SIGN THE PETITION:
Help Get Akron Families in Need Online Now!
For too many Akron residents, household income, access to computers and tablets, and the resources for digital literacy and skill development are barriers keeping them from the opportunities that internet connection offers.
Akron area leaders have a historic opportunity to use federal funding to close the digital divide for good but one plan under consideration is to have Akron control its own duplicative, billion-dollar internet network that would:
- Take a decade or more to build
- Put billions of tax dollars at risk
- Distract from bigger priorities such as homelessness, affordable housing, public safety, street repair, and traffic
- Leave the underlying problem unsolved
High-quality internet is already available across Akron and we can use these existing networks to help those who cannot afford to connect in Akron in a matter of weeks — not years.
By signing this petition, I’m voicing my support to invest Akron’s tax dollars wisely to connect more families to the internet by encouraging leaders to:
- Promote federal programs that allow low-income families to access broadband for free
- Adopt a digital navigator program with trained individuals who can ensure families in need can take advantage of federal voucher programs
- Provide computers to families in need
- Partner with existing internet service providers to offer low-cost or no-cost options
- Fund digital literacy training programs for families and seniors
It’s time to ensure every Akron resident is connected!