TITLE
Recommendation to increase appropriations in the General Services Fund (IS 385) in the Technology and Innovation Department (TI) in the amount of $40,000 offset by the First Council District one-time District Priority Funds transferred from the General Fund (GF) in the Citywide Activities Department (XC) to support the development of the Digital Inclusion Roadmap.
DISCUSSION
On Tuesday, January 23, 2018, Councilwoman Lena Gonzalez sponsored, and the Long
Beach City Council unanimously approved, various items focused on addressing the
digital divide through digital inclusion efforts in the City of Long Beach. Some of the key
directives include:
• Affirming the City's commitment to closing the digital divide and becoming an
official affiliate of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA);
• Recycling City-owned computers through donation events in underserved
neighborhoods; and
• Developing and implementing a Digital Inclusion Roadmap in collaboration with
City staff and community stakeholders.
With the appropriated funds, City staff will partner with community members and local
stakeholders to co-create an equity-framed Digital Inclusion Roadmap. This Roadmap
will be informed by the Technology and Innovation Commission's recently published
report, Analysis and Recommendations for Advancing Digital Inclusion in Long Beach,
and should also include:
• Specific actions and strategies to advance equitable access to and use of digital
resources, services, and tools for all Long Beach residents;
• Clear vision, goals, objectives, and strategies for developing and implementing
citywide digital inclusion efforts through an equity and collective impact process;
• Recommendations toward the establishment of a revenue generating Digital
Inclusion Fund to sustain this work; and
• Development and implementation of a communications plan to engage residents
who are not online through canvassing, door-knocking, and other in-person
outreach.
This matter was reviewed by Budget Manager Grace H. Yoon on March 13, 2019.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation provides funds to the Technology and Innovation Department (TI)
to support the development of the Digital Inclusion Roadmap. The total appropriation
increase of $40,000 in the General Services Fund (IS 385) in the Technology and
Innovation Department (TI) will be offset by a transfer of the First Council District onetime
District Priority Funds in the General Fund (GF) in the Citywide Activities Department
(XC). Completing this work is anticipated to result in a minimal impact to staff hours
beyond normal budgeted scope of duties and is in line with existing City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
LENA GONZALEZ
COUNCILWOMAN, FIRST DISTRICT