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network for the 2022. 315
Key Performance Indicators
Number of fraud reports related to internet services per 100,000 population (all covered populations)
315 Federal Trade Commission (2023). FTC Consumer Sentinel Network. Accessed at: Tableau FTC Consumer Sentinel Network.
Note: The Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network uses 2021 Census state population estimate, but the number
was calculated using the 2022 Census estimates so there is a slight decrease in the ratio. Internet service-related reports include
problems with website content; difficulty canceling an ISP or online account; issues with online payment services, social
networking services, internet gaming, and virtual reality; undisclosed charges; website design and promotion services; and
problems with broadband internet services and content, including the truthfulness of cost, access, and speed disclosures.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 182
Goal 2: Empower Residents
Near- and Long-term Targets
Near-term: Reduce by 10%
Long-term: Reduce by 25%
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 183
5.1.6 Strategy 6: Embed Digital Equity Considerations into Larger Statewide Efforts to
Advance the Sustainability of this Work
5.1.6.1 Activity 6.1: Work with partners to explore sustainable funding mechanisms that
allow more state agencies, community anchor institutions, and community-based
organizations to adopt digital equity programs.
KEY COMPONENTS
• Collaborate with Digital Navigator consortiums, community anchor institutions, and state
agency partners to demonstrate impact of digital navigation services and outcomes.
• Work with Digital Navigator consortium leaders to coordinate a statewide cohort of state
agencies, community-based organizations, and other nonprofit digital equity leaders to
map program and policy assets and identify opportunities for how digital navigation
services can be integrated into existing operational budgets.
• Review and support legislation that shores up the sustainability of digital navigation and
other digital equity related services.
• Support capacity of partners to pursue diverse funding opportunities, including public,
public-private, and philanthropic opportunities.
Description
Sustainable funding for programs is an ongoing concern for digital equity practitioners across
the state. Without a sustained funding stream, it is difficult to continue the momentum that has
been developed through the Digital Navigator Program. It is also difficult to scale the work of
organizations documented in the Digital Inclusion Asset Inventory (Appendix 7.2) and others
that may not have been captured.
The WSBO and the DEU intend to work with a broad array of partners invested in digital equity
work to support legislative opportunities that can establish sustainable funding mechanisms.
This will enable more organizations to embed digital navigation into their service delivery
operations so that it becomes normalized rather than viewed as an ancillary technology-related
service. Additionally, the WSBO can work with partners to identify where there may be other
opportunities to fund digital inclusion activities.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 184
5.1.6.2 Activity 6.2: Support collective impact model for reducing digital illiteracy and to build
on-ramps to IT-related career paths.
KEY COMPONENTS
• Coordinate with state agencies, workforce development organizations, educational
institutions, and nonprofits working on the Digital Literacy & IT Career Equity decision
package using a ‘collective impact model’.
• Work with the Workforce Board, local workforce development boards, SBCTC and other
partners to foster public-private partnerships through the proposed Public-Private New
Program Fund to provide business with the opportunity to rapidly access funds for locally
responsive training when no nearby programs exist.
Description
Washington state is home to many of the largest technology companies in the world in addition
to many other businesses that would benefit from a highly digitally skilled workforce, including
those who will be applying for the BEAD program to expand internet services across the state.
Working together with a wide array of partners including nonprofits, governments, businesses,
and members of the public will be required to tackle the issue of digital illiteracy and to advance
sustainability in this work. The collective impact model requires cross-sectoral partnerships to
be effective. The fulfillment of collective impact also requires centralized infrastructure, a
dedicated staff, and a structured process to share measurement, communication and reinforce
activities among all participants. 316
While the specific decision package referenced above still needs to be voted on by the state
legislature, regardless of the outcome, the concept and model for collective impact will provide
a framework for how the WSBO will approach its digital equity programming and
communication. To reiterate, interconnection between efforts from the state, tribal, and local
partners and the public and private sector is critical to tackling a challenge as multifaceted as
digital inequity and the intersectionality of barriers that individuals face.
5.1.6.3 Measuring Success for Sustainability
The complexity and breadth of digital inclusion activities that need to be conducted and amount
of funding needed extend far beyond the capabilities of any single state agency or organization.
For any of the previous strategies to be successful in the long-term, they will require mechanisms
for sustainability. Developing strong and engaged partnerships with a robust network of digital
equity champions and tribes across the state will be critical to advocate for funding, to conduct
the work, and to measure progress. The Digital Inclusion Asset Inventory (Appendix 7.2) will be
updated annually, and as part of that work potential partnerships will be mapped to see if there
are areas that need to be strengthened in addition. For example, if more outreach needs to be
conducted with a specific covered population with whom specific partners are the best
messengers.
316 Kania, J. and Kramer, M. (2011). Stanford Social Innovation Review. Accessed at: Collective Impact (ssir.org).
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 185
Goal 3: Advance Sustainability
Embed digital equity considerations into larger statewide efforts to advance
Strategy 6
the sustainability of this work.
Advance statewide partnerships with tribal governments, state agencies,
Universal objective 6 community-based organizations, businesses, and other digital equity
focused organizations to sustain digital equity work.
Baseline Data
• There are currently 79 assets listed on the Digital Inclusion Asset Inventory. 317
• In 2023 there were 1,476 unique visitors to the Internet for All in Washington website.
Key Performance Indicators
• Awareness of Internet for All in Washington website resources and the Digital Equity Dashboard
once the dashboard is published.
• Work with partners to update Digital Inclusion Asset Inventory annually.
• Capacity of partners to apply for funding
Near- and Long-term Targets
Near-term:
• Increase website visits by 10%
• At least one partner organization applies for the NTIA’s Competitive Digital Equity Program
Long-term:
• Increase website visits by 20%
• Digital navigation is embedded into at least one additional state agency’s services
317 Note: Individual programs run by the state’s 348 public library branch locations are not listed individually and are grouped under
the category of “Libraries” as a single asset. In future years if more details on individual library programs are available this may
be broken out into further detail.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 186
5.2 TIMELINE
The timeline below sequences the implementation of the strategies over the next five years,
depending on the NTIA timeline. The table below illustrates planning as well as years for
implementation for each strategy. The WSBO and the DEU plan to review progress towards the
measurable outcomes for covered populations, including feedback from tribal nations,
stakeholders, evaluation of KPIs and review of the measures of
success to iterate on the strategies as needed. KEY
Planning period
Implementation period
Table 37: Digital Equity Strategy Timeline Milestone
Timeline Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Strategy 1: Expand broadband availability and increase affordability.
1.1 Coordinate with Washington state’s BEAD program to align
with digital equity goals.
1.2 Leverage partners to help increase enrollment in low-cost
and subsidized broadband service for low-income
communities.
1.3 Utilize Washington state’s Digital Equity Dashboard to
measure progress in broadband services for covered Stand up Digital Equity
Dashboard
populations.
1.4 Support Washington state’s CAIs to improve and increase
the number of free, public Wi-Fi locations.
1.5 Solicit innovative solutions that can increase broadband
affordability and adoption among hard-to-reach covered
populations or subgroups
Strategy 2: Implement innovative approaches to expand options for device availability and affordability
2.1 Partner with ISPs, CAIs, and device distributors to develop
awareness campaigns to promote low-cost broadband
service plans, mobile network/hotspots, and free, Kick off state-wide
subsidized, or low-cost device programs. awareness campaign
2.2 Develop innovative programs like statewide device repair,
refurbishment, reuse, and recycling programs to increase
device affordability and availability.
Strategy 3: Consolidate practices that promote online accessibility and inclusivity.
3.1 Partner with trusted messenger programs and
organizations to share information about digital
assistance and online accessibility with covered
populations.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 187
Timeline Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Strategy 4: Provide services that promote digital literacy.
4.1 Build upon lessons learned through the Washington State
Digital Navigator Program and statewide organizations
that offer digital navigation, digital literacy, or digital skill
trainings to expand programs designed to address unique Stand-up digital
navigators in a state
needs of covered populations. agency
4.2 Leverage existing programs to expand community
partnerships that provide increased knowledge and skills
enabling covered populations to participate in changing
workforce and societal needs.
4.3 Build on existing partnership with the OSPI to implement
innovative and proven approaches to expand student and
family involvement in digital literacy services.
4.4 Develop a standardized publicly available digital skill
training curriculum and resources.
Strategy 5: Promote practices and leverage tools to ensure online privacy and security.
5.1 Leverage the Digital Navigator Program to conduct
outreach and engagement, provide in-person trainings, and
tools and educational resources related to online privacy
and cybersecurity.
5.2 Support the Statewide Cybersecurity Strategy to protect
Initiate Cybersecurity
data and privacy of covered populations online. Best Practices
Campaign
5.3 Partner with ISPs to promote cybersecurity education.
Strategy 6: Embed digital equity considerations into larger statewide efforts to advance the sustainability
of this work.
6.1 Work with partners to explore sustainable funding
mechanisms that could allow more state agencies,
community anchor institutions, and community
organizations to adopt digital equity programs.
6.2 Support collective impact model for reducing digital
illiteracy and to build on-ramps to IT-related career paths.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.5 IMPL EMENTATION 188
6. CONCLUSION
As emphasized by individuals who participated in public engagement sessions, digital
connectivity is essential to Washingtonian’s daily lives. In tandem with the Broadband Equity,
Access, and Deployment (BEAD) planning documents, this Digital Equity Plan will support the
state with the delivery of affordable, accessible broadband to all residents, businesses, and
communities in Washington. This Digital Equity Plan serves as a foundation to show how
Washington state will use National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s
(NTIA’s) Digital Equity Capacity Grant to reach the Washington State Broadband Office ‘s
(WSBO’s) statewide goals of eliminating barriers to broadband and digital device access and
affordability, empowering residents, and ensuring sustainability of digital equity services.
The WSBO and the Digital Equity Unit have intentionally developed this Digital Equity Plan in close
collaboration with diverse stakeholders, tribal partners, and state agencies in hopes of designing
a strategy that embeds statewide efforts to assist with achieving Washington’s digital equity
goals. The WSBO aims to best serve all residents who are unserved and or underserved, while
recognizing there is more to be done to center their voices in the decision-making process. As
such, the Washington State Digital Equity Plan presents strategies and outreach methods to reach
the populations who have been historically underrepresented in digital inclusion activities.
The diversity in demographics, socioeconomic status, and physical location of Washingtonians
means that there is no “one size fits all” approach to equipping Washingtonians with the service,
tools, and skills needed to participate in today’s digital society. To that end, this document
identifies the strategies, planned activities, and partners needed to enable Washington state to
facilitate the adoption, affordability, and access to broadband internet, digital devices and skills,
and digital equity for all. Looking ahead, this Digital Equity Plan will serve as a roadmap to
improving digital equity outcomes for historically unserved and underserved communities by
incorporating the voices of community leaders and individuals. The WSBO intends to devote time
and resources for authentic outreach to the people and communities most profoundly impacted
by digital inequity. Engaging with communities to participate in ongoing efforts, paying attention
to the needs they identify and their experiences to evaluate the success of these efforts, and
understanding what “success” means to different communities is a top priority as this work is
implemented.
There is recognition among digital equity advocates in the state that given how quickly technology
is advancing, the goalposts for digital literacy will continue to move. For example, during public
engagement events numerous participants expressed interest and concern in the implications of
artificial intelligence advances or all services moving online to the point where in-person services
for essential services would no longer be available.
As the state expands the availability of broadband service through the BEAD Program and other
broadband funding programs, Washington state will continue to build on its strong foundation of
community-based digital equity planning to reflect evolving needs. 318 Availability of internet
318 Visit the Internet for All in Washington website for more information in the BEAD Five-Year Action Plan and Initial Proposal.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.6 CONCLUSION 189
service alone is insufficient for people to fully participate in a digital society if it is not affordable.
It is also essential to have the adequate skills, quality equipment and devices like modern routers
and computing devices. 319 This is why coordinating activities funded by the BEAD Program and
the Digital Equity Program will be critical to complement availability-, affordability-, and adoption-
related work and outreach to communities. The state will also continue to invest in programs that
support digital equity, ranging from the Digital Navigator Program, platforms like the Digital Equity
Forum, and opportunities for local partners and tribal governments to build capacity to support
future sustainable digital inclusion activities and deliver on the premise of “Internet for All.”
319 Computing devices should also include accessories like mice, large screen monitors, and headsets that facilitate ease of use for
work, education, telehealth, and other essential services.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.6 CONCLUSION 190
7. APPENDICES
7.1 CROSSWALK OF WASHINGTON’S DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN AND NOFO REQUIREMENTS
Digital Equity Plan Requirements (DE NOFO) Section
1 Identification of barriers to digital equity faced by Covered Populations in 3.2
Washington state.
