Digital Equity & Inclusion

The Office of Digital Equity & Inclusion (DEI) provides solutions and resources to close the digital divide across the City of Detroit; while providing affordable quality high-speed internet, access to devices, digital literacy training, tech support, and upgraded city-wide internet infrastructure.

What Issue Are We Solving

Digital inequities have been an issue across the City of Detroit for decades. COVID-19 has amplified the digital divide, as tens of thousands of Detroit residents didn’t have access to a device, home internet, and tech skills training. They invest in digital inclusion, access to devices, internet, and tech training built around tech support and upgraded internet infrastructure. We will help Detroit rebuild its economy post-COVID-19 by increasing racial equity as Black and Brown residents get connected and gain the opportunity to build IT skills and IT Workforce Development training as the City of Detroit continues to transition into one of the top connected cities in the United States.

Defining The Issue

The digital divide is the gap between those with affordable access, skills, and support to effectively engage online and those without. As technology constantly evolves, the digital divide prevents equal participation and opportunity in all parts of life, disproportionately affecting people of color, Indigenous people, households with low incomes, people with disabilities, people in rural areas, and older adults.

Aligned with the mayor’s transparency initiative, an interactive digital dashboard defining the needs of residents of the City of Detroit, from areas identified as low-income neighborhoods, connectivity, access to devices to opportunities for digital literacy skills building, and IT workforce training.