For the seventh consecutive year, Long Beach has been named a Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, placing it among an elite group of cities nationwide dedicated to bridging the digital divide.

Long Beach’s success stems from a strategic, community-driven effort to integrate digital inclusion into local government initiatives. In 2024, the city advanced its mission through several key programs:

• Digital Inclusion Implementation Plan: Released in September 2024, the plan outlines Long Beach’s ongoing strategies to increase digital access and literacy.

• Community Engagement: The city distributed more than 600 digital inclusion resources at local events, including the Uptown Business Expo and a specialized Digital Inclusion Workshop.

• Public-Private Partnerships: Long Beach launched a Request for Proposals to collaborate with nonprofits and community organizations that specialize in digital equity services.

• Digital Inclusion Communication Strategy: This multi-platform effort includes social media engagement, email newsletters, multilingual resource guides, and the launch of an updated digital inclusion website.

• Grant Funding: Long Beach secured two grants from the California Public Utilities Commission to expand free internet access and digital skills training. The grants are helping to cover the costs of a new Cambodia Town Learn and Earn Digital Skills Program at Mark Twain Library as well as free public Wi-Fi rolling out soon at Recreation Park.

Community members at Digital Inclusion meeting

With a near-perfect score of 22 out of a possible 23 points, Long Beach achieved the highest honor granted by NDIA. Visionary Trailblazers are communities that have deeply integrated digital inclusion throughout their government and are leading the way in an increasingly digital world through innovation as models for other cities.

Long Beach’s commitment to digital inclusion traces back to its 2021 Digital Inclusion Roadmap, which established a long-term strategy to address disparities in access, capacity, and technology. As the city continues to implement its vision, its model of digital inclusion may serve as a blueprint for other communities nationwide.

For more information on Long Beach’s digital inclusion efforts, visit longbeach.gov/digitalinclusion/.