DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY
Digital Opportunity is the ability for citizens and businesses alike to be empowered to take full advantage of high-speed broadband service, once available to them.
This survey is part of the Gloucester County’s Digital Opportunity Plan as part of the Virginia Affordability and Adoption Planning Grant, which aims to identify the current issues the community is facing regarding Digital Access and resources.
Please take 10-15 minutes to complete this questionnaire about your access and usage of digital services and the internet. Your responses will help Gloucester County, and its community partners identify the best practices and programs to help implement in order to enhance the County’s digital experience.
You must be 18 or over to participate in this survey. Your data will not be shared with anyone outside of the Gloucester Administration or Virginia’s Department of Housing Community Development, who have awarded this grant. Your individual responses will only be used for the development of this plan and will not be made public.
Learn More
By way of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration was able to make historic investments in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to close the Digital Divide through a program known as Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD). The Commonwealth of Virginia is optimistic that their allocation of $1.48 billion will be able to connect every last citizen with high-speed broadband.
In addition to infrastructure, BEAD will also allow each locality to create a plan of action to enable community partners to rely on municipally created resources to better serve its constituents by adopting digital programs that create “Digital Opportunity”, closing the gap between people and businesses and resources that make broadband more affordable and easier to understand. More specifically, the needs of the following covered populations will be examined closely:
Individuals who live in covered households (defined as households with income of not more than 150% of the poverty level).
Individuals with disabilities.
Aging individuals aged 60 and older.
Individuals with a language barrier including individuals who are English learners and have low levels of literacy.
Incarcerated individuals (as defined by the State or Territory), other than individuals who are incarcerated in a Federal correctional facility.
Individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group.
Veterans
Individuals who primarily reside in a rural area.
About VAAGP
To make these federal resources available to localities, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has created the Virginia Affordability and Adoption Planning Grant (VAAPG). The final plan is a prerequisite for the upcoming Digital Capacity Grants, which will fund “shovel-ready” projects that have been identified as core solutions to the specific problems of each locality.
The planning process entails the following four elements:
1) Asset Inventory
The asset inventory process involves identifying and cataloging key community resources, including educational institutions, community serving organizations, workforce development programs, and technological assets like public computers and internet speeds, to assess gaps and opportunities for improving digital equity and connectivity.
2) Needs Assessment
The needs assessment process evaluates a community’s digital access and technology requirements by gathering data through surveys, stakeholder engagement, and GIS mapping. It identifies existing initiatives, infrastructure gaps, and the necessary steps to enhance digital inclusion, building off of the results of the asset inventory.
3) Project Identification
This process involves analyzing the needs assessment to pinpoint specific initiatives that address digital gaps. This includes selecting device and digital literacy programs, as well as partnerships aimed at enhancing broadband access and fostering equitable digital opportunities for all. This plan will enable projects listed to be eligible for NTIA’s Digital Capacity funding.
4) Measuring Impact
Measuring impact involves tracking the outcomes of digital equity initiatives through key performance indicators, community feedback, and data analysis. It evaluates progress in improving broadband access, digital literacy, and economic opportunities, ensuring projects meet goals and benefit underserved populations. The plan will be officially adopted by the locality and updated annually.
The success of this plan rides on the participation of the community – both as stakeholders and as beneficiaries.
The core focus of this plan is to identify, engage and empower organizations in the community that are already doing the work – and through collaboration, inject digital-focused projects to serve the community. This can be accomplished by adding onto what already works, or by coming up with creative ways to expand their reach.
Sample projects:
Enhanced digital infrastructure for underserved communities, such as computer rentals or public wireless access.
Improved access to tele- education, tele- healthcare, and tele-employment opportunities. Parter with community centers and libraries to host remote participation rooms with necessary equipment.
Strengthened economic growth and community development by focusing on digital skills and literacy by partnering with local educational resources from universities and national programs - teaching things from basic computer skills to how to critically use AI tools or cybersecurity best practices.
List of potential benefits
Eligibility for Digital Capacity Grants
Partnering organizations will qualify to apply for Digital Capacity Grants, which fund digital tools, training programs, and infrastructure improvements critical for community service delivery. Gain priority consideration for involvement in pilot programs and early implementation activities stemming from the city’s completed plan. Through project readiness and technical assistance by the City, participation increases eligibility for additional funding and resources from federal, state, and private programs.
Improved Service Delivery and Community Impact
Access to upgraded broadband infrastructure and digital tools allows for more effective service delivery, expanding the organization’s reach and creating a measurable impact in underserved communities. Use partnerships to enhance or launch digital literacy initiatives and secure resources such as hardware, software, and connectivity solutions for the organization and its clients.
Organizations can additionally strengthen their internal capabilities through access to workshops, training sessions, and resources to boost staff and citizen digital literacy.
Data Access for Strategic Planning
Leverage insights from County resources, GIS mapping strategies and the most-current demographic data to inform strategic decisions and develop targeted programs tailored to specific community needs.
Long-Term Sustainability and Impact
Benefit from a city-led strategy that promotes sustainable digital infrastructure, ensuring continued organizational effectiveness and expanded community benefits. Partner organizations will gain public recognition as leaders in promoting digital opportunity, enhancing their reputation and community standing. This plan intends to be supported for years to come, so partners will have a withstanding role in its continued development.
Benefits of Participation
Community Partners
We are proud to collaborate with various community organizations, nonprofits, and private-sector entities to ensure the success of this initiative.
These are the current dates for some major milestone of the planning process. This initial timeline is based on a 9-month project duration.
2024
July 18: Kickoff Call with DHCD
July 30: Begin Asset Inventory, Needs Assessment Analysis, GIS Mapping, and Stakeholder Engagement
August 15: Award Letter Received; Notify Core DE Team
August 20: Complete Initial Setup and Stakeholder Outreach
August 30: Finalize Survey Questionnaires
November 2: End Survey Period and Compile Data
October 29: Disseminate Surveys and Collect Responses
2025
February 1: Begin Sharing Needs Assessment Results with Partners
April 1: Define Implementation Strategies and Outcomes
May 3: Finalize Plan and Share with the Public
May 15: Official Completion Date
Grant Details and Timeline
Get Involved
To make your voice heard in the process, please reach out to the contact below. We would love to have as much community organization participation as possible to make citizens aware of all the resources available to them.
For Community Organizations:
Please contact Tyler Beekhoo from Broadband Telecom Services, the City’s Fiber and Broadband Consultant to learn more about the project, our process, current progress, and how you can be a part of it. Participation entails assigning at least one “Point-of-Contact” from your organization to participate in one 30-minute discussion every month.
Tyler Beekhoo, GIS Specialist and Digital Opportunity Planner