You’re invited to a special event.
What will it take to close the digital divide in LA County?
Unequal access to the internet remains persistent and may get worse. Join EveryoneOn for an intimate discussion about what federal, state, and regional stakeholders are doing, and what’s still needed to create digital equity for all communities. We’ll also discuss the link between digital access and economic, educational and social well-being of communities.
When
Thursday, October 26, 2023
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where
Los Angeles City Hall - Tom Bradley Room (27th Floor), 200 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles
Program
Welcome remarks
Norma Fernandez
CEO, EveryoneOn
Dawn Comer
Director of Technology Inclusion, Mayor’s Office of Finance and Innovation at City of Los Angeles
Discussion 1: Digital Divide Challenges Ahead: Federal, State, Local Implications & Strategies
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), the federal government’s high-speed internet subsidy, has been a lifeline for low-income households to access the internet. More than 350,000 Los Angeles households may lose their internet if ACP is not renewed in 2024. What are the consequences if the government does not renew the program?
The California Public Utility Commission’s broadband maps omit certain communities in Los Angeles. Panelists will discuss how this affects where broadband funding flows. Also, hear from Los Angeles County’s first Director of Digital Equity on the county’s vision for digital equity and how it is preparing cities to leverage federal funding.
Speakers
Sanford S. Williams, Esq.
Deputy Managing Director/Special Advisor to the FCC Chairwoman & Lecturer of Law at UCLA Law School
Shayna Englin
Director, California Community Foundation Digital Equity Initiative
Rebecca F. Kauma
Director of Digital Equity, County of Los Angeles
Moderator
Norma Fernandez
CEO, EveryoneOn
Discussion 2: Integrating Digital Equity as a Funding Priority
Corporate and private philanthropy play an outsized role in advancing digital equity. During this conversation, foundation digital equity leaders will discuss why and how their foundations fund digital equity work, how they integrate digital equity into other funding priority areas and support digital equity initiatives beyond funding.
Speakers
Shayna Englin
Director, California Community Foundation Digital Equity Initiative
Cristal Mojica
Senior Program Manager, Digital Equity, Michelson 20MM
Moderator
Alejandra Velázquez
Senior Manager of Government Relations, DoorDash