For years, the Digital Divide has been defined mostly
as expanding access, whether online, in schools, at libraries and community
technology centers. Access is as important as ever for many people, with half of
all Chicagoans who have household incomes under $20,000 without Internet
access.
But to truly live up to the dream of full access, people need more than an
available computer that has Internet access. They need training, business
opportunities, mentors, and a high quality education that prepares them for the
future.
That is why this new report, The City that NetWorks: Transforming Society and Economy Through
Digital Excellence
is so
important. Julia Stasch, vice president of the John D. and Catherine T.
MacArthur Foundation, chaired this advisory council for Mayor Richard M.
Daley. The Metropolitan Planning Council served on the council, bringing a
perspective of community development and small business access and training that
is greatly needed in the city's neighborhoods.
The report recommends a number of strategies, including a Campaign for
Digital Excellence, and a Partnerhsip for a Digital Chicago. These
initiatives would mobilize the private sector to work with the City of Chicago
and related agencies to provide leadership and resources to expand digital
inclusion for all sectors of our society.
For a copy of the report, visit the City of Chicago Web site at:http://egov.cityofchicago.org/publicwifi