2 Measurable objectives for documenting and promoting, among each Covered 2.3.2, 5.1
Population located in Washington state.
3 An assessment of how the measurable objectives identified will impact and 2.2.3, 2.2.1
interact with other state goals (e.g., economic and workforce development,
health, education, civic and social engagement, delivery of other essential
services)
4 A description of how the state plans to collaborate with key stakeholders 4.1.2
5 A list of organizations with which the Administering Entity for the State 4.1.2,
collaborated in developing the Plan Appendix
7.5
6 A stated vision for digital equity 1.2, 2.1
7 A digital equity needs assessment, including a comprehensive assessment of 3.2
the baseline from which the state is working and the state’s identification of the
barriers to digital equity faced generally and by each of the covered populations
in the State
8 An asset inventory, including current resources, programs, and strategies that 3.1
promote digital equity for each of the covered populations, whether publicly or
privately funded, as well as existing digital equity plans and programs already in
place among municipal, regional, and Tribal governments
9 A coordination and outreach strategy, including opportunities for public 4.1
comment by, collaboration with, and ongoing engagement with representatives
of each category of covered populations within the state and with the full range
of stakeholders within the state
10 A description of how municipal, regional, and/or tribal digital equity plans will be 4.1.4, 4.1.5
incorporated into the State Digital Equity Plan
11 An implementation strategy that is holistic and addresses the barriers to 5.1
participation in the digital world, including affordability, devices, digital skills,
technical support, and digital navigation. The strategy should (a) establish
measurable goals, objectives, and proposed core activities to address the needs
of covered populations, (b) set out measures ensuring the plan’s sustainability
and effectiveness across State communities, and (c) adopt mechanisms to
ensure that the plan is regularly evaluated and updated
12 An explanation of how the implementation strategy addresses gaps in existing 5.1
state, local, and private efforts to address identified barriers
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 191
Digital Equity Plan Requirements (DE NOFO) Section
13 A description of how the state intends to accomplish the implementation 5.1, 2.2.3
strategy by engaging or partnering with workforce
agencies/boards/organizations, community-based organizations, and
institutions of higher learning
14 A timeline for implementation of the plan 5.2
15 A description of how the state will coordinate its use of the State Digital Equity 2.2.2–2.2.3
Capacity Grant funding and its use of any funds it receives in connection with
BEAD and other federal or private digital equity funding
16 A description of any changes made to the Digital Equity Plan in response to Local
comments received and inclusion of a written response to each comment coordination
received tracker
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 192
7.2 DIGITAL INCLUSION ASSET INVENTORY
Table 38: Digital Inclusion Asset Inventory (to be updated over time)
Asset Description
Affordable The ACP is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit program that helps
Connectivity ensure that households can afford broadband services. The benefit provides a discount
Program (ACP) of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per
month for households on qualifying tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a
one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from
participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the
purchase price.
Aging and The Aging and Disability Services partnered with senior center and senior housing
Disability providers to get tablets and hotspots to individuals who needed them during the COVID-
Services, Area 19 pandemic, and continues to provide “Community Living Connections,” a free and
Agency on Aging confidential service to help find community resources and access support services.
for Seattle and
King County
Answers Answers Integrated Digital Empowerment assists individuals who have a household
Integrated income below 200% of the federal poverty level with applying for the ACP, navigating
Digital online resources and services, participating in free digital skills training reach month,
Empowerment and receiving additional financial assistance from Answers Counseling to help
purchase a digital device or pay for the discounted internet bill.
Asian The Asian Counseling and Referral Service offers a comprehensive Ready to Work
Counseling and program helping people with very limited English overcome language barriers, gain
Referral digital literacy skills, find meaningful employment, and achieve economic self-
Service’s Ready sufficiency.
to Work
Association of Washington’s 37 Housing Authorities build homes and run a variety of housing
Washington programs that support Washington’s working families, children, aging individuals,
State Housing veterans, and people with disabilities. They are important business partners throughout
Authorities the state, contributing millions of dollars each year to our neighborhoods through rental
subsidies. Several housing authorities provide subsidized to free Wi-Fi, digital
navigation services, and computer labs for residents to use.
Blue Mountain Blue Mountain Action Council is a local nonprofit service for neighbors in Southeast
Action Council Washington who are experiencing poverty. They provide free one-on-one tutoring to low-
income adults, including basic literacy, computer skills, English language learning, and
more.
Centers for Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are non-residential, private, non-profit, consumer-
Independent controlled, community-based organizations. They provide services and advocacy by and
Living for persons with all types of disabilities. Their goal is to assist individuals with
disabilities to achieve their maximum potential within their families and communities to
achieve and maintain independent living. Several CILs provide resources and training
related to technology and communication, and in particular assistive technology.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 193
Asset Description
Chelan-Douglas Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council is a private not-for-profit corporation
Community primarily serving the residents of Chelan and Douglas Counties. They offer free digital
Action Council literacy classes, sometimes with stipends/incentives for attendance. Classes offered to
those who are in AmeriCorps or who need digital literacy assistance, budgeting help, or
help with English. The non-profit also provides device/mobile hotspot lending.
Coastal The Coastal Community Action Program works with low-income individuals and
Community families to remove barriers that prevent them from achieving economic stability in
Action Program Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties.
Committee for The Committee for Accessible Technology Oversight advises several SBCTC councils
Accessible and commissions on matters of accessibility and technology, while supporting the
Technology creation of annual work plans and monitoring progress on their achievements. The
Oversight committee is also responsible for making recommendations, establishing guidelines,
and disseminating best practices for technology accessibility.
Community Community Action of Skagit County works to stabilize the lives of low-income
Action of Skagit individuals and families by equipping them with the resources and assistance
County necessary, including digital literacy classes and job training courses. They additionally
help with resource navigation to find options for low-income cell phones, low-income
internet service.
Community Numerous institutions play a pivotal role in serving as digital inclusion assets for their
Anchor local communities. While it is not possible to list every program or service provided by
Institutions CAIs, Washington’s Initial Proposal Volume I includes a list of CAIs in the state that
facilitates greater use of broadband service by vulnerable populations.
Community for Community for the Advancement of Family Education is a non-profit organization that
the advances family and community growth through education. They serve their culturally
Advancement of diverse community by providing opportunities in leadership, civic and social
Family Education engagement, literacy development, and academic advancement. The non-profit offers
digital navigation services and assistance with enrolling in the ACP.
Community The Community Health Network of Washington’s Link to Care Program serves patients
Health Network remotely in 39 counties across Washington. It provides free digital navigation; free
of Washington’s digital literacy skills training; affordable internet access assistance and connected
Link to Care device acquisition assistance for residents or households at or below 135% of the
Program Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Computing for The Computing for All program seeks to break down cultural and systemic social
All barriers that prevent young adults of all races, genders, and abilities from exploring
computer science as a potential career. These employer-mentored, project-based work
programs support practicing the application of critical thinking and problem-solving to
real-world work scenarios.
Cyber-Seniors Cyber-Seniors is a non-profit organization that provides older adults with tech training
using an intergenerational, volunteer model. Young people are provided with lessons
and learning activities to train them to act as digital mentors and older adults gain
access to adequate technology training and intergenerational communities that keep
them socially connected and engaged.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 194
Asset Description
DeafBlind The DeafBlind Services Center is committed to assisting deaf-blind people in reaching
Services Center and maintaining their highest possible quality of life and degree of personal autonomy.
The center provides a number of resources to assist deaf-blind individuals with digital
navigation, including a Communication Facilitator Program that helps with using screen
devices, webcam devices, and other forms of technology.
Department of SB 5092 allocates $1,156,000 for costs relating to a pilot program for expanding
Corrections educational programming to include post-secondary degrees and to secure internet
(DOC), connections at up to three correction institutions.
Legislative
Directive Senate
Bill (SB) 5092
Department of The DOC offers reentry navigation services which primarily include assisting people
Corrections with completing their individual reentry plan and resource navigation, including how to
(DOC), Reentry access supportive services such as subsidized broadband plans and digital navigation.
Navigation
Services
Department of Washington State Department of Services for the Blind provides services for people of
Services for the all ages who are blind or have low vision in the state of Washington. The agency
Blind provides services to more than 2,800 Washington State Residents to help them gain or
retain employment. Services include assistance obtaining assistive technology devices
including phones and tablets, instruction for clients on how to use phones and
computers to stay in touch with family and friends, and information on how to make
information accessible on documents and websites.
Department of The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is a statewide resource that assists people
Vocational with disabilities to prepare for, secure, maintain, advance in, or regain employment. It
Rehabilitation partners with businesses and organizations to develop employment opportunities. It
also serves people who seek meaningful and secure employment, but whose
disabilities may result in one or more barriers to achieving employment goals.
Digital Equity Digital Equity Learning Network of King County is a broad coalition of nonprofits,
Learning community anchor institutions, and local government (open to all) who meet to share
Network of King resources and create workshops on best practices, funding and policy that impacts
County digital equity work and provides networking opportunities.
Digital The Digital Navigator Program is a program of the Digital Equity Unit and works closely
Navigators with community partners and grantees. Digital Navigators can help individuals navigate
Program the internet, sign up for the ACP, connect with government and community services,
acquire digital literacy skills, and more.
Equity in A statewide coalition working towards a more targeted and comprehensive approach to
Education improve educational achievement and growth as well as closing the opportunity gap
Coalition throughout the state of Washington, particularly regarding digital equity.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 195
Asset Description
Evergreen For over 13 years, Evergreen Goodwill Northwest has been providing free digital skills
Goodwill training to covered populations across five counties in the Puget Sound area. Evergreen
Goodwill developed a “Digital Equity Bus” to serve as a mobile classroom in partnership
with Black & Veatch to bring computer classes, workforce development programs, and
wraparound support services directly to people in rural and historically under resourced
communities across Northwest Washington. Evergreen Goodwill previously provided
Digital Navigation services through 2022 using a Commerce-sponsored grant.
HelpingLink HelpingLink is a non-profit dedicated to empowering Vietnamese Americans, social
adjustment, family stability, and self-sufficiency. The organization offers iPad/iPhone
classes for adults and seniors within the Vietnamese community to learn translation,
navigation, and communication skills.
Hopelink Hopelink, a community action agency with service centers in north and east King
County, provides a network of services through several different programs, including
housing, transportation, family development, energy assistance, emergency financial
assistance, food markets, employment coaching, financial education, and adult
education. Adult education includes a Digital Skills Program, which offers one-on-one
support, resource navigation (such as affordable Internet), workshops, and classes, as
well as English Language and GED®/High School Completion Programs, which
integrate digital skills into instruction. Students have free access to borrow
Chromebooks and can apply for tech scholarships to purchase devices of their own.
HopeSource HopeSource moves people to self-sufficiency by providing access to education,
employment, economic development, and vital services. They offer classes to support
digital literacy skills and privacy and cybersecurity needs, public Wi-Fi, computer
workspaces, programs to provide affordable personal devices, and assist with ACP
enrollment.
Horn of Africa Horn of Africa is a social services organization based in the Seattle and King County
area dedicated to socially integrating, politically engaging, and achieving economic self-
sufficiency for East African immigrants and refugees. They have created a digital equity
plan and have staff dedicated to providing digital equity services.
Independent The Independent Living program is a voluntary program for youth ages 15 through 22
Living Program, who are or were in foster care with DCYF or a tribal court. The program is open to all
Washington youth who meet specific eligibility requirements. Youth can be anywhere on the
State spectrum of transitioning to adulthood. DCYF contracts with local community-based
Department of agencies and federally recognized tribes throughout the state to provide independent
Children, Youth, living skills, including digital skills, educational support, career exploration, and daily
and Families living skills.
(DCYF)
Individual DOC partnered with Securus Technologies to provide Individual Technology Services
Technology (phone calls, video visitation, e-messaging, media), which are accessed through a
Services tablet. Incarcerated individuals receive a limited number of free weekly phone calls,
monthly video connect sessions, and free stamps for e-messaging.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 196
Asset Description
InterConnection InterConnection is a nonprofit organization that enables digital equity by providing
technology and connectivity to underserved communities through sustainable
refurbishment and re-use of digital devices, as well as low-cost hotspot internet.
