City of Racine Named a 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer
The City of Racine has been named a 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), recognizing the City’s sustained efforts to expand access to affordable internet service, digital devices, and digital skills training for residents.
The designation places Racine among 58 communities nationwide recognized for leading local government efforts to close the digital divide and build inclusive digital ecosystems.
Digital inclusion is increasingly essential for everyday life, from accessing healthcare and education to applying for jobs and staying connected to community resources. Racine’s work focuses on ensuring residents have not only reliable internet access, but also the tools and training needed to use technology effectively.
“The City of Racine’s vision is to be a community where every member can actively participate and thrive in our digital society,” said Chief Information Officer Adele Edwards. “This recognition reflects years of community-driven collaboration, and we are proud to continue expanding digital access efforts in Racine and across Southeast Wisconsin.”
A cornerstone of Racine’s approach is the Digital Divide Roundtable (DDR), a three-year initiative that brought together more than 125 participants from over 55 community-based organizations, along with public and private partners. Through this collaborative model, the City and its partners advanced several resident-focused outcomes, including:
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The City of Racine Digital Equity Plan
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Racine Digital Literacy Fairs
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Annual Digital Inclusion Week programming
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The Digital Connectivity and Navigators Grant Program
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The City’s Digital Inclusion StoryMap, which helps residents understand local digital equity challenges and solutions
NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazer program highlights local governments that demonstrate best practices in advancing digital equity. Each Trailblazer’s work is reviewed for accuracy and community impact, then shared through NDIA’s national database to help other communities learn from proven models.
“Nonprofits, libraries, churches, and community organizations cannot achieve digital equity alone,” said Angela Siefer, executive director of NDIA. “Local governments play a critical role in building digital opportunities for all residents, and Racine’s work exemplifies that leadership.”
The recognition underscores Racine’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that access to technology, connectivity, and digital skills is not a barrier to opportunity for residents.
