Connectivity Blueprint
Connectivity Blueprint is an initiative to create a community-guided roadmap to digital equity. The initiative is led by Ramsey County, Saint Paul and a steering committee of experts.
Through the Connectivity Blueprint initiative we are:
- Talking with residents about their experience living with limited access to technology.
- Focusing on areas with limited access to internet and computers.
- Assessing the broader impact on different communities.
The importance of digital equity
Digital equity means everyone has the technology they need to be part of our society. It is the foundation of a fair future and an inclusive economy.
With digital equity, everyone can have a job, learn, access services and be part of their community. Digital skills, affordability and access to technology are critical to achieving digital equity.
SDK Communications is leading the project.
StoryMap
Visit the StoryMap to sign up for project updates and view and comment on interactive maps of where Ramsey County residents are fully connected – and where people are in danger of being left behind from an online future.
View the Connectivity Blueprint StoryMap
Digital equity map
SDK Communications has partnered with AppGeo to develop a web mapping resource. The resource allows us to see the spatial distribution of broadband connectivity factors.
It includes the following dimensions from the American Community Survey:
- Demographic.
- Economic.
- Housing.
- Health.
We encourage others to use this map as a tool to advance digital equity in their own work.
Steering committee members
The steering committee provides direction and decision-making for the Connectivity Blueprint initiative. Its members ensure community input and collaboration.
We thank the members for their contributions to the project.
- Co-Chair Ling Becker, Ramsey County.
- Co-Chair Drew Nelson, Saint Paul.
- Rebecca Ryan, Saint Paul.
- Jon Grebner, Mayor's Office.
- Chris Rider, Mayor's Office.
- Bruce Riebe, Saint Paul.
- Council Member Nelsie Yang, Saint Paul.
- John Perlich, Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce.
- Idrissa Davis, Saint Paul.
- Chetan Ganatra, Ramsey County.
- Mary Sue Hansen, Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative.
- Pamela Maldonado, Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington counties.
- Commissioner Trista MatasCastillo, Ramsey County.
- Tiffany Kong, Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation.
- Dr. Ellen Roster, Saint Paul College.
- Josh Anderson, Maplewood – North Saint Paul School District.
- Megan Jekot, Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood.
Funding
Funding for the Connectivity Blueprint initiative is from:
- The American Rescue Plan Act.
- Workforce Solutions.
- Ramsey County.
- City of Saint Paul.