King County The King County Library System providers makerspaces that allow its patrons to
Library System explore hands on technology in areas such as robotics, coding, digitalization, design,
and engineering. It also provides digital literacy classes and instruction for people of all
ages and abilities and distributes laptops and hotspot kits to various partner
organizations’ clients in its service area. A strong emphasis of the laptop/hotspot
program is for those in the community experiencing housing insecurity or at risk of
becoming unhoused to help reduce barriers people may have getting to the library
Kitsap Kitsap Computing Seniors is an all-volunteer organization for aging individuals who
Computing want to help increase each other’s knowledge, skills and enjoyment of computers and
Seniors technology. They offer digital literacy classes and training for aging individuals, as well
as assist with device procurement and repair.
Kitsap Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center works for the well-being and empowerment of
Immigrant immigrants through education, advocacy, and social justice. They offer language
Assistance assistance, public computer workspaces, assistance with ACP enrollment, financial
Center literacy workshops, meeting space available for classes/training, public Wi-Fi, and have
conducted employment workshops with Goodwill.
Kittitas County The Kittitas County Veterans Coalition offers classes to support digital literacy skills,
Veterans public computer workspaces, mobile hotspots, or device lending programs, and assists
Coalition with ACP enrollment.
Korean Women’s The Korean Women’s Association is a registered 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization,
Association of providing multi-cultural, multi-lingual human services, regardless of race or ethnic
Pierce County background, to diverse communities through education, socialization, advocacy, and
support. They can assist with creating email accounts, learning how to search for jobs
online, and accessing Lifeline or ACP discounts.
Libraries Public libraries serve as important community anchor institutions. For example, during
2022 over 17 million annual visits were recorded in Washington state libraries.
Communities often visit libraries for digital navigation services, laptops and hotspots on
loan, access points for critical services like telehealth, and access to computer labs,
printers, Wi-Fi, and numerous other educational and informational services. 320
Lift Zones Comcast’s Lift Zones provide free Wi-Fi hotspots in spaces designated to help students
and families get online. A map of lift zones is provided on the company website.
Literacy Source Literacy Source partners with adults working to gain skills and education to create new
opportunities for themselves, their families, and the community. The digital literacy
program offers adult immigrants and refugees with low English language proficiency to
improve their English skills while also learning basic digital literacy skills.
320 Washington State Library (2022), 2022 Annual Library Service Measures. Accessed at:
https://apps.sos.wa.gov/_assets/library/libraries/libDev/2022stats.pdf
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 197
Asset Description
Mercy Housing Mercy Housing Northwest owns and operates 54 properties throughout Washington
Northwest and Idaho, providing over 5,000 families and aging individuals a place to call home at
below-market rent. They additionally have staff to provide digital navigation to residents
at seven multifamily housing properties in Pierce County, and to assist with enrolling in
the ACP. Computer labs are available to residents through their properties as well.
Metropolitan The Metropolitan Development Council is a community action agency working against
Development the tide of poverty by offering programs for behavioral health, housing, youth education,
Council adult education, food assistance, energy assistance, and weatherization. They offer
education and employment workshops, digital navigation for online applications,
devices at a low-cost, mobile computer unit, computer classes, and online learning
accounts through a NorthStar partnership.
NCW Tech NCW Tech offers a variety of programs for the community, including a Community Skills
Initiative to provide free digital skills trainings and Computers for Community to provide
computers to children in need. NCW Tech also offers Project iLumina, which is a rural
resilience and digital inclusion campaign that brings resources to rural communities.
Additionally, it offers Tech Help to provide access to digital resources and the skills and
support needed to engage online effectively for community members in need.
Northwest Northwest Center is a leader in advancing equal opportunities for children and adults
Center with developmental disabilities. They provide services in a wide range of areas including
early childhood education, after school programs, supported employment, job training,
and placement.
Northwest The Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center serves a seven-state region (AK,
Regional WA, OR, MT, ID, WY, UT) to advance the development, implementation, and integration
Telehealth of telehealth through sharing information, leveraging resources, and creating a
Resource Center synergistic telehealth community.
Off State The OSN is designed to allow access to other entities outside of DOC to use cloud
Network access to share real-time information that can be used for education and workforce
development purposes. The network is available through computers with wired
connections in classrooms and in law libraries.
Olympic Area The Olympic Area Agency on Aging operates a Mobile Assistance Van that travels
Agency on Aging throughout the county providing information and assistance. They serve as a single
entry-point for services for disabled adults and aging adults in Grays Harbor, Pacific,
Clallam, and Jefferson Counties in western Washington state. Additionally, they aid
homebound aging adults by supporting pilots such as ElliQ, which serves homebound
aging adults and promotes safety, health, and physical and emotional well-being.
Organización Organización Centro Americana offers free computer workshops every Friday and
Centro Saturday afternoon for Spanish-speaking individuals, by partnering with Amistad School
Americana and Casa Latina to host the events. Other services include homeless employment
programs, wage theft assistance, English and Spanish language classes, as well as job
skills workshops with a focus on digital skills.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 198
Asset Description
Partners in Partners in Careers is a non-profit organization that strives to create self-sufficiency
Careers through specialized job training and employment services, including computer basics,
digital navigation assistance, and social service assistance.
Pateros Pateros Brewster Community Resource Center is a non-profit corporation that provides
Brewster a location and infrastructure for community needs, including to connect families with
Community critical resources including free public Wi-Fi, mobile hotspots, affordable digital devices,
Resource Center and a technology center with 16 laptops, four computers, scanners, printers, projectors,
and other technological equipment.
Pierce County The Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness has worked rigorously to consolidate
Resources, resources for those experiencing homelessness and/or poverty in Pierce County,
Pierce County Washington to a single site. This project, Pierce County Resources, is intended to be an
Coalition to End easy-to-use guide for those experiencing homelessness. It includes a database where
Homelessness individuals can locate employment and job training centers, food banks, mental health
care, medical care, clothing resources, drug and alcohol treatment centers, dental care,
sexual assault and domestic violence services, pregnancy services, housing supportive
services, utility assistance, and more.
Prison Scholar The Prison Scholar Fund is an organization dedicated to helping incarcerated
Fund individuals access to the education they need to transform their lives. The fund enacted
a Digital Navigation and Workforce Development Reentry Support Program which
provided free laptops and internet services to justice-involved Washington state
residents, while supplies lasted.
RISE, Red de The Grays Harbor RISE Coalition brings together agencies serving the Spanish speaking
Inclusión and Latinx community members of Grays Harbor County. As a network, they are
Solidaridad y grounded by the values of inclusion, solidarity, and empowerment, and offer free
Empoderamiento resources on how to access internet subsidy programs in the area.
Rural Resources Rural Resources Community Action helps residents in Northeastern Washington access
Community resources for education, health, employment and training, housing, and transportation.
Action They offer free public Wi-Fi available 24 hours, a community digital navigator, two
computers for the community to utilize, and have a program to assist with cybersecurity
needs.
Seattle Housing The Seattle Housing Authority Digital Navigation Program offers digital navigation
Authority Digital services to Seattle Housing Authority residents. Digital navigation services include
Navigation learning how to set up a computer, signing up for discounted internet services,
navigating the internet, using contemporary meeting apps such as Zoom, Microsoft
Teams and Google Meet, and using Microsoft Office to create documents with word
processing and spreadsheet software
Senior Centers Washington state has an extensive network of senior centers, which provide free Wi-Fi
and staff who can assist with digital navigation services.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 199
Asset Description
SkillSource SkillSource provides training and learning opportunities in North Central Washington to
help people build new careers and help businesses develop. Eligible individuals can
receive individualized, self-paced instruction in computer basics in the workplace,
general digital literacy, Windows, and Microsoft Office applications. Eligibility for federal
programs must be established prior to instruction.
Somali Family The Somali Family Safety Task Force, in partnership with Seattle Public Libraries,
Safety provides a 10-week Introduction to Digital Literacy course at their New Holly Campus.
Taskforce, Their Digital Literacy Program is designed to provide low-income East African mothers
Digital Literacy living in the greater Seattle area with the opportunity to develop basic computer skills in
Program a culturally inclusive and welcoming environment.
Sound Sound Generations is a multiservice nonprofit partnering with older adults to remove
Generations the inequities that impact aging by providing accessible, essential, and inclusive
services. This nonprofit provides in-kind donations of technology devices that would
otherwise be unaffordable, as well as a network of affiliated senior centers that offer
resource navigation at no cost to aging individuals.
Sound Learning Sound Learning has consistently provided quality, accessible, innovative, and relevant
education programs to a diverse community of learners (adults and out of school youth
16+) representing varied educational, economic, cultural, and language backgrounds
since 1991 in Mason County and 2006 in Thurston County. Classes and tutoring focus
on information and skills, including English language, that are needed to succeed in the
community, support themselves and/or their families, gain, keep, or excel in
employment, and be prepared to succeed in training or college courses. Gaining or
improving digital skills is essential to success for their participants and families.
Special The Special Technology Access Resource Center at the Seattle Housing Authority
Technology Center Park property provides residents with disabilities access to specialized training
Access and technology. Classes offered to residents include the basics of using computers,
Resource Center printers, scanners, and the internet as well as employment skills training, adult basic
education, and ESL. The lab is free and open to the public.
Tacoma Tacoma Community House works with adult learners to gain English, math,
Community employment, and digital literacy skills to further their goals of self-sufficiency. For over
House 100 years, they have helped individuals navigate a new culture and find personal and
professional success through employment, education, immigration support, and
community engagement.
TechConnect The TechConnect Washington Community Helpdesk provides free multi-lingual, multi-
Washington cultural technical support to Washington residents to help them engage in a virtual
Community environment. Helpdesk technicians provide technical guidance, digital navigation
Helpdesk (Equity support, and connections to other community resources, such as telehealth calls, and
in Education online access to food, rental assistance, and socio-emotional supports. The program
Coalition) supports all community members including parents, students, and aging individuals.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 200
Asset Description
The Carl Maxey The Carl Maxey Center is a Black-led and Black-centered non-profit that acts as a
Center neighborhood culture center, which provides programs and services focused on the
needs of Spokane’s Black community. Through their Student Tech Fund, the Center has
partnered with Comcast to provide technology and supplies for free or at a subsidized
cost to students who struggled with remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic to
prevent students of color from falling further before.
Treehouse Treehouse Educational Advocates support students in foster care by providing timely,
Educational appropriate educational supports and interventions tailored to everyone’s academic and
Advocacy developmental needs. By partnering with a team of existing supports in a youth’s life —
Program caregivers, caseworkers, teachers, school counselors, and community providers —
Treehouse Educational Advocates help resolve barriers and identify needed resources
for the youth to make progress at school, including digital literacy skills and devices.
Tribal A Tribal Employment Rights Office is the unit within the tribal government structure that
Employment monitors and enforces Tribal employment rights ordinances and facilitates the
Rights Offices employment of American Indians and Alaska Natives in businesses and industries
operating within the geographical boundaries of the reservation. They can also provide
referral and placement resources between employers and residents of the reservation
and negotiate tribal preference agreements. 321
Unidos Nueva Unidos Nueva Alianza Foundation protects and promotes the rights of immigrants,
Alianza Latinx, and underrepresented communities through advocacy, support through services,
Foundation and resources. It serves nine counties in Washington and provides digital navigation
services and phone distribution.
Urban League of The Urban League Metropolitan Seattle works to empower African Americans and other
Metropolitan diverse underserved communities to thrive by securing educational and economic
Seattle opportunities. It offers an InfoTech Program designed to create a more digitally
engaged community by offering digital navigation services, digital skills trainings,
workshops, certification programs, and assistance with signing up for the ACP.
Valeo Vocation Valeo Vocation combats poverty and homelessness in Pierce County by offering quick
access to income, which is combined with wrap-around support to help participants
create a path towards permanent employment and housing. The organization provides
a public computer lab for job seekers to apply for programs, services, and employment;
as well as free public Wi-Fi, digital navigation, and low-cost devices.
Veterans The Veterans Outreach Center in Asotin County collaborates with the County Library to
Outreach Center: get digital navigator services to veterans at the center, at no-cost.
VFW Post-1443
321 U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (n.d.) Frequently Asked Questions about Indian Tribes and Tribal Employment
Rights Offices. Accessed at: https://www.eeoc.gov/frequently-asked-questions-about-indian-tribes-and-tribal-employment-rights-
offices
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 201
Asset Description
Villa Villa Comunitaria provides the program Aula Digital en Acción (Digital Classroom in
Comunitaria Action), which is a community driven solution to the challenges underrepresented and
immigrant Latinx communities face when using technology to access jobs, apply for
citizenship, engage with public schools, and access childcare and academic programs.
It is a 12-week technology training program to help residents connect with online based
application processes and resources.
Washington The Washington Assistive Technology Act program offers information, training, and
Assistive access to assistive technology devices and services that can help individuals with
Technology Act disabilities access the internet and digital resources.
Program
Washington The SBCTC advocates, coordinates, and directs Washington state’s system of 34 public
State Board for community and technical colleges and partner community-based organizations*. These
Community and institutions of learning often provide free Wi-Fi, computer centers, digital skills training,
Technical and workforce development courses related to technological skills.
Colleges
(SBCTC) *SBCTC-funded adult basic education CBOs: Literacy Source (King County) Hopelink (King
County), Community Action of Skagit County (Skagit County), Tacoma Community House
(Pierce County), and Sound Learning (Mason County).
Washington Washington State Library’s LinkedIn Learning Program provides statewide access to
State Library Linkedin Learning covering business, technology, and creative courses. The resource is
free of charge with a library card from any Washington public library via the libraries’
websites in English, French, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish. The
Washington State Library-funded subscription is free to all Washingtonians.
The State Library system also provides access to the Northstar Digital Literacy
Program’s self-directed assessment and learning tool that covers a variety of
technology scenarios. It comes with short lessons and practice exercises to improve
skills in a number of common computer topics. The Northstar resource is available on
local public library websites. Library staff are available to help with the resource during
regular hours. Another resource is the statewide database licensing project which
allows Washington libraries to leverage their resources to gain more cost-effective
access to database projects. Washington State Library coordinates with Washington
libraries so that all Washingtonians can have access to a range of electronic database
products to address their informational and educational needs.
Washington The school supports visually- impaired, blind, or deaf-blind students. Services include a
State School for support system for access technology needs across the state. There are plans to
the Blind expand assistance options to include in-person and virtual formats, enhanced
assessment offerings, professional development, and the addition of science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics support.
Washington 4-H Tech Changemakers help adults and other learners by supporting digital literacy,
State University- digital equity, tech adoption, and promoting tribal or rural broadband. 4-H Youth are
Extension 4-H helping adults find jobs, understand remote work, and how to access or adopt new
Tech Changers technology
Program
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 202
Asset Description
Workforce There are 12 regional workforce areas in Washington overseen by Workforce
Development Development Boards. Local workforce development boards partner with businesses
Boards and educational institutions to provide a variety of workforce resources and services
including some services specific to covered populations such as veterans. For example,
veterans can access computers and other devices at WorkSource centers and receive
skills assessments sand training. The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King
County also maintains a Digital Equity Asset Map for their service area.
WorkSourceWA WorkSource is a statewide partnership of state, local and nonprofit agencies that
provides an array of employment and training services to job seekers and employers in
Washington. These services provide in-person computer skills training and virtual
learning opportunities.
Youth The Youth Empowerment Program specializes in ensuring that the children under the
Empowerment care of the DCYF have the tangible resources needed to participate in their educational,
Program, professional, or personal endeavors; including, access to technology such as a laptop to
Washington participate in online schooling or for online enrollment into social services.
State
Department of
Children, Youth,
and Families
(DCYF)
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 203
7.3 COMMUNITY ACTION PLANS
The WSBO has published county and tribal Community Action Plans online, which can be
accessed using the Community Action Plans Link. In some instances, counties or tribes did not
provide complete information. Sixteen tribes participated in this process with four tribes
partnering with neighboring counties and 12 tribes submitting information independently.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 204
Please note that this information was provided to the WSBO in mid-2023 from ARPA
capital awardees related to affordability and digital equity programming. This is not
an endorsement of any services but is included for informational purposes.
7.4 WSBO ARPA CAPITAL AWARDEE AFFORDABILITY PROGRAMS AND DE EFFORTS
BEYOND PARTICIPATING IN BATS
Public Utility District No. 1 of Franklin County
Franklin PUD will be developing a wholesale broadband assistance program that will be available
to subscribers based on if they are already involved in a free and reduced lunch or electric service
program. This data is already being gathered by the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Franklin
County and the local school districts. Once the school districts have verified these accounts, the
ISPs are incentivized to pass on a discount to the customers. Another discount often provided is
Franklin PUD comparing customer’s electric bill to determine cost of broadband service. If
qualified, customers can match the same discount for their electrical services. Other eligible
groups such as the elderly or those living with disabilities, retail service providers (RSPs) are
required to offer generous discounts (up to 30%). Eligibility is determined based on information
provided by organizations like Big Bend Rural Electric Association (REA).
Franklin PUD will also be working with ISPs on the technical side to bring them up to date on the
new wholesale offerings and provide technical support on installations, provisioning, and
troubleshooting. The PUD will provide educational information to institutions such as Mid-
Columbia Library and local schools to highlight available resources related to fiber connections
and job training.
Public Utility District No. 1 of Grays Harbor County
Grays Harbor PUD (GHPUD) Discount Program- Senior Discount Program: GHPUD currently offers
a discount to low-income senior customers for their eclectic utility service. The PUD is evaluating
if offering a similar discount for broadband services is feasible. The Senior Discount Program
qualifications are as follows: -Are at least 62 years of age -Have a household annual gross income
of $32,988 or less -Receive an electric bill from the P.U.D. in your name or have the bill included
in your rent.
Project HELP: Through this donation fund, GHPUD in partnership with the Coastal Community
Action Program (CCAP) community members may contribute to neighbors to support keeping
their utilities paid up when they are experiencing financial hardship. Project Help began in 1984
and has helped many neighbors in need in the nearly 40 years of operations. This program gives
local community members a chance to help other local families when circumstances have made
it impossible for them to pay their utility bills. Contributions are collected in a variety of ways: -
Customers of Grays Harbor PUD can contribute a small amount mailed in with their electric bill
each month -Make a one-time donation by filling out the pledge payment coupon and returning it
with their monthly bill payment or calling the PUD to submit a donation over the phone.
There are no administrative costs deducted by the Grays Harbor PUD or CCAP from the
contributions. GHPUD and CCAP donate their time and facilities to support this important
community program. Of the contributions received, 100% go to CCA.
Public Utility District No. 1 of Jefferson County
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 205
Please note that this information was provided to the WSBO in mid-2023 from ARPA
capital awardees related to affordability and digital equity programming. This is not
an endorsement of any services but is included for informational purposes.
Jefferson County’s PUD (JPUD) has low-income rates for its electric and water customers that
will be automatically extended to eligible internet service customers as well. Eligibility is based
on income, with verification done in house by JPUD staff. JPUD’s low-income rate is available to
customers who earn either 150% of the median federal poverty level or less or are over the age
of 62 whose household income (after allowable deductions) does not exceed $30,000 per year.
The low-income benefit for internet service comes in the form of a $20 per month. discount for
JPUD internet service customers. A $10 discount is extended to residential customers of our
open access providers, with a strong incentive to the provider to match the discount. Eligible
customers can receive both ACP and JPUD low-income benefits, meaning some low-income
customers could receive 150/150Mbps internet for only $15 per month.
Kittitas County
There are no installation fees for customers accessing the network and the end user rates
coupled with the ACP program make this an incredibly affordable program with high-capacity
broadband services.
Kittitas County intends to establish an online marketplace where consumers can engage in the
best internet experience most fitting their budget. This innovative new method will provide
residential and business consumers an opportunity to competitively review ISP offerings and
streamline their purchase of services. Through this program, the county will offer a no-cost
installation and provisioning program for all consumers of the broadband network, not just low-
income households. Everyone in the community will enjoy the same program of affordability and
access to the best possible products by utilizing this marketplace. Additionally, the marketplace
will not be limited to terrestrial broadband providers. As many residents outside the proposed
project area will still not have access to traditional ground-based connectivity options that
exceeds 25/3, those local wireless providers who have worked to historically fill this gap will be
able to offer services where needed. The proposed project has included fiber routing to
geographic points necessary for maximum wireless coverage to provide backhaul capability for
wireless ISPs.
Lewis County Public Utility District No. 1
Lewis PUD intends to establish an online marketplace that allows consumers to engage in the
internet experience. This marketplace will provide residential and business consumers the
opportunity to streamline their purchase of services. Through this program, the PUD will offer a
no-cost installation and provisioning program for all consumers of the broadband network, not
just low-income households. Everyone in the community will be able to enjoy the same program
of affordability utilizing this marketplace. Furthermore, those that cannot currently use broadband
will be invited to the locally developed community center where assistance on access will be
provided to all community members.
The population must have knowledge of how to leverage the Internet to maximize their benefits
of access. After successful network expansion, the PUD will work with the local library and
community center to provide digital literacy classes for community members, including training
programs and tech support for Internet-based skills.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 206
Please note that this information was provided to the WSBO in mid-2023 from ARPA
capital awardees related to affordability and digital equity programming. This is not
an endorsement of any services but is included for informational purposes.
The Lewis County PUD Broadband Access Project will renovate an existing community center to
provide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant accessibility to three designated
computer stations and four desks for bring-your-own-device stations. Connectivity will also be
provided to households in the community that are currently unconnected or that cannot achieve
broadband speeds The Baw Faw Grange #34 has agreed to become a Community Center under
the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Community Connects grant. The Grange’s grant funded computer
stations will be accessible to the community before, during, and after regular business hours, and
on weekends. The Grange is well positioned to serve in this vital role to offer connectivity to the
residents of the project areas. For the Baw Faw Grange and the Boistfort Valley, broadband
access will allow local students adequate access to school programs offered through the
Internet, provide access to agriculture information for our local farmers, and provide critical
Internet access to our local school and fire department. This community center, further discussed
throughout this application, will serve as the digital equity and inclusion center that this
community needs to gain adequate access and education to use, adopt, and enjoy the broadband
services this project will deliver.
Lincoln County
The successful completion of the project will make future digital equity programs more relevant.
The project will solve the availability of broadband for the area and efforts can focus on
affordability issues (assisting users in signing up for ACP), lack of device issues (providing
devices that can be used to access the internet), and knowledge-based issues (providing training
and support for users to utilize the accessibility to its fullest extent).
Lincoln County's Economic Development Council (EDC) will facilitate adoption assistance
activities as part of the County's efforts to address digital equity. The libraries in Lincoln County
play a critical role in the addressing digital equity through technical support, digital literacy
programming and the availability of devices. Each of the five libraries in Lincoln County offer
public computers with free Wi-Fi that can assist in the enrollment in ACP programs. The library
has e-readers available for checkout, and digital downs loads such as eBooks and audiobooks
and digital literacy programs to teach patrons how to best utilize technology. Each library offers
extensive research databases covering K-12 education, social sciences, science and technology,
literature and language, health and medicine, world and local news, business and more. These
internet resources are accessible to all patrons.
In addition, the Lincoln County libraries offer access to online courseware for technology training
at no cost through the Washington State Library and Microsoft Imagine Academy. Microsoft's
digital literacy program has easy multimedia courses on computer basics, the Internet and online
safety without any sign-in required. Advanced users can take courses that qualify for Microsoft
Certification testing. Course topics span the gamut of advanced IT use, from database classes
to developer programs. The Lincoln County Libraries offer a robust collection of programs and
courses designed to improve the digital literacy of those they serve.
Mason County Public Utility District No. 3
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 207
Please note that this information was provided to the WSBO in mid-2023 from ARPA
capital awardees related to affordability and digital equity programming. This is not
an endorsement of any services but is included for informational purposes.
In partnership with their retail service providers, Mason County PUD 3 offers a low-income
discount for qualifying services. PUD 3’s electric assistance programs are very effective in
providing a helping hand to customers in need. The Low-Income Fiber Discount expands
assistance programs to fiber consumers and allows qualifying low-income households to see a
slight reduction in broadband access costs. This discount amounts to a $10 per month reduction
in wholesale costs to the retail service provider. Participating retailers have made a commitment
to not only pass on the discount to the end user, but to match it with an additional $10 per month
discount. This means, qualifying customers are eligible to receive a $20 monthly discount on their
internet bill and bring the price of gigabit broadband below the advertised cost of DSL in Mason
County. These customers will no longer have to decide between inadequate internet and
affordable service. Now, they can get the best internet available at incredible prices. There are no
speed or data caps associated with the low-income fiber discount. Qualifying customers for the
Low-Income Fiber Discount program are low-income seniors aged 61 years and older with
permanent, not federally subsidized housing served year-round by PUD 3 and an adjusted
household income of less than $40,000 per year; and low income disable citizens with permanent,
not federally subsidized housing served year-round by PUD 3 and qualified by through the
Community Action Council. Disabled customers are those that meet at least one of the following
criteria: have a special parking permit, i.e., card, decal or special license plate for the disabled as
set forth in RCW 46.16.381 (1), (a) through (f); meet the definition for the blind as set forth in RCW
74.18.020; or have 100% disability as determined by the Veterans Administration or qualify for
Social Security Income or Social Security Disability benefits by reason of a disability.
PUD 3’s retail Internet Service Providers offer outstanding technical support and site visits, during
installation and when necessary, to end users to ensure their home and business networking
connections are functioning appropriately. All of PUD 3’s retail Internet Service Providers are
required to offer customer service availability 24/7 through phone and email; Hood Canal
Communications offers written tutorials on how to set up and use their email services. Advanced
Stream staff, including their CEO, regularly make house calls to support their customers’
technology needs.
Okanogan County Electric Cooperative
The Okanogan County Electric Cooperative (OCEC) project partners will continue their important
work with local community organizations such as the Okanogan County Community Action
Council, Room One, and the Cove (a local Food Bank) to provide outreach and enrollment
assistance related to the ACP program. In addition to participating in the FCC’s Affordable
Connectivity Program, Methownet offers affordable service plans to residents who are enrolled
in social service programs for the economically disadvantaged or physically disabled within the
community. There is not a formal process in place. Instead, if a person asks for help, Methownet
will assist them. Additionally, the Methownet team has gone above and beyond to discreetly work
with customers, as needed, to provide discounts based on individual needs. Methownet has, in
the past, provided discounts to seniors on a fixed income and has heavily discounted services for
local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also provided a year of free service for the
family of a local laborer during a significant health and income crisis.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 208
Please note that this information was provided to the WSBO in mid-2023 from ARPA
capital awardees related to affordability and digital equity programming. This is not
an endorsement of any services but is included for informational purposes.
Beyond customer service and as a community service Methownet provides phone-based network
support to both customers and non-customers to promote digital literacy and assist with security
issues. If needed, they will dispatch their technical staff to provide on-site support. Additionally,
over the last year, Methownet’s customer base has increased 15 percent with no formal
advertising. Word-of-mouth advertising has also been heavily relied upon and effective in this
tight-knit community.
If granted funding, and in addition to the current level of helpdesk/technical support offered,
Methownet will conduct digital navigation and training outreach to increase adoption. Working in
coordination with community partners, OCEC and Methownet will hold monthly outreach events
to engage with residents, provide training, ACP awareness, and advance digital adoption and
literacy.
Methownet has worked with area homeowner associations (HOAs) to explore both wireless and
fiber solutions to improve neighborhood service. It has collaborated with both the Pine Forest
HOA and the Liberty Woodlands HOA to set up wireless access points. Further, Methownet is
currently working with Methow Housing Trust to deliver fiber service to two developments and
has also installed conduit for future fiber for the Trust. In addition, Methownet installed a fiber
conduit in the Edelweiss subdivision.
Okanogan County Electric Cooperative (OCEC) operates a monthly newsletter via email, reaching
most of the residents of Methow Valley and will advertise in the local newspaper. Print media will
also be used to advise the community about the project and advertise the available services,
assistance programs, and training opportunities.
OCEC utilized an emailed survey of its members on December 16, 2021, to gauge interest in
broadband and evaluate the internet service market. They obtained 1,084 responses. The survey
results indicated that 80 percent of respondents were overwhelmingly interested in switching to
fiber broadband from OCEC, demonstrating an unmet demand for fiber-based services in the
Methow Valley area. They will perform outreach activities as a follow-up to this survey.
Orcas Power and Light Cooperative
Orcas Power and Light Cooperative’s (OPALCO) Energy Assist Program (EAP) was started in 2016
to assist low-income households with their OPALCO electric bills on a year-round basis. This is
an OPALCO administered program that is meant to ease the affordability gap in San Juan County
and support the community. The program is funded through rates as a separate line item on each
co-op member’s monthly bill. Members must be on the standard residential rate and verify their
qualification through another endorsed low-income assistance program to qualify for the Energy
Assist Credit. Once an individual obtains this assistance from OPALCO, the customer can use
that discount to add a $25 discount to their monthly Rock Island internet bill. The program renews
annually.
San Juan Island Chamber Subsidy for Low Income: A volunteer match account between OPALCO,
Rock Island, and its main lending partner CoBank holds funds that may be used for the one-time
fees for connecting to services. The San Juan Community Foundation oversees the program and
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 209
Please note that this information was provided to the WSBO in mid-2023 from ARPA
capital awardees related to affordability and digital equity programming. This is not
an endorsement of any services but is included for informational purposes.
the eligible disbursement of funds. An individual who is an active participant in the ACP or EAP
program qualifies for assistance in onboarding fees, up to $500, to connect to the internet service.
The partnered ISP, Rock Island, provides a full suite of technical support and offers many add-on
services to support network security, propagation, and configuration for IT needs. As a company
based in the same location as all our users, we offer a localized support operation, with local
knowledge of the network and personalized troubleshooting. The ISP also sponsors user
education classes for customers who are seeking assistance in using modern technology. The
Cooperative publishes a monthly magazine sent to all members that includes helpful tips and
articles to support members’ technological needs. Engagement continues to be a major priority
of the Cooperative.
Port of Skagit County
In addition to ACP, the program fees associated with this project do not require additional
subsidization plans; there are no installation fees for customers and no end user rates above the
ACP subsidy that is paid to the broadband provider.
There is no need for a secondary program because the Committed ISP (Astound Broadband) is
an active and enthusiastic participant in the Affordable Care Program. A $30.00 discount will be
available for application to a qualified customer’s service cost each month. Furthermore, Astound
has committed to offer a $30.00 service to all qualified customers for the Affordable Connectivity
Program in the project area, resulting in a zero-cost service for low-income households in this
project area. If the subscriber requires a higher-bandwidth service, they may also have the $30.00
ACP discount applied to their service cost, thereby reducing the end-user fee.
To support this free service program, the Port of Skagit will not charge a fiber lease rate to the
ISP when a zero-cost service is offered to an enrolled customer. Affordability and accessibility
are critical elements for the Port, and we are committed to creating a community where all
citizens have access to broadband and the skills to utilize the internet to enhance a quality of life.
Digital literacy in the Bow outlying areas project area is a priority of the Port of Skagit. The Port
of Skagit leads the Skagit County BAT which is focused on digital equity and inclusion efforts
countywide. The project area has an adoption rate to the Affordable Connectivity Program of 6%
much lower than the national average of 17% which is a very poor result for the community. The
Skagit County BAT is working to bring the enrollment numbers in the Affordable Connectivity
Program countywide through the efforts of the Port and its partner organizations that make up
the Skagit County BAT.
To increase the adoption rate of the Affordable Connectivity Program, the Port of Skagit is
partnering with the Burlington-Edison School District to distribute information about the ACP. The
school district has committed to wide distribution of this information to all students in the B-E
District, in hopes of removing unnecessary barriers to learning and accessibility for their students
and families, and to take another step towards digital equity in the district. Rebecca Skrinde, CEO
of Helping Hands Solution Center which has a satellite location to serve this outlying area, knows
firsthand of the hardships faced by her program participants. The Port of Skagit will also be
requesting the assistance of the Helping Hands Solution Center to distribute information through
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 210
Please note that this information was provided to the WSBO in mid-2023 from ARPA
capital awardees related to affordability and digital equity programming. This is not
an endorsement of any services but is included for informational purposes.
their program to reach people who may qualify for, and benefit from the Affordable Connectivity
Program.
There are 441 potential locations in the zip code 98232 that the project area is in that are eligible
for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP and its predecessor, the Emergency
Broadband Benefit (EBB), are subsidy programs intended to help all Americans have affordable
access to the technologies that drive the modern digital economy.
Rural Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) developed a map to assist digital navigators
and digital inclusion support organizations gain insight into the reach of the new Affordable
Connectivity Program.
Port of Whitman County
Inland Cellular participates in the Lifeline program, which offers discounts for eligible low-income
households. The successful completion of the project will make future digital equity programs
more relevant. The project will solve the availability of broadband for the area and efforts can
focus on affordability issues (assisting users in signing up for ACP), lack of device issues
(providing devices that can be used to access the internet), and knowledge-based issues
(providing training and support for users to utilize the accessibility to its fullest extent).
Affordable, robust broadband internet service – Successful Digital Navigator programs have one
key prerequisite – the wide availability of adequate internet service. The completion of this project
enhances the success of Whitman County Library's (WCL) Digital Navigator program that
provides technical support, digital literacy, and tools. WCL's Digital Navigator program provides
assistance on a range of popular devices on various platforms, as well as help with requests on
lesser-known devices and applications whenever possible. WCL's gifted devices program
supplies a laptop and MS Office to every qualifying household, up to 19 per library branch or 266
laptops overall, providing a device that can meet the basic computing needs of everyone in the
household (work, school, telehealth, entertainment, communication, finances). WCL's Digital
Navigator program incorporates digital literacy skills through different types of training, including
via telephone, one-on-one appointments, walk-in assistance, scheduled classes, requested topic
workshops, written material, YouTube videos, resources on our website, and Zoom sessions
where appropriate. In addition to helping people with hardware issues, WCL's program assists
with connectivity, cybersecurity, as well as training on how to use popular software and
applications. WCL provides a tiered program by providing different levels of assistance
depending upon what each resident’s needs are. Library staff is available to assist with ACP
questions and enrollment, online resources available for job seekers and online learners, and a
wide range of other topics of interest to patrons. Each library is hiring a local high school student
to help people during the additional open hours each week designated for Digital Navigator
assistance, bringing a new perspective and skill set (especially with social media and apps) to
the program. In addition, WCL recruits volunteers from the local communities who want to help
deliver Digital Navigator services during library hours. For more involved hardware or software
issues, designated staff with Pullman Marketing are available, including helping people
communicate effectively with their ISP if needed. Pullman Marketing also established and staffs
a hotline and email address for people needing to set up an appointment or that cannot physically
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 211
Please note that this information was provided to the WSBO in mid-2023 from ARPA
capital awardees related to affordability and digital equity programming. This is not
an endorsement of any services but is included for informational purposes.
visit a library. For those residents who need someone to visit their home to assist, Pullman
Marketing staff connects them with private providers of such services and helps arrange
appointments.
Tri County Economic Development District (TEDD)
PCs for PEOPLE: PCs for People is offering discounted desktop and laptop computers with the
TEDD. This program offers households a one-time discounted desktop computer for $20.00, or a
laptop for $49.99, while supplies last. Customers must be currently participating in a government-
based assistance program or have a qualifying household income (less than 200% of federal
poverty guidelines or 60% of area median income). Before completing your purchase, PCs for
People requires photo identification and income documentation to ensure that customers meet
our eligibility criteria.
Customers who engage in this program can access a desktop computer for just $20 with these
features: Wi-Fi-enabled refurbished desktop with Windows 10 operating system. The system
includes i5 or i7 processor, 6 GB RAM, and a 500 GB or solid-state drive (SSD) hard drive.
Microsoft Office, antivirus software, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. A one-year warranty is also
included.
Customers who engage in this program can access a laptop for just $49.99 with these features:
Wi-Fi-enabled refurbished laptop with Windows 10 operating system. The system includes i5 or
i7 processors, 6 GB RAM, and 500 GB or SSD hard drive. Microsoft Office, antivirus software, and
an AC power adapter. A one-year warranty is also included.
Seasonal Pause: An innovative cost-saving option has been set up for customers who may travel
for long periods of time or not utilize a location as a year-round residence is the opportunity to
lower their service cost and speed temporarily. This seasonal pause option allows customers to
reduce their service to less than 1 Mbps and pay only $15 per month while they are away and up
to 4 months per year. Maintaining the reduced internet connection allows customers to remotely
access their internet to monitor devices like cameras and thermostats while they are away but
not spending money on higher capacity service that they don’t need while not at home. There are
no qualifying criteria to participate in this program.
Airband Initiative: This program allows participants to build their digital skills with learning
resources from Microsoft. The Microsoft Airband Initiative gives the community access to
curated learning resources that can help consumers build the technical skills needed to
participate in today’s digital economy. These skills include Digital Literacy and the foundational
skills needed to understand and safely use digital devices, software, and the Internet. Get tips for
protecting your privacy, using the internet safely and combating online bullying and harassment,
learning how to code, accessing computer science courses online, and sharpening technical skills
through hands-on learning modules. There are no eligibility requirements for this program, and
access to this service will be provided for all customers. (https://www.microsoft.com/en-
us/corporate-responsibility/airband)
Telemedicine Kits: The Colville School District received a $10,000 grant to purchase MiFi hotspots
and pay for two months of service for graduating seniors, partnering with Libraries of Stevens
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 212
Please note that this information was provided to the WSBO in mid-2023 from ARPA
capital awardees related to affordability and digital equity programming. This is not
an endorsement of any services but is included for informational purposes.
