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?

Kathie Tovo

City Council, District 9

The City should continue to work to address the “digital divide” – and I have supporting planning efforts, such as the Digital Inclusion Strategy Plan, as well as contracts with organizations that work to bridge this digital divide through classes and assistance. Currently, the City offers services such as the Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (which offers grants to help promote digital literacy) and the Community Technology Initiative (which provides digital literacy training for underserved residents). I support continuing these programs and exploring opportunities to expand or build on them.