Mayor Ed Murray counting the Digital Equity Initiative on March 30.
Photo courtesy of the City of Seattle.
As part of Mayor Ed Murray’s Digital Equity Initiative, Google has offered $344,000 in grant money that will bring free Wi-Fi to Seattle community centers and affordable housing projects.
The funding will go toward establishing Wi-Fi access points at all 26 Seattle Parks and Recreation Community Centers, which includes Ballard and Loyal Heights Community Centers. The City hopes the Google funding will facilitate civic engagement and learning programs at these facilities.
According to the Office of the Mayor, at least 15 percent of Seattle residents cannot afford internet service at home. The numbers are even higher among Seattle’s lowest income residents and immigrant communities.
“Seattle is a city known for its technology and innovation, yet too many residents do not have sufficient Internet access, a high-quality device or the skills necessary to participate fully in our high-tech economy and community,” said Murray. “Working together, we can make Seattle a leader in ensuring digital equity and opportunity for all our residents.”
The City is investing $1.6 million on the initiative this year. According to the Office of the Mayor, the funds have come from reallocated City staff time, community partnerships and financial investments.
There are three prongs to the Action Plan: devices and technical support, skills training and connectivity.
“Too many Seattle residents have no regular access to the Internet, and find themselves disconnected from the wealth of educational and community resources the Internet offers,” said Darcy Nothnagle, head of external affairs for the Northwest region at Google. “These grants aim to help bring access to those who need it most.”
The Google funds will also go toward replacing obsolete computers (31 total) at five RecTech Community Technology Labs at city community centers in Delridge, Rainier, Rainier Beach, South Park and Yesler Terrace.
Since 2011 Google has provided more than $14.4 million to schools and non-profits in Washington State. They also employ 1,900 people in the state.