County (LOSC) to manage, deploy and retain the hotspots for continued use. This led to a
partnership with Providence Health Care (PHC) to solve telehealth access issues. LOSC
developed five “check-outable” telemedicine kits including a hotspot puck and a laptop already
loaded with Zoom software and appropriate links. Providers identify Stevens County patients who
have a "prescription" for technology to participate in telemedicine appointments. The patient can
bring the prescription to the library, or phone them, to reserve a telemedicine kit to take home or
use from the library parking lot on high-speed Wi-Fi. They can also receive training if necessary.
In some cases, these patients can avoid a three-hour round-trip drive to a clinic or hospital and
reduce the number of people in those clinics and hospitals.
Policy: Members of the SC/ST BAT have commented on national legislation, attended webinars,
engaged with comments specific to challenges from the rural community perspective, and
discussed ways to promote and alleviate issues for ISPs and people who wish to enroll in the ACP
Program. These activities will continue and TEDD and SC/ST BAT will continue to advocate for
and support ISPs and efforts to deploy broadband in the area. Their extensive contacts and long-
term relationships have proven very effective in moving projects to completion.
Drive-In Wi-Fi Sites: One of the first Drive-In Wi-Fi projects deployed by WSU Extension was on the
Spokane Indian Reservation; it became the third most visited site in the system. A second site
was deployed at the Tri-County Economic Development District/WSU Extension office. The free
drive-up Wi-Fi hotspots are still operational and there is no plan to end services.
TEDD Digital Equity Advocates: TEDD works in close partnership with the Stevens County WSU
Extension Office on its digital equity initiatives which are set to ramp up in Q1 of 2023. TEDD will
be an integral partner in advocating for the traditionally underrepresented populations in Stevens
County to ensure that programs and resources are available to residents in the area as part of the
state’s BEAD strategy.
Public Utility District No. 1 of Whatcom County
Whatcom County Fire Chief Christopher Carleton FD5 asked if PointNet would consider free
service to local hardship cases and PointNet has agreed to provide this on a confidential basis
and the Fire Dept. will provide a list of those who may require special aid. FD5 indicated that a
maximum of 15 such cases should be sufficient and PointNet has committed to support this
provided that the Fire Dept. identify the parties and service addresses.
Yakima County
Prior to Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) our committed ISP was involved in Emergency
Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. The ISP gave 250 free internet accounts to homes during
covid-19 in the Tieton and Naches area for students to do schoolwork. Later in process the
schools paid for service at a discounted rate. There were no install fees and service charges. To
this date these accounts are still active in ACP. Our committed ISP is also the K-20 Education
Network internet service provider for the Tieton school district.
In this project area, 1,614 of the 5,303 households qualified for the ACP program are currently
enrolled. While these numbers are higher than the national average enrollment of 17%, it still
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 213
Please note that this information was provided to the WSBO in mid-2023 from ARPA
capital awardees related to affordability and digital equity programming. This is not
an endorsement of any services but is included for informational purposes.
means that there are 3,689 homes in this project area that are qualified for the ACP program
benefit that are not currently utilizing it.
Every subscriber will have no-cost access to an online subscription marketplace where residential
and commercial subscribers can acquire open access broadband services from any qualitied ISP
serving in this community. This user-friendly system, provided by COS systems, will create a
highly flexible system to allow subscribers to navigate between service offerings, price plans, and
ISP’s. This platform will enable subscribers who qualify to easily access the Affordable
Connectivity Program and PUD sponsored Affordable Broadband program. This marketplace will
also host other content, social services, digital equity, and other social services platforms usable
by our rural community.
Our committed ISP works with the Tieton school district, sends mass communications that
explain the ACP to enable enrollment, and provides tech support to help individuals with their
computer needs. Forbes Mercy, the founder of our committed ISP, was also a co-founder in
Yakima Networking, which provides free computer support for the committed ISP’s internet
subscribers.
Yakima Neighborhood Health Services, a low-income medical clinic that serves all of Yakima
County, has implemented a digital literacy program through their Community Health Worker
program to help patients obtain smart phone, find options to support free minutes on their
phones, and provide one-on-one education on using technology.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 214
7.5 STAKEHOLDER ORGANIZATIONS THAT PARTICIPATED IN PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
ACTIVITIES IN 2023
The table below identifies organizations that participated in engagement activities in 2023. Note:
This list is not exhaustive as it relies on information participants provided at the time of the event.
Table 39: List of Organizations That Participated in Engagement Activities as of December 2023
Stakeholder Organizations by Type
Civil Rights Organization
Equity in Education Coalition
Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
Community Anchor Institution
ANSWERS Counseling
Asotin County Library
Burlington Public Library
Fort Vancouver Regional Library
Jefferson County Library District
Kitsap Regional Library
Liberty School District
Libraries of Stevens County
North Olympic Library System
Seattle Public Library
Sno-isle Libraries
Tacoma Public Library
Upper Skagit Library
Washington State Library
Whitman County Rural Library District
County or Municipal Government
Asotin County
Benton-Franklin Council of Governments
City of Anacortes
City of College Place
City of Kennewick
City of Oak Harbor
City of Ocean Shores
City of Seattle
City of Spokane
City of Tukwila
Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments
Grays Harbor County
King County
King County Information Technology
Kitsap County
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 215
Stakeholder Organizations by Type
Lincoln County
Pierce County
Snohomish County
Spokane
Town of Ione
Town of Wilkeson
Whatcom County
Whatcom County Public Works
Economic Development
Mid-Columbia Economic Development District
North Olympic Development Council
Waitsburg Commercial Club
Health or Telehealth Organization (Direct Service and Policy focus)
Cascade Wellness Clinic
North Valley Hospital
Willapa Behavioral Health & Wellness
Hispanic-serving Institution
HU-Yakima Valley Partners for Education
Industry Representative or Association (501c6)
CenterFuse
Ferry County Sunrise
IEEE
LightRiver Technologies
Washington Independent Telecommunications Association
Washington Public Utility District Association
Wireless Infrastructure Association
Institutions of Higher Education (if not listed above)
Edmonds College
Olympic College
University of Washington
Washington State University
Washington State University Extension
WSU Stevens County Extension
Internet Service Provider
Advanced Stream
Astound Business
Avista Edge, Inc.
BROADLINC
Columbia Energy LLC dba Columbia iConnect
Comcast
Commnet Rural America, LLC
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 216
Stakeholder Organizations by Type
CresComm Wi-Fi, LLC
Hood Canal Communications
Inland Cellular
Inland Networks
Interisland.net / Computer Place
Intermax
Klick Networks, LLC
LocalTel Communications
Lumen/CenturyLink
Monmouth Independence Networks
NoaNet
Ptera
Ranier Connect
Rock Island Communications
Silver Star Telecom
TDS Telecom
T-Mobile
ToledoTel
Velocity Communications Inc.
Vyve Broadband
Washington Broadband
Whidbey Telecom
WIFiBER
Ziply Fiber
Labor Organization or Union
Communications Workers of America
Local Education Agency
Dieringer School District
ESD 101
Naselle-Grays River Valley Schools
Oak Harbor Public Schools
Onalaska School District #300
Seattle Public Schools
Sunnyside School District
Nonprofit Organization (501c3)
Community Council
Goodwill Industries of the Columbia
Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region
KNKX
NCW Tech Alliance
New Connections
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 217
Stakeholder Organizations by Type
Pacific Northwest Gigapop
PNWER
Safe Homes
Snowden Community Council
Solid Ground
Technology Alliance
Underwood Park & Recreation District
Washington State Horse Park
YMCA of Greater Seattle
Organization that Represents Covered Populations
AARP Washington
Blue Mountain Action Council
Cambodian American Community Council of Washington
Comunidades sin Fronteras Washington
Latino Civic Alliance
Mother Africa
Recovery Career Services
Sound Generations
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
Other
ADTRAN
Asotin County Broadband Action Team also Asotin County Library
B Inside or Out
Digital Equity Learning Network of King County and Literacy Source
Discovery Bay Resort (RV Park)
Discovery Bay Women’s Club
E-Copernicus
eXp Realty
Hood Canal Co-op
Horrocks
LeadToResults, LLC
Lewis County Broadband Action Team (LCBAT)
lightbox
Native Network Inc
NT SYSTEMS
NTIA
Pend Oreille County BAT
Prysmian Group
Seabeck Systems
StateScoop
Strategic Alliance Consulting Inc.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 218
Stakeholder Organizations by Type
SWB Technology LLC
TEKsystems
Washington 211
WBE Technologies LLC
Port
Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority
Port of Bellingham
Port of Clarkston
Port of Columbia
Port of Skagit
Port of Whitman County
Predominantly Black Institution
Black Brilliance Research
Public Housing Authority
Seattle Housing Authority
Walla Walla Housing Authority
Public Utility
Chelan County PUD
Grays Harbor PUD No.1
Kitsap Public Utility
Lewis County PUD
Mason PUD 3
Okanogan County Electric Cooperative
Pacific County PUD
Pacific County PUD #2
Public Utility No. 1 of Okanogan County
Snohomish County PUD
Whatcom PUD
State Agency
Aging and Long-Term Support Administration
Attorney General of Washington
Commission on Hispanic Affairs
Employment Security Department
Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment
House of Representatives
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Public Works Board
Washington State Department of Health
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington State Public Works Board
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 219
Stakeholder Organizations by Type
Washington State Broadband Office
Washington State Department of Corrections
Washington State Department of Enterprise Services
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Washington State Department of Transportation
Washington State Department of Commerce
Washington State Department of Financial Institutions
Washington State Office of Equity
Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission
Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board
Workforce Development Organization
Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council (WDC)
Eastern Washington Partnership WDC
Future Workforce Alliance
Olympic WDC
Pacific Mountain WDC
Seattle Jobs Initiative
SkillSource Regional Workforce Board
South Central Workforce Council
Spokane Workforce Council
Washington Cradle to Career Advocacy Network
Washington Service Corps
Washington Workforce Association
Workforce Central
Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County
Workforce Southwest Washington
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 220
7.6 LIST OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES CONTRIBUTING TO WASHINGTON’S PLAN
Please note that this table only provides an overview of the engagement activities through
January 2024. For more detailed information on each of these engagement activities, including
the covered populations engaged, please see the Local Coordination Tracker.
