DigitalC reports 2,802 installs, 7,617 people trained and coverage of ~82,000 homes in first year of ARPA‑funded Cleveland program

DigitalC presented a year‑one performance update to the Cleveland Utilities Committee on Jan. 9 under the city’s performance‑based contract funded in part by $20 million in ARPA funds.

Josh Edmonds, DigitalC’s lead presenter, told the committee that in calendar 2024 the nonprofit connected about 2,802 households, trained 7,617 residents in digital‑literacy programs, and currently maps coverage for roughly 82,000 homes across Cleveland. Edmonds said the organization recorded a 1% churn rate (38 subscribers) and described last year’s subscriber growth as an "818% increase" from the early‑year baseline; DigitalC characterized the performance as exceeding several contract goals for the first year. Edmonds and his team asked the committee to approve the next legislative step to draw down contract funds; city staff said no ARPA funds had been drawn down before the committee hearing.

What council members asked for and why it matters

Council members used the presentation to press for operational details the city needs to exercise oversight of a large, public‑funded program. Committee members repeatedly requested an address‑level and ward‑level breakdown of current subscribers and asked DigitalC to provide a clear, shareable “newsletter” or boilerplate…