THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, SEpTEmbER 30, 2022 Page 5 Mass Broadband poised to help Gateway Cities win the future T Advocate Staff Report he Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) issued a much-anticipated request for proposal (RFP) for the Digital Equity Partnership Program last week. Drawing on resources from the state’s new Digital Equity Fund, the program will support several key strategies to close the digital divide, including the following: · Digital literacy training programs to help residents build skills to use digital technologies · Eff orts to distribute computers and other devices to underserved residents · Free Wi-Fi in affordable housing developments · Free Wi-Fi in public spaces, such as libraries, community centers and commercial corridors · Outreach to help residents take advantage of digital literacy training and low-cost internet service plans These funds can go to regional planning agencies, community foundations, public and nonprofi t internet services providers and other nonprofi ts in a position to advance digital equity. Digital equity coalitions or other partnerships with a lead agency may also apply. The Digital Equity Partnership Program aligns closely with the recommendations outlined in the digital equity policy blueprint of the Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth (MassINC). With the creation of a Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program, MBI is also advancing the most urgent recommendation in the blueprint. Cities will be able to access skilled consultants to help assess their needs and develop comprehensive digital equity strategies. These plans will then roll up into the state digital equity plan and help determine how Massachusetts allocates the large windfall it will receive for broadband through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The resources MBI will be deploying in the coming months present a transformative opportunity for Gateway Cities. Digital technology has increasingly large implications for education, workforce development, health and well-being and housing and economic development. With these dollars, burgeoning digital equity efforts in several Gateway Cities will be able to expand. Gateway Cities that have yet to develop digital equity strategies can now access funding and support to launch robust eff orts without further delay. The creation of a fellowship program for digital equity is the only near-term MassINC recommendation that MBI has yet to adopt. Three-year fellowship positions modeled on MassDevelopment’s TransTHANK YOU My family and I would like to sincerely thank the people of Everett for their loyal support on Sept.7 Primary Day. I am grateful and proud to serve our great city at the State House aggressively representing the taxpayers, schools, senior citizens, and the community-at-large. Your continued support in November is deeply appreciated. Once again, Thank You. State Senator Sal DiDomenico & Family (Pol. Adv. Paid for by the Committee to Re-Elect Sal DiDomenico) Law Offices of JOSEPH D. CATALDO, P.C. “ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW” • ESTATE/MEDICAID PLANNING • WILLS/TRUSTS/ESTATES • INCOME TAX PREPARATION • WEALTH MANAGEMENT • RETIREMENT PLANNING • ELDER LAW 369 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 (617)381-9600 JOSEPH D. CATALDO, CPA, CFP, MST, ESQUIRE. AICPA Personal Financial Specialist Designee formative Development Initiative appear to be more critical than ever. Staff capacity is severely constrained in municiBROADBAND | SEE PAGE 6
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