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Audit: Washington lacks a unified digital equity plan, no single leader or reliable funding
Summary
The State Auditor's Office told a legislative subcommittee on May 13 that Washington has multiple digital-equity plans but no unified statewide strategy, no designated lead with authority, and no reliable funding stream; SAO recommended legislative oversight and a designated lead organization.
Auditors from the Washington State Auditor's Office presented findings to a JLARC subcommittee on May 13 that Washington lacks a comprehensive, unified state-level digital equity plan and does not have a single designated leader or reliable funding stream to implement the state's digital-equity goals.
Patrick Anderson, senior performance auditor, told the committee that three related plans exist—the PAIR (pro equity, anti-racism) plan and playbook, the Broadband Equity, Access, and Development (BEAD) five-year action plan, and the NTIA-approved state digital equity plan—but none cover the full set of generally accepted digital-equity components (affordable high-speed internet, devices, digital skills, and geographic coverage) while also assigning implementation roles across all relevant state agencies. Anderson noted that the NTIA plan was the most actionable but relied on federal funding that was terminated in May 2025, removing a key implementation resource.
"Washington lacks both a designated leader and reliable funding for digital equity efforts," Anderson said, arguing the Legislature should consider establishing oversight authority by defining and empowering a lead organization to coordinate, oversee, and evaluate statewide digital equity work and to develop a comprehensive unified plan.
Department of Commerce broadband officials and the Office of Equity told the committee they agreed with the report's conclusions and that the Broadband Office remains focused on delivering high-speed broadband infrastructure, affordable price options and coordination with the Office of Equity. Mark Barclay, assistant director in Commerce, said the Broadband Office is implementing federal infrastructure dollars and working with partners on devices and literacy but acknowledged the need for clearer state-level coordination.
Sabrina Roach, who chairs the Washington Digital Equity Partners Coalition and participates in the statutory Digital Equity Forum, provided public testimony describing local work: WSU Extension-supported community action plans (59 plans) and regional "broadband action team" models that have produced durable regional activity. Roach urged the state to build on that regional work while establishing clearer leadership and coordination at the state level.
SAO recommended the Legislature define oversight authority, require the lead organization to develop a unified state digital equity plan, and consider additional SAO work to identify best practices. Committee members asked SAO to provide models and best-practice guidance and signaled interest in follow-up audit work and potential statutory action.
