Many Austin residents experience barriers to access to city services offered over the Internet. What do you see as the city’s responsibility regarding digital inclusion, and what steps would you take to address that concern?

Rich DePalma

City Council, District 8

I addressed some of this in question #1. I believe that before we can address Digital Inclusion, we need to first address broadband equity gaps. I believe that we should leverage our publicly owned utilities and infrastructure to expand wireless internet access with the ultimate goal of scaling to city-wide universal internet access.

I also strongly believe in Section 508 compliance – our entire community must have digital access that works including those with visual, hearing and other disabilities. This is very important to me and the city has much work to do. I want to lead in the area.