City Of Kansas City: City Launches Digital KC NOW To Improve Digital Equity In Urban Areas

Press release from the City of Kansas City:

11/04/2021 4:36 PM

NEWS RELEASE The City of Kansas City, Missouri, is launching the newest component of its ongoing digital equity initiative, Digital KC NOW. This project will bridge the digital divide across underserved neighborhoods within the urban core, beginning with a pilot project in the 3rd District.

On Thursday, City leaders shared the podium with partners that included Lincoln University, the University of Missouri-Kansas City, AT&T, and the community based, non-profit aSTEAM Village, who is leading the initiative on the ground, to share the details.

Digital KC NOW is an initiative created to bring equitable internet access and technology-focused education to Kansas City neighborhoods who need better internet connectivity and more practical guidance on how to make better use of the internet.

“Connecting businesses and residents to the internet in underserved communities is a fundamental step in providing an infrastructure of equity and opportunity,” said Melissa Robinson, 3rd District councilwoman. “Educating people on how to use the internet is key to improving quality of life for our residents.”

To that end, aSTEAM Village will hire, train and mentor a youth workforce from the 3rd District to put Digital KC NOW into action. aSTEAM Village is working with local and national partners to bring this program to fruition, generating both increased digital access and creating a body of knowledge workers from the 3rd District who will be able to utilize this skillset for years to come.

“aSTEAM Village is filling the pipeline with trained young minds to meet 21st Century workforce demands,” said Chester Thompson, Jr., chairman of aSTEAM Village’s board of directors.

When it is fully implemented, Digital KC NOW will connect businesses and residents to internet opportunities that will enhance personal, social and economic development across the district and enhance equity and opportunity. It also will be another key element of a collaborative approach to obtaining digital equity in Kansas City, much of which is outlined in the Digital Equity Strategic Plan.

This digital equity partnership is just one of several significant steps the City is taking to support equity for our residents and employees:

City Council established Office of Racial Equity and Reconciliation
Created a Quality of Life Investment District to improve equity across all KC Parks.
Dedication of a boulevard to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Formally acknowledging Juneteenth as an official city holiday
Negotiated a new labor agreement with KC Fire Department that emphasizes equity while eliminating discriminatory practices of the past.
First Pride Progress flag-raising at City Hall for any government building in the state of Missouri
Created Chief Equity Officer position
Created LGBTQ Commission
Launched Employee Resource Groups for Black and LGBTQ city staff
Gender neutral restroom facilities policy
Digital KC NOW is a partnership with aSTEAM Village, UMKC, Lincoln University, and the City of Kansas City. It was made possible through seed funding from the federal American Rescue Plan. This initiative will provide a dedicated focus on digital equity and inclusion and resources to provide accessible internet for all KCMO residents. For more information, visit: www.digitalkcnow.org

For more information, media can contact Maggie Green, Media Relations Manager, at 816-379-6562.

This press release was produced by the City of Kansas City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.