Table 40: List of Engagement Activities through January 2024
Engagement Engagement Engagement Target Audience #
Description Date Location County Engaged
Digital Equity (DE) 3/3/2023 Virtual All 40
Forum Meeting
Connectivity Strategy 3/15/2023 Virtual All 16
Team Meeting
Broadband Equity, 3/16/2023 Virtual All 6
Access, and
Deployment (BEAD)
and DE in
Washington Meeting
Interview with Public 3/16/2023 Virtual All 2
Works Board
Digital Navigator 3/21/2023 Virtual All 35
Cohort Monthly
Meeting
Interview with 3/21/2023 Virtual All 3
Department of
Transportation
Informal Meeting with 3/27/2023 Virtual Tribal Engagement 1
Lower Elwha Klallam
Tribe
Informal Meeting with 3/28/2023 Virtual Tribal Engagement 1
Jamestown S'Klallam
Tribe
Internet for All in 3/29/2023 Virtual All 330
Washington (IFA)
Kickoff
Interview with City of 4/4/2023 Virtual King 2
Seattle & King
County
Digital Equity and 4/6/2023 Virtual All 378
Tribal Broadband
Leaders Network
Meeting
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 221
Engagement Engagement Engagement Target Audience #
Description Date Location County Engaged
Discussion with 4/10/2023 Virtual All 12
Public Broadband
Stakeholders Group
BEAD/DE Tribal 4/11/2023 Virtual All 5
Outreach
Coordination
Affiliated Tribes of 4/12/2023 Virtual Tribal Engagement 8
Northwest Indians
(ATNI)/NTIA
Discussion
Washington State 4/13/2023 Virtual All 10
Broadband Office
(WSBO)/Broadband
Action Team (BAT) at
Washington State
University (WSU)
SC/SP Monthly BAT 4/13/2023 Virtual Stevens 15
Interview with Office 4/13/2023 Virtual All 2
of Superintendent of
Public Instruction
Interview with 4/13/2023 Virtual All 1
Community
Economic
Revitalization Board
City of Seattle Focus 4/13/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
Digital Navigator 4/18/2023 Virtual All 56
Cohort Monthly
Meeting
Interview with Equity 4/18/2023 Virtual All 3
in Education
Coalition
City of Seattle Focus 4/19/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
Washington State 4/20/2023 Virtual All 15
Association of
Counties (WSAC)
Meeting
Interview with 4/20/2023 Virtual All 1
Goodwill
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 222
Engagement Engagement Engagement Target Audience #
Description Date Location County Engaged
City of Seattle Focus 4/20/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
City of Seattle Focus 4/20/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
Meeting with 4/21/2023 Virtual All 1
Councilmember from
the City of Monroe
Meeting with 4/24/2023 Virtual All 3
Communications
Workers of America
City of Seattle Focus 4/24/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
City of Seattle Focus 4/24/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
City of Seattle Focus 4/25/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
City of Seattle Focus 4/25/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
City of Seattle Focus 4/25/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
City of Seattle Focus 4/26/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
City of Seattle Focus 4/27/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
Interview with 4/28/2023 Virtual All 2
Goodwill - Digital
Navigator Program
Managers
City of Seattle Focus 5/1/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 223
Engagement Engagement Engagement Target Audience #
Description Date Location County Engaged
City of Seattle Focus 5/1/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
City of Seattle Focus 5/1/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
Internet Service 5/3/2023 128 N 2nd All 12
Provider and Public Street, Yakima,
Utility District (PUD) WA 98901
Focus Group
City of Seattle Focus 5/3/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
Consultation with 5/3/2023 Virtual Tribal Engagement
Confederated Tribes
of the Colville
Reservation
Sunnyside School 5/4/2023 1110 S. 6th Yakima 30
District Listening Street,
Session Sunnyside,
WA. 98944
Pahto Bus Outreach 5/4/2023 Yakama Nation Yakima 20
Moses Lake Focus 5/5/2023 124 E. Third Grant 5
Group Suite 205
Moses Lake,
WA 98837
Cinco de Mayo 5/5/2023 Downtown Yakima 15
Festival Sunnyside, WA
ATNI Conference 5/8/2023 Coeur d'Alene Tribal Engagement 12
Casino, 37914
S Nukwalqw
St, Worley, ID
83876
Asotin Listening 5/9/2023 2377 Appleside Asotin 5
Session Blvd.,
Clarkston, WA
99403
ATNI Conference 5/9/2023 Coeur d'Alene Tribal Engagement 200
Casino, 37914
S Nukwalqw
St, Worley, ID
83876
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 224
Engagement Engagement Engagement Target Audience #
Description Date Location County Engaged
City of Seattle Focus 5/9/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
City of Seattle Focus 5/9/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
Presentation to 5/10/2023 212 Union Ave All --
Washington Public SE, Ste 201,
Utility District Olympia, WA,
Association (WPUDA) United States,
Washington
Spokane Listening 5/10/2023 Spokane Spokane 17
Session County Water
Resource
Center, 1004 N
Freya St,
Spokane, WA
99202
ATNI Conference 5/10/2023 Coeur d'Alene Tribal Engagement 15
Casino, 37914
S Nukwalqw
St, Worley, ID
83876
Informal Meeting with 5/10/2023 Virtual Tribal Engagement 3
Spokane Tribe of
Indians
City of Seattle Focus 5/10/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
Okanogan Listening 5/11/2023 Public Utility Okanogan 15
Session District #1 Of
Okanogan
County, 1331
2nd Ave N,
Okanogan WA
98840
Informal Meeting with 5/11/2023 Coeur d'Alene Tribal Engagement 10
Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Casino, 37914
Makah Tribe, and S Nukwalqw
Samish Indian Nation St, Worley, ID
83876
City of Seattle Focus 5/12/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
(Seattle, WA)
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 225
Engagement Engagement Engagement Target Audience #
Description Date Location County Engaged
Interview with 5/15/2023 Virtual Stevens 1
Amanda Six
Informal Meeting with 5/15/2023 Virtual Tribal Engagement 1
Suquamish Tribe of
Indians
Royal City Focus 5/19/2023 117 Camelia Franklin 14
Group St. NW Royal Grant
City, WA.
99357
Informal Meeting with 5/22/2023 Virtual Tribal Engagement 1
Makah Tribe
City of Seattle Focus 5/23/2023 Virtual or in- King 5
Group person
Informal Meeting with 5/23/2023 Virtual Tribal Engagement 1
Shoalwater Bay
Indian Tribe
Interview with Joyce 5/24/2023 Virtual All 1
Abbott
Lower Columbia 5/25/2023 Lower Cowlitz 18
College Career Fair Columbia
Community
College, 1600
Maple St,
Longview, WA
98632
Aberdeen Focus 5/26/2023 Grays Harbor Grays Harbor 8
Group County Public
Health
2109 Sumner
Ave.
Aberdeen, WA
98520
Ocean Shores Focus 5/26/2023 Oceans Shore Grays Harbor 9
Group Lions Club,
832 Ocean
Shores Blvd
NW, Ocean
Shores, WA
98569
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 226
Engagement Engagement Engagement Target Audience #
Description Date Location County Engaged
Forks Listening 5/30/2023 481 S Forks Clallam 5
Session Ave, Forks,
WA 98331
Prescott Focus 5/30/2023 1111 Fishhook Franklin 16
Group Park Road
Prescott, WA. Walla Walla
99348
Port Angeles Food 5/31/2023 Port Angeles Clallam 83
Bank Food Bank,
632 N.
Oakridge Dr.
Port Angeles,
WA 98362
Spokane Focus 5/31/2023 1502 N Monroe Spokane 24
Group St, Spokane,
WA. 99201
Oak Harbor Listening 6/1/2023 Oak Harbor Island 7
Session Library, 1000
S.E. Regatta
Drive, Oak
Harbor, WA
98277
Lynnwood Library 6/1/2023 Lynnwood Snohomish 21
Tabling Event Library, 19200
44th Ave W,
Lynnwood, WA
98036
Tacoma Focus Group 6/2/2023 714 South 27th Pierce 5
Street
Tacoma, WA
98409
Interview - 6/2/2023 Virtual All 3
Department of
Corrections
Interview - 6/2/2023 Virtual All 4
Washington Public
Utility Districts
Association
Virtual Listening 6/7/2023 Virtual All 5
Session #1
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 227
Engagement Engagement Engagement Target Audience #
Description Date Location County Engaged
Meeting with 6/8/2023 Virtual King 2
Washington Urban
League
Virtual Listening 6/8/2023 Virtual All 97
Session #2
(Workforce &
Education Focused)
Virtual Listening 6/9/2023 Virtual All 52
Session #3
Walla Walla Focus 6/15/2023 209 E. Birch Walla Walla 19
Group St, Walla
Walla, WA
99362
White Salmon Focus 6/21/2023 Pioneer Klickitat 9
Group Center; 501 NE
Washington St;
White Salmon,
WA 98672
Interview with 6/26/2023 Virtual All 2
Reentry Council
Interview with Ziply 6/26/2023 Virtual All 2
Tribal Listening 6/26/2023 Virtual Tribal Engagement 12
Session #1
Interview with 6/27/2023 Virtual All 1
Washington
Independent
Telecommunications
Association (WITA)
Interview with 6/27/2023 Virtual All 3
Comcast
Interview with Charter 6/28/2023 Virtual All 1
Tribal Listening 6/28/2023 Virtual Tribal Engagement 14
Session #2
Tribal Listening 6/29/2023 Virtual Tribal Engagement 8
Session #3
Interview with Lumen 6/30/2023 Virtual All 1
Clallam County BAT 7/5/2023 Virtual Clallam 15
Meeting
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 228
Engagement Engagement Engagement Target Audience #
Description Date Location County Engaged
Interview with 7/7/2023 Virtual All 1
Department of
Children, Youth &
Families
Focus Group with 7/10/2023 Ezell's Famous King 5
Formerly Chicken, 1902
Incarcerated M.L.K. Jr Way,
Individuals Tacoma, WA
98405
Interview with 7/11/2023 Virtual All 1
Department of
Children, Youth &
Families (DCYF)
IFA Monthly Webinar 7/26/2023 Virtual All 160
CCT/OK CO BAT 7/27/2023 Virtual Okanogan 15
Meeting
Public/Private 7/28/2023 Virtual All 33
Internet Service
Provider Survey
Focus Group with 7/28/2023 The Lighthouse King 5
Individuals with for the Blind,
Disabilities 2501 S Plum
St, Seattle, WA
98144
Lewis County BAT 8/2/2023 Virtual Lewis 26
Meeting
Clallam County BAT 8/2/2023 Virtual Clallam 22
Meeting
Consultation with 8/8/2023 Center for Tribal Engagement 8
Confederated Tribes Native
of the Colville American
Reservation and Health and
Spokane Tribe of Wellness,
Indians WSU-Spokane
Campus
Meeting with 8/9/2023 Virtual All 2
Independent Living
Providers for DCYF
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 229
Engagement Engagement Engagement Target Audience #
Description Date Location County Engaged
SWISS (Snohomish, 8/11/2023 Virtual Island 30
Whatcom, Island,
Skagit, San Juan) San Juan
Planning Meeting
Skagit
Snohomish
Whatcom
Meeting with 8/14/2023 Virtual King 1
Recovery Career
Services
Consultation with 8/15/2023 Indian Summer Tribal Engagement 21
Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Golf and
Lower Elwha Klallam Country Club,
Tribe, Lummi Nation, 5900 Troon Ln
Makah Tribe, SE, Olympia,
Nisqually Indian WA
Tribe, Nooksack
Indian Tribe, Quinault
Indian Nation,
Stillaguamish Tribe of
Indians, Swinomish
Indian Tribal
Community, and the
Confederated Tribes
and Bands of the
Yakama Nation
IFA Monthly Webinar 8/23/2023 Virtual All 130
Informal Meeting with 8/31/2023 Virtual Tribal Engagement 11
Cowlitz Indian Tribe
and Lummi Nation
TVW Washington 9/11/2023 Virtual All 100
Presentation
(Washington's Public
Affairs Network)
Consultation with 9/12/2023 Virtual Tribal Engagement 6
Hoh Indian Tribe
ATNI Conference 9/17/2023 20500 Old Tribal Engagement 100
Highway 99
SW, Centralia
WA 98531
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 230
Engagement Engagement Engagement Target Audience #
Description Date Location County Engaged
ATNI Conference 9/18/2023 20500 Old Tribal Engagement 100
Highway 99
SW, Centralia
WA 98531
Consultation with 9/18/2023 20502 Old Tribal Engagement 6
Hoh Indian Tribe, Highway 99
Makah Tribe, and SW, Centralia
Quileute Tribe WA 98531
ATNI Conference 9/19/2023 20501 Old Tribal Engagement 100
Highway 99
SW, Centralia
WA 98531
Consultation with 9/19/2023 20502 Old Tribal Engagement 2
Shoalwater Bay Highway 99
Indian Tribe SW, Centralia
WA 98531
Consultation with 9/19/2023 20502 Old Tribal Engagement 2
Quinault Indian Highway 99
Nation SW, Centralia
WA 98531
Informal Meeting with 9/19/2023 20503 Old Tribal Engagement 5
Samish Indian Nation, Highway 99
Confederated Tribes SW, Centralia
of the Colville WA 98531
Reservation, Makah
Tribe, Cowlitz Indian
Nation, and Tribal
Ready Representative
ATNI Conference 9/20/2023 20502 Old Tribal Engagement 100
Highway 99
SW, Centralia
WA 98531
Consultation with 9/20/2023 20503 Old Tribal Engagement 8
Lummi Nation, Highway 99
Nisqually Indian SW, Centralia
Tribe, and Samish WA 98531
Indian Nation
Workforce Readiness 9/20/2023 Virtual All 3
Meeting with
Employment Security
Department
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 231
Engagement Engagement Engagement Target Audience #
Description Date Location County Engaged
Workforce Readiness 9/20/2023 Virtual King 2
Meeting with
Workforce Training
Board and Workforce
Development Council
of Seattle-King
County
ATNI Conference 9/21/2023 20502 Old Tribal Engagement 100
Highway 99
SW, Centralia
WA 98531
Open House for 09/26/23 Southridge Benton 11
Public Comment - DE Sports and
Plan Events
Complex, 2901
Southridge
Blvd,
Kennewick,
WA 99338
Open House for 09/27/23 Burlington Skagit 7
Public Comment - DE Library, 820 E
Plan Washington
Ave,
Burlington, WA
98233
Open House for 09/28/23 Seattle Central King 13
Public Comment - DE Library
Plan
