Background

The Milwaukee Digital Inclusion Project (MDIP) intends to increase the number of low-income Milwaukee residents who use computer technology and the Internet to advance educational attainment, improve employability, and enhance civic participation.  The MDIP also intends to boost Milwaukee's economic development opportunities by creating an infrastructure that invites, rather than excludes, 21st century business.  If the City of Milwaukee is determined to effectively compete and thrive in the global economy it is critical that all Milwaukee residents have the necessary education and skills to use the power of technology, especially the Internet. 

There are a number of current and historical impediments that must be taken into consideration when planning, developing and implementing the MDIP. 

• A recent study indicates that Milwaukee is 2nd in the nation in teen-age pregnancy rates.
• 84% of the 100,000 Milwaukee Public Schools students are eligible for the Free Lunch Program.
• In 2004, the estimated percentage of unemployment was 12.7% overall, with the rate for African-Americans from 3 to 5% higher.
• 2003 high school graduation rates in the Milwaukee Public Schools were only 60.8%.
• 2004 figures estimate that 26% of Milwaukