The City of Seattle has rolled out a new technology survey to gain insight into where funds are needed to close the digital divide.
The City of Seattle’s Technology Access and Adoption survey, underway now through mid-April, aims to help city officials, community organizations, and other funders gain insight to guide digital equity programs and funding to help Seattle residents.
The last time the City of Seattle launched this survey was in 2018, and since the utilization of technology has evolved significantly – especially after the pandemic.
In addition, the results will also measure the city’s progress towards “sufficient internet for all and whether residents have the skills and comfort needed to use technology to learn, earn, participate online, and meet every day needs,” according to a blog post by city officials.
Postcards and surveys have been sent to 19,500 households across Seattle, and this year it’s available in eight languages. Seattle Schools and Housing Authority are also helping the City of Seattle reach out to survey participants and will also utilize the results to guide their respective programs.
In addition, to ensure the voices of the Indigenous community in Seattle are represented, city officials have partnered with Tribal Technology Training (T3) to provide print surveys or a survey link for the community.
“We’re excited to be working together on this important data. In the past, we didn’t have enough surveys completed by Native residents to have statistically valid results to share,” officials noted.
Survey results will also inform King County and Washington State digital equity planning, which is underway. The results will also provide evidence of where Federal funds and other support are needed.