Informal Meeting with 9/28/2023 Virtual Tribal Engagement 12
Cowlitz Indian Tribe,
Hoh Indian Tribe,
Quileute Tribe,
Samish Indian Nation,
and Spokane Tribe of
Indians
Digital Equity Forum 10/5/2023 Virtual All 40
Meeting
Focus Group at 10/10/23 Westwood King 31
Seattle Housing Heights
Authority Apartment,
9455 27th Ave
SW, 98126)
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 232
Engagement Engagement Engagement Target Audience #
Description Date Location County Engaged
Digital Equity Forum 10/19/2023 Virtual All 40
Meeting
Infrastructure 10/24/2023 Wenatchee All 100
Assistance Convention
Coordinating Council Center, 121 N
(IACC) Conference Wenatchee
Ave,
Wenatchee,
WA 98801
IACC Conference 10/25/2023 Wenatchee All 100
Convention
Center, 121 N
Wenatchee
Ave,
Wenatchee,
WA 98802
IACC Conference 10/26/2023 Wenatchee All 100
Convention
Center, 121 N
Wenatchee
Ave,
Wenatchee,
WA 98803
IACC Conference 10/27/2023 Wenatchee All 100
Convention
Center, 121 N
Wenatchee
Ave,
Wenatchee,
WA 98804
Informal Meeting with 10/28/2023 Virtual Tribal Engagement 7
Cowlitz Indian Tribe,
Hoh Indian Tribe,
Samish Indian Nation,
and Spokane Tribe of
Indians
Centennial Accord 10/30/23 Lucky Eagle Tribal Engagement 200
Casino Event
Center,
12888 188th
Ave SW,
Rochester, WA
98579
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 233
Engagement Engagement Engagement Target Audience #
Description Date Location County Engaged
Meeting with Earl 10/31/23 Virtual All 1
Overstreet from
Washington
Roundtable
Lewis County BAT 11/01/23 Virtual Lewis 20
WSAC Broadband 11/02/23 Virtual All 30
Advisory Group
National Guard and 11/02/23 Virtual All 3
BEAD Meeting
Meeting with Rep 11/03/23 Virtual Skagit 2
Drew Hansen
Meeting with Public 11/06/23 Virtual All 50
Broadband
Stakeholder Group
WSBO & Breaking 11/08/23 Virtual Whitman --
Point Solutions –
Whitman County
WSBO & Breaking 11/08/23 Virtual Pierce 13
Point Solutions –
Rainier Connect
WSBO & Breaking 11/08/23 Virtual Adams 12
Point Solutions –
Adams Co
Stevens 11/09/23 Virtual Stevens 15
County/Spokane
Tribe BAT Meeting
Island County Virtual 11/09/23 Virtual Island --
Town Hall - BEAD/DE
WSAC - County 11/14/23 The Davenport All --
Leaders Conference Grand, 333 W
Spokane Falls
Blvd, Spokane,
WA 99201
Lincoln County and 11/14/23 Virtual Lincoln --
Lincoln County
Economic
Development Council
Match Funding
Meeting
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 234
Engagement Engagement Engagement Target Audience #
Description Date Location County Engaged
Washington 11/15/23 Marriott All 500
Workforce Tacoma
Association (WWA) Downtown,
Conference 1538
Commerce St,
Tacoma, WA
98402
WSAC - County 11/15/23 The Davenport All --
Leaders Conference Grand, 333 W
Spokane Falls
Blvd, Spokane,
WA 99201
WWA Conference 11/15/23 Marriott All 500
Tacoma
Downtown,
1538
Commerce St,
Tacoma, WA
98402
Asotin County BAT 11/15/23 Virtual Asotin --
Meeting
WSAC - County 11/16/23 The Davenport All --
Leaders Conference Grand, 333 W
Spokane Falls
Blvd, Spokane,
WA 99201
Digital Equity Forum 11/16/23 Virtual All 40
Meeting
Digital Equity Small 11/16/23 Virtual All --
Group Meeting
WSAC Meeting 11/17/23 Spokane, WA All --
Spokane County BAT 11/17/23 Virtual Spokane 15
Meeting
Meeting with Public 11/20/23 Virtual All --
Broadband
Stakeholder Group
Presentation to 11/20/23 Virtual All --
Senior Lobby
Western States 11/21/23 Virtual All --
Broadband Alliance
Monthly Meeting
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 235
Engagement Engagement Engagement Target Audience #
Description Date Location County Engaged
Broadband Working 11/22/23 Virtual All --
Group
IFA Monthly Webinar 11/29/23 Virtual All 172
Informal Meeting with 11/30/2023 Virtual Tribal Engagement --
Confederated Tribes
of the Chehalis
Reservation, the
Confederated Tribes
of the Colville
Reservation, Lummi
Nation, Nisqually
Indian Tribe, and
Spokane Tribe of
Indians
Clark County BAT 12/04/23 Virtual Clark 10
Meeting
WSBO Committee 12/05/23 Virtual All --
Presentation House
Innovation
Community
Economic
Development &
Veterans Committee
Pole Attachment 12/8/2023 Virtual All 38
Discussion
Stevens 12/14/2023 Virtual Stevens 9
County/Spokane
Tribe BAT Meeting
Association of 12/18/2023 Virtual All 5
Washington Cities
BEAD/DE Update
Broadband 12/27/2023 Virtual All 2
Consultation
Discussion
Interview with 1/12/2024 Virtual All 2
Washington State
Department of
Veterans Affairs
Interview with 1/18/2024 Virtual All 18
Washington State
Library
Spokane County BAT 1/19/2024 Virtual Spokane 2
Meeting
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 236
Engagement Engagement Engagement Target Audience #
Description Date Location County Engaged
Interview with the 1/19/2024 Virtual All 3
State Board for
Community and
Technical Colleges
Interview with the 1/19/2024 Virtual All 1
Department of Social
and Health Services
(DSHS)
Interview with 1/22/2024 Virtual All 1
Washington State
Association of Senior
Centers
Interview with Cindy 1/22/2024 Virtual All 2
Aden
Interview with 1/23/2024 Virtual All 150
Department of
Corrections
IFA Monthly Webinar 1/24/2024 Virtual All 1
Interview with DSHS 1/25/2024 Virtual All 1
Research and Data
Analysis Division
Interview with 1/25/2024 Virtual All 1
Commerce (Housing
Unit)
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 237
7.7 LIBRARY DATA
Washington State Digital Equity Plan: Library Data Points
Provided by the Washington State Library, Office of the Secretary of State
PUBLIC LIBRARIES OPERATING IN RURAL OR MOSTLY RURAL AREAS
Washington state’s 60 public library systems have 348 branch building locations, the majority of
which are in rural areas. (This does not include 24 bookmobiles owned by nine systems, many of
which visit rural and otherwise underserved areas.) Every county in the state has at least one
public library branch building. 322
Within the state’s boundaries are also approximately 30 tribal library branches, more than three
quarters of which are in rural areas. (This figure does not include public library branches operated
in cooperation with tribal communities based on the State Library’s directory.)
TARGET POPULATIONS SERVED BY WASHINGTON STATE LIB RARY DIVISIONS
The State Library’s Institutional Library Services Division provides libraries or loans of library
materials to incarcerated people at all of the state's adult facilities, and at Echo Glen Children’s
Center. The average number of incarcerated adults at the state’s prisons was 12,854 as of Dec.
31, 2023. 323 Echo Glen Children's Center averages about 95 patrons at any one time (ILS).
The State Library’s Washington Talking Book and Braille Library serves patrons statewide who
are blind or have low vision. In 2023, it had 7,516 active users who borrowed or downloaded a
book or magazine.
LIBRARIES’ WI-FI, DEVICE SUPPORT
All 60 public library systems statewide provide free public Wi-Fi in their branches, which
sometimes extends to the parking lot. Wi-Fi was used at these location more than 8 million times
in 2022. Public libraries also provided nearly 6,000 free public computers that patrons used more
than 2 million times in 2022 based on the Public Libraries Survey.
LIBTECH CONS ORTIUM
The State Library recently launched the Washington State Library Technology Consortium
(LibTech) consortium to bring modern IT services to small and rural libraries around the state.
Using funds from the America Rescue Plan Act via the Institute of Museum and Library Services,
discounts from the federal E-Rate program, and federal grants, the State Library created LibTech
to upgrade library technology around the state, starting with library IT infrastructure. LibTech
offers centralized managed services for firewalls, routing, switching, and access points, allowing
for greater broadband into the library, while laying the groundwork for services such as
cybersecurity, helpdesk support, printing, VOIP, and much more. This centralized support service
provides technical help at a cheaper rate and significantly higher quality than libraries would be
322 Note: Rural was defined using the Digital Equity NOFO definition of a rural area is one that is not a city or town with a population of
greater than 50,000 inhabitants, or an urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to a city or town with more than 50,000 inhabitants.
Information pulled from 2022 Public Libraries Survey, administered by the Washington State Library.
323 Note: Please view the Washington Department of Corrections fact sheet, which also includes some gender, age and demographic
information about these patrons.
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 238
able to achieve on their own, enabling libraries to provide a greater extent of traditional library
services, modern digital services, and digital equity help to the local community in a secure and
healthy technology model. There are currently 19 participating libraries around the state.
HOTSPOTS, WI-FI
During the pandemic, tribal and state libraries used hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal
relief funding (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security; American Rescue Plan Act;
Emergency Connectivity Fund) to purchase more than 1,000 mobile hotspots and internet service
plans that patrons use to get online. At the height of the pandemic, four public library systems
also used $91,680 in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security funding to expand public Wi-
Fi into their parking lots at 84 branch buildings. A partial list of these libraries follows.
Table 41: Partial list of libraries with public Wi-Fi in parking lots
Libraries that Expanded Public Wi-Fi with Coronavirus Aid, Relief
and Economic Security Funding
ANACORTES PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASOTIN COUNTY LIBRARY
BELLINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
BURLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
CAMAS PUBLIC LIBRARY
CATHLAMET PUBLIC LIBRARY
CENTRAL SKAGIT SEDRO-WOOLLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
COLUMBIA COUNTY RURAL LIBRARY DISTRICT
EAST ADAMS LIBRARY DISTRICT
EVERETT PUBLIC LIBRARY
FORT VANCOUVER REGIONAL LIBRARY DISTRICT
HOH TRIBE
JEFFERSON COUNTY RURAL LIBRARY DISTRICT
KALAMA PUBLIC LIBRARY
KALISPEL TRIBE OF INDIANS
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 239
Libraries that Expanded Public Wi-Fi with Coronavirus Aid, Relief
and Economic Security Funding
KING COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
LONGVIEW PUBLIC LIBRARY
LOPEZ ISLAND LIBRARY DISTRICT
MOUNT VERNON CITY LIBRARY
NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL LIBRARY
NORTH OLYMPIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
OCEAN SHORES PUBLIC LIBRARY
ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY DISTRICT
PEND OREILLE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
PIERCE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
PORT TOWNSEND PUBLIC LIBRARY
PULLMAN (NEILL) PUBLIC LIBRARY
PUYALLUP PUBLIC LIBRARY
REARDAN MEMORIAL LIBRARY
RICHLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY
SAN JUAN ISLAND LIBRARY DISTRICT
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
SNO-ISLE LIBRARIES
SPOKANE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
SPOKANE PUBLIC LIBRARY
SPRAGUE PUBLIC LIBRARY
STEVENS COUNTY RURAL LIBRARY DISTRICT
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 240
Libraries that Expanded Public Wi-Fi with Coronavirus Aid, Relief
and Economic Security Funding
SUQUAMISH INDIAN TRIBE
UPPER SKAGIT LIBRARY DISTRICT
WALLA WALLA COUNTY RURAL LIBRARY DISTRICT
WALLA WALLA PUBLIC LIBRARY
WHITMAN COUNTY LIBRARY
WILBUR (HESSELTINE) PUBLIC LIBRARY
YAKAMA NATION
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 241
7.8 WASHINGTON’S TRIBAL COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH PLAN
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 242
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 243
7.9 PUBLIC COMMENTS
The public comment period was for 60 days and ended on October 31, 2023. Fifty-six comments
were submitted through an online form, nine were emailed, and seven were shared by teams
comprised of Digital Equity Forum members. Note: Many of the comments were submitted by
organizations or groups of individuals and a “single” comment could include multiple embedded
themes. The local coordination tracker submitted to the NTIA contains public comments received
and actions taken in response to public comments. Some of the themes from public comments
included:
• a desire to increase outreach and awareness of resources,
• the need to improve access to digital devices, digital literacy classes, and support for
discounted internet plan enrollment,
• affordability of reliable internet services, and
• how the digital equity plan can help increase overall internet availability.
A full public comment report, themes from public comments, and an overview of responses
(January 24, 2024 Internet for All webinar) are available on the Internet for All website
(www.commerce.wa.gov/internet-for-all/).
DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN- CH.7 APPENDICES 244
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