Mayor Adams unveils $2.4m digital equity plan to bridge NYC’s tech divide

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams, joined by Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser, announced a $2.4 million investment aimed at advancing digital equity for underserved communities across the city’s five boroughs.

The initiative includes renovations of computer labs in libraries and senior centers, making it easier for New Yorkers to access devices and digital literacy programs.

The newly released “NYC Digital Equity Roadmap” lays out 11 key initiatives to address immediate digital access needs. Among the highlights are the creation of an interagency Digital Equity Working Group, expansion of the New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) mobile computer lab fleet, and the appointment of a chief digital equity officer. These efforts build on the city’s Big Apple Connect program, which provides free internet and cable TV to 330,000 NYCHA residents.

“In today’s digital age, access to the internet, devices, and digital literacy are not a luxury — they are a necessity,” said Mayor Adams. “Our administration remains committed to bridging the digital divide, and with today’s $2.4 million investment, we are ensuring that every New Yorker has the tools they need to thrive.”

Chief Technology Officer Fraser emphasized the administration’s commitment to digital equity. “From day one, our efforts to bridge the digital divide have centered on the immediate needs of under-connected New Yorkers. Today’s roadmap builds upon this foundation, with new initiatives to ensure every New Yorker, regardless of background or zip code, has the tools and knowledge to fully participate in our 21st-century society.”

The roadmap’s initiatives cover three core areas: access and affordability, devices and digital skills, and coordination and advocacy. These initiatives include retrofitting older adult centers with updated technology infrastructure, expanding home internet access for public housing residents, and providing technical support for vulnerable communities.

Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, Commissioner of the New York City Department for the Aging, lauded the efforts, saying, “By reducing the digital divide through older adult centers, we are giving members even more opportunities to engage, learn and build community.”

Other key components of the plan include delivering refurbished devices to under-connected communities, expanding digital literacy training, and increasing outreach for NYCHA’s mobile computer labs, which assist residents with job searches and online services.

“The funding announced today, along with initiatives in the Digital Equity Roadmap, will address the digital divide and put resources within reach of many New Yorkers who otherwise wouldn’t have access,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.

Michelle Gall, founder of Digital Girl, Inc., highlighted the program’s importance in supporting community initiatives. “The free, high-speed internet provided by LinkNYC powers our programs at no cost to the community,” she said. “This will ensure critical resources and opportunities are available to everyone.”

This new investment is part of a broader effort to modernize the city’s infrastructure, making New York a leader in providing equitable digital access and digital literacy to its residents.