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Bloomington Recognized as 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer

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Digital inclusion ~ Bloomington, a city in Indiana, has been recognized as a 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). This prestigious recognition is a result of the city's efforts to bridge the digital divide and provide digital inclusion for its residents.

Digital inclusion, which includes access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training, is crucial for individuals to participate and thrive in today's world. Bloomington has been actively working towards achieving digital equity and ensuring that all its residents have the necessary tools and access to succeed.

Mayor Kerry Thomson expressed her gratitude for the partnerships and community support that have been instrumental in this progress. She stated that creating an equitable community means providing every resident with the resources they need to succeed, including in the digital realm. From helping children access remote learning to supporting job seekers and keeping older adults connected, Bloomington's efforts touch every aspect of the community's well-being.

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Bloomington joins 58 other Digital Inclusion Trailblazers across the United States who are paving the way for digitally inclusive communities. According to Angela Siefer, executive director of NDIA, achieving digital equity cannot be done by nonprofits, libraries, churches or other community organizations alone. It requires all hands on deck for everyone to thrive in today's digital world. The Digital Inclusion Trailblazer program highlights the crucial role of local governments in building digital opportunities for their residents.

The Trailblazer program identifies seven categories of current best practices in achieving digital inclusion. Each applicant's materials are verified for accuracy and assessed for their impact on the community before being posted on NDIA's website as an interactive map and searchable database. By sharing these materials with open-sourcing, NDIA aims to provide community advocates and local governments with resources to continue learning from trailblazing peers and plan their own solutions for digital inclusion.

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Bloomington achieved Trailblazer status through various initiatives, including being the first city in the state to conduct a Digital Equity Survey and Strategic Plan. The city also established a Digital Equity Grants Fund program for local nonprofit community partners and invested in Digital Equity Staffing in the City's ITS Department. Additionally, Bloomington has a Digital Equity Plan with Meridiam to make broadband access ubiquitous and affordable across the city.

As a 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, Bloomington serves as a model for other local governments to aspire to as they work towards building digital inclusion ecosystems. With their dedication and efforts towards digital equity, Bloomington is on the right path towards creating an inclusive and thriving community for all its residents.

Filed Under: Government, City

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