Pitt County adopts Mid‑East Region Digital Inclusion Plan to guide broadband, device and training efforts

The Pitt County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Jan. 12 to adopt the Mid‑East Region Digital Inclusion Plan, a multi‑county strategy designed to improve internet availability, device access, affordability and digital skills training across a five‑county region.

Mid‑East Commission representative Ms. Heath presented the plan and said it was funded by Building a New Digital Economy in NC (BAND‑NC) and informed by a 99‑member steering committee and public engagement that included 389 survey responses, three public open houses and two focus groups. The plan includes priority project profiles — such as device access programs, internet subsidy options, digital skills training and public access locations — intended to help local jurisdictions compete for and implement broadband and inclusion grants.

Commissioner Mary Perkins‑Williams asked how Pitt County residents were engaged. Ms. Heath said the planning effort sought representation from each county and that Winterville represented Pitt County on the steering committee; she said public input informed the plan’s goals and priority projects. The plan’s materials are publicly available on the Mid‑East Commission website and the board was asked to consider providing staff or elected representative(s) to an implementation committee that meets monthly.

Adoption means the plan can be cited in grant applications and used as a regional framework for future projects; the board did not commit county funds during the adoption. Commissioner Mary Perkins‑Williams moved to adopt the resolution; Commissioner Rochelle Brown seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The board’s action directs staff to circulate the plan to local partners and consider participation in the regional implementation committee; no specific county funding commitments were requested or approved at the meeting.