Arlington digital equity initiative aims to turn broadband into opportunity, coordinator says

Jennifer Skow, coordinator of Arlington’s Digital Equity Initiative, told the advisory group that the program — launched in late 2024 after a broadband study — focuses on more than connectivity. "Connectivity alone isn't equal to digital equity," Skow said, arguing that devices, skills, trust and navigation are required for residents to benefit.

Skow described the initiative’s three main roles: convener, capacity builder and strategist. As strategist, she said the team added digital equity building standards and incentives into a recent call for proposals for affordable housing so that projects including digital access elements are more competitive for funding. Skow also described a local grants program: "We last year, we issued $500,000 of our local money to 7 grantees last year who, in total, they're gonna reach more than 1,600 residents," she said.

The coordinator said grantees deliver digital navigation in libraries, parks and community centers and that several incorporate AI literacy into curricula. Skow emphasized multilingual outreach: one grantee delivers navigation services in more than 10 languages to better reach non-English-speaking residents. She asked advisory members to help spread word about coalition events and community resources.

Looking ahead, Skow said the initiative’s role is to leverage county resources and trusted community partners rather than try to provide all services directly; the grants and coalition are intended to expand service delivery and test different navigator and training models. She invited members to suggest ways to make the coalition more peer-led while acknowledging capacity limits.