HACLA Recognized as National “Trailblazer” for Closing the Digital Divide in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA -  The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) has been named a 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). The award marks HACLA as a national leader in the fight to ensure that high-speed internet, devices, and digital literacy are no longer luxuries--- but fundamental tools to opportunity and success. This year, HACLA joins 58 other Digital Inclusion Trailblazers paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the US.

"This recognition places our agency among national leaders who are committed to measurable action including connection to jobs, education, and healthcare," said HACLA President & CEO Lourdes Castro Ramirez. "Being named a 'Trailblazer' reinforces our commitment that every HACLA resident has the tools and training necessary to thrive in a digital-first world. We aren't just providing internet; we are providing a pathway to opportunity."

HACLA achieved Trailblazer status by meeting rigorous national standards across seven categories of best practices. Key initiatives that drove the agency's success include:

• The Digital Ambassador Program: A peer-led initiative that provides hands-on tech support and training directly within residential communities.

• Strategic ISP Partnerships: Collaborations with providers like Starry, Verizon, AT&T, and Spectrum to bring affordable, high-speed infrastructure to public housing.

• Device Access & Learning Centers: On-site Technology Learning Clubs (TLC) and Community Learning Centers that provide the hardware and space needed for digital growth.

• Inter-Agency Collaboration: Partnerships with the Mayor's Office, the Economic & Workforce Development Department, and Cal State University Dominguez Hills to integrate digital skills with career readiness.

"Nonprofits, libraries, churches, and other community organizations can't reach digital equity on their own. For everyone to thrive in today's digital world, we need all hands-on-deck," said Angela Siefer, NDIA executive director. "NDIA's Digital Inclusion Trailblazer program exemplifies the key role of local governments in building digital opportunities for all of their residents."

Trailblazers provide models for other local governments to aspire to as communities build digital inclusion ecosystems. Each applicant's materials are verified for accuracy, assessed for community impact, and posted in an interactive map and searchable database on NDIA's website. By sharing materials with open-sourcing, NDIA provides community advocates and local governments ways to continue learning, connect with trailblazing peers, and plan their own digital inclusion solutions.

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About HACLA

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), established in 1938, provides affordable housing, rental assistance, and supportive services to more than 200,000 Angelenos. Its administrative portfolio includes 164 properties - 13 of which are public housing developments - totaling over 12,000 units, along with more than 60,000 Housing Vouchers and Certificates through the Section 8 program. For more information, visit www.hacla.org.

Contact

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