Friday, October 10, 2025

County Confronts Digital Divide With First Equity Roadmap

Digital Divide photo via LACOE.gov Facebook

Nearly six percent of Los Angeles County households still have no internet connection, despite broadband becoming as essential to daily life as electricity or running water. Now county officials are launching their first-ever comprehensive plan to change that.

The Digital Equity Roadmap, announced during Digital Inclusion Week, commits Los Angeles County to a three-year initiative ensuring all residents can access the internet, technology, digital skills, and support for daily life activities.

“The Digital Equity Roadmap is more than just a plan; it’s a commitment to dismantling the systemic barriers that keep our most vulnerable residents offline,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell. “By making this Roadmap a community-driven mandate, we are ensuring that every resident, regardless of their zip code, has the digital tools and skills necessary to access opportunity.”

The County has made significant progress in recent years. Households without internet subscriptions dropped from 11.7 percent to 5.8 percent, while those without computers fell from 5.5 percent to 2.9 percent. But officials acknowledge that sustainable funding will be needed to scale digital inclusion programs across the region.

“Broadband is essential today, yet many residents still face inequities in access, reliability, and cost—disparities we cannot ignore,” said Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “This Roadmap represents our commitment to leave no family behind in the digital economy.”

The announcement coincided with the Digital Advancement and Opportunity Regional Summit held October 9 at California State University, Dominguez Hills’ Leo F. Cain Library. The event convened more than 150 community partners and stakeholders and was co-hosted by the university’s Workforce Integration Network and the County’s Delete the Divide Initiative. The summit spotlighted regional priorities, community action, and workforce development strategies. Fifty free laptops were distributed to eligible students based on need.

The roadmap follows a motion approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. “The Digital Equity Roadmap marks a renewed and deliberate commitment to the residents of Los Angeles County,” said Michael Owh, director of the County’s Internal Services Department. Rebecca F. Kauma, director of digital equity, said the plan will center community voices and address specific needs across the County.

The strategic planning phase begins later this year, with the roadmap expected in 2026.