Seattle is recognized for its efforts to close the digital divide, receiving the highest possible score on digital equity programming for the eighth consecutive year.
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named the City of Seattle a 2025 Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, recognizing the city’s work to close the digital divide across the community and region.
Digital inclusion and the access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training, is crucial for participating in and thriving in today’s world. Recognizing the ongoing needs of the community, Seattle continues in its efforts towards digital equity for all.
“Achieving digital equity is not something nonprofits, libraries, churches, and other community organizations can do alone — it requires a collective effort,” said Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth. “The City has a responsibility to provide strong, reliable support so every community can fully participate in today’s digital world.”
This year, Seattle joins 58 other Digital Inclusion Trailblazers paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the US. Visionary Trailblazers are communities that have deeply integrated digital inclusion throughout their government. They are leading the way in digital inclusion innovation.
“Seattle’s legacy of innovation is rooted in simple commitments: expanding opportunity and access, and enabling every resident to fully participate in a connected community,” said Rob Lloyd, Chief Technology Officer for the City of Seattle. “For years, the City and our partners have led on digital equity by advancing smart policies, affordability programs, and grants that have delivered impacts in people’s lives. We thank NDIA for shining a light on those efforts by great teams.”
Visionary Trailblazers provide models for other local governments to aspire to as communities build digital inclusion ecosystems. Seattle achieved Visionary Trailblazer status by prioritizing digital inclusion for residents of its communities through its work with the Technology Matching Fund and Digital Navigator grants, policy work, engagement in local, state, and national networks, Tech Adoption Research, and formal strategic plans, such as Internet for All.
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 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.
The City of Seattle’s Information Technology Department (Seattle IT) oversees the City’s Digital Equity Program. To learn more about digital equity programs like the Technology Matching Fund Grant program and past winners, reduced-cost cable and internet opportunities, and other programs, visit www.seattle.gov/tech. Seattle IT is a trusted partner that provides secure, reliable, and compliant technologies, enabling the City to deliver equitable and responsive services to the public.
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.