In these times, when internet access has played a vital role to connect to our community, the work of the Community Technology & Broadband is an important asset to the City of Seattle. The Seattle IT team is behind the work that garnered a Digital Inclusion Trailblazer designation once again by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). Digital Inclusion… [ Keep reading ]
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in collaboration with internet service provider companies, has launched a temporary program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households (and up to $75 per month… [ Keep reading ]
Action Plan to increase access to internet and close the digital divide SEATTLE (September 16, 2020) – Following up on the Internet for All Initiative announced earlier this summer, Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and Seattle City Councilmembers Lorena Gonzalez, Alex Pedersen and Debora Juarez announced the release of the initial… [ Keep reading ]
The Community Technology Advisory Board (CTAB) recently welcomed new members: Camille Malonzo, a software engineer at Microsoft; Dr. Lassana Magassa, a recent doctorate degree recipient in information science from the University of Washington’s Information School (UW iSchool); Brandon Lindsey, a nonprofit and educational consultant; and Dr. Tyrone Grandison, a technologist,… [ Keep reading ]
No one likes to experience a water outage at their home or business. Even a short time, being without water to drink, shower, cook or wash our hands can be a hardship. While Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) works around the clock to maintain one of the most reliable drinking water… [ Keep reading ]
Verizon Foundation contributes additional $25,000 to help bridge digital divide The City of Seattle today announced the recipients of the 2020 Technology Matching Fund. With an investment of $345,000, 15 organizations will receive funding for community-led projects which aim to increase access to technology and provide digital skills training for… [ Keep reading ]
The Federal Communications Commission recently introduced a broadband and telecom industry measure called Keep Americans Connected pledge. The 60-day pledge, announced March 13, calls on telecom companies to help people remain connected amid the coronavirus outbreak. So far, virtually every major company in the U.S. broadband and telecom businesses, including… [ Keep reading ]
Social media has transformed civic engagement. Cities like Seattle are using social media to share information, engage with residents, and deliver services more quickly and effectively than ever before – but accessing past social media content can be a challenge. Detailed searches of the City’s social media sites are now… [ Keep reading ]
Stephen Burke, Seattle IT desktop support technician, is marking his sixth year creating a complex online network to power and connect the Seattle/King County Health Clinic, a giant free health clinic at Seattle Center, Feb. 13 to 16. The volunteer-driven event provides free dental, vision, and medical to anyone who… [ Keep reading ]
By Ginger Armbruster, Chief Privacy Officer A new decade means new tech. As emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning disrupt every industry, government must capitalize on opportunities to operate more efficiently and deliver better services while mitigating threats to cybersecurity and protecting privacy. Enter the City of Seattle’s Privacy Office, part of the… [ Keep reading ]
