At a time when digital connectivity is nearly as essential as electricity, millions of Americans in rural communities remain cut off from the virtual world that most of us take for granted. The COVID-19 pandemic starkly illuminated this "digital divide," spurring unprecedented federal action to connect these disconnected communities.
Join our distinguished panel of academics, policy experts, and community leaders as they explore groundbreaking local initiatives that are revolutionizing digital access across the U.S. While federal policies continue to evolve, this timely discussion will reveal how communities are taking control of their digital destiny through innovative solutions and determined leadership.
This critical conversation comes at a pivotal moment when internet access goes beyond mere convenience; it's about economic survival, educational opportunity, and full participation in modern society.
BOOK:
Bridging the Digital Divide: Planning Innovative State and Local Approaches by Warner, M. E., N. A. Bravo and D. Shen. 2026. Routledge. Open access.
