Digital Inclusion Trailblazers for 2025

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named Kansas City a 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, recognizing the efforts of Kansas City's Digital Equity Office to close the digital divide.

Digital inclusion, access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training, is essential to participating and thriving in today's world. Recognizing the ongoing needs of the community, Kansas City continues its efforts towards digital equity.

"Access to reliable internet, devices, and digital skills isn't about technology for technology's sake. It's about helping people apply for jobs, connect to healthcare, support their families, and stay engaged with their community," said Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw. "Our goal is simple: we need to make sure that every neighborhood and resident has the tools to navigate today's world, and that world is digital. I'm proud that our City is leading that effort and honored to be recognized as a trailblazer in that effort."

This year, Kansas City and 58 other Digital Inclusion Trailblazers are paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the US.

"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. Kansas City achieved Trailblazer status by prioritizing digital inclusion for residents of their communities through:

• Renovated and upgraded computer labs at KCMO Community Centers and Community Action Network Centers for public access.
• Offering free digital skills training at these locations to help residents:

1. Use KCMO.gov services and communicate with Council District Representatives
2. Access healthcare provider portals
3. Apply for jobs and pursue online education and certifications

• Distributed over 2,000 laptops, tablets, and hotspot devices during 2024-2025 to households without high-speed internet or computer access.
• Built strong partnerships with nonprofit and corporate organizations to support digital equity efforts, including:

1. Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas
2. Health Forward Foundation
3. Google Fiber
4. T-Mobile

The Trailblazer program identifies seven categories of current best practices. 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 through open-sourcing, NDIA provides community advocates and local governments with ways to continue learning, connect with trailblazing peers, and plan their own digital inclusion solutions.

About National Digital Inclusion Alliance: NDIA advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Working collaboratively with over 2000 affiliates, NDIA advocates for equitable broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training, and tech support. For more information, visit digitalinclusion.org.