Comprehensive Transportation Projects
Regional Digital Equity Strategy and Action Plan
Recent crises like the global pandemic and severe wildfires have exacerbated the digital divide – or the growing gap between people with and without reliable access to broadband service and an adequate device for connecting to the internet. These disparities have heavily impacted unconnected and under-connected San Diego residents:
- 21% of households earning less than $50,000/year do not have a broadband subscription
- 17% of seniors age 65 and up do not have a broadband subscription
- 20-40% of students in many local districts lack home internet access
- 39% of businesses and 42% of employees reported problems with poor internet access while working at home during the pandemic
In August 2020, Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-73-20, directing state agencies to increase access to high-quality broadband statewide. Subsequently, the SANDAG Board of Directors adopted Board Resolution 2021-09 in January 2021 committing to develop a Digital Equity Strategy and Action Plan that leads to rapid broadband deployment and adoption in the San Diego region. Local jurisdictions can adopt similar resolutions to better position the region to take advantage of potential funding opportunities and partnerships (view a sample).
Read the Digital Equity Strategy
View the Digital Equity Story Map
The Digital Equity Action Plan is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2021.
Regional Digital Divide Taskforce
SANDAG's Regional Digital Divide Taskforce consists of representatives from public agencies, broadband providers, and non-profit organizations that are actively working to bridge the digital divide. The Taskforce worked collaboratively to develop a regional framework and guiding principles to shape the development of the Regional Digital Equity Strategy and Action Plan, and provides expert input on SANDAG's digital equity work.
Bridging the Digital Divide through Partnerships - SR 67 Dig Once Demonstration
In May 2021, SANDAG, Caltrans, and the County of San Diego partnered to identify $7 million in funding to install fiber with the planned Caltrans SR 67 Pavement Rehabilitation project, which will fill a critical gap in the region's fiber network. This will enable the expansion of reliable and affordable broadband for communities and establish the necessary infrastructure to implement transportation operation and safety improvements along the SR 67 corridor. SANDAG and Caltrans will identify a broadband partner(s) later this year.
Project Managers
Antoinette Meier, Director of Mobility and Innovation
Phone: (619) 699-7381, Email: antoinette.meier@sandag.org
Krystal Ayala, Senior Partnerships Strategist
Phone: (619) 699-1998, Email: krystal.ayala@sandag.org