Miami, Florida – Miami-Dade County has been awarded a significant $13.5 million grant aimed at enhancing digital equity, a step forward in the county’s ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide in its rural and underserved communities. This funding, provided by the Florida Commerce Office of Broadband, targets the renovation and construction of multi-purpose community facilities to bolster access to essential services like health monitoring, work, and education.
Expanding Access to Crucial Services
The grant is part of a concerted effort by the county’s Information Technology Department (ITD) and its Local Technology Planning Team (LTPT) in collaboration with The Miami Foundation and Miami Connected. Together, these organizations have successfully channeled the funds into six community partners that are now poised to enhance local facilities. These enhancements are designed to provide residents with critical digital literacy skills and internet services, responding to the urgent need for widespread technological access in the digital age.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava expressed the county’s commitment to digital inclusivity, stating, “Access to broadband connectivity is a priority to make our community future ready, and it must be available to all just like water and electricity. To achieve this, we are fostering community partnerships and paving the way towards a more connected and empowered Miami-Dade. I am committed to making sure that opportunity reaches every neighborhood and every resident in our county.”
Significant Grants and Future Projects
The first round of funding saw substantial grants awarded to various impactful projects:
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- Centro Campesino Community Center: $4 million
- Miami Dade College (POWER): $4 million
- SEEK Foundation (SMART TECH Health Hub): $4 million
- CareerSource South Florida & Miami-Dade County Public Library System: $1,247,397
- Bridge to Hope: $321,075
- Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired: $177,835
These projects are just the beginning, with the LTPT already backing eight more applications for the second round of subgrant funding. These initiatives will focus on providing comprehensive services ranging from workforce support to broadband access, ensuring communities receive the full spectrum of benefits from this funding.
Margaret Brisbane, IT Department Director and Chief Information Officer, emphasized the transformative potential of technology: “Technology connects us to the world, education, jobs, and most importantly, to each other. When our community has the necessary resources to engage in the digital economy, we cultivate opportunity and growth. This synergy fosters new innovation and solutions, enriching our economy in a more inclusive and dynamic manner. Investments of this magnitude secure resources that ignite the path towards a more inclusive future.”
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Commitment to Long-Term Digital Equity
The grants are a continuation of efforts initiated last year in partnership with the Miami Foundation and Miami Connected as part of Mayor Levine Cava’s strategic commitment to digital inclusivity.
Francesca de Quesada Covey, Chief Innovation and Economic Development Officer, highlighted the importance of robust digital infrastructure: “As we continue to invest in broadband expansion, we recognize that access to high-speed internet is not just a convenience but an economic necessity. In today’s innovation-driven economy, entrepreneurship and innovation thrive where there is robust digital infrastructure. By ensuring every corner of Miami-Dade has access to broadband, we are laying the foundation for a strong economy that benefits all residents.”
