Highlights from the 88 Cities Broadband Panel

This powerful discussion offered a snapshot of where we are—and where we need to go—to close the digital divide in Southeast LA and beyond. From bold infrastructure investments to grassroots digital literacy efforts, the panelists underscored the urgency of connecting every household, business, and community to the digital economy.

A $103 Million Step Toward Connectivity
Hector De La Torre, Executive Director of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, shared the journey of a groundbreaking $103 million project to connect 25 city halls in Southeast LA. Initially challenged by funding cuts and shifting priorities, Hector and a coalition of city leaders fought to ensure that low-income, low-connectivity communities were prioritized in the state’s broadband rollout.
Their advocacy paid off. After a critical meeting in Sacramento, funding criteria were revised to reflect the needs of communities like South LA, Oakland, and the Gateway Cities. Fieldwork begins in 2025, with completion slated for December 2026. The result? A future-ready fiber network that can support both public institutions and last-mile broadband expansion.

Ground-Level Equity Work: Beyond Wires
Vanessa Aramayo, President and CEO of Alliance for a Better Community, reminded us that access is only the beginning. In regions like Southeast LA—where over 40% of residents lack reliable internet—digital equity is a matter of survival.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital disparities became painfully clear. Families without internet struggled to attend school, access healthcare, or apply for jobs. Vanessa emphasized the need to support small businesses, connect entrepreneurs, and invest in digital literacy to truly empower communities.

Human I-T: Tech Access Meets Human Impact
Josh Brummitt of Human I-T provided a human-centered view of digital equity. His organization refurbishes donated devices, provides internet connections, and delivers digital skills training—all while partnering with local governments and nonprofits to maximize reach.
But it’s not just about services. As Josh shared, it’s about trust, leadership, and community voice. Whether helping someone apply for benefits or learn to navigate digital tools, the ripple effect of access is deeply personal—and profoundly transformative.

Key Takeaways:
Throughout the panel, several themes emerged: infrastructure must be paired with adoption efforts, funding gaps require creative solutions, and collaboration across sectors is key. Here’s what’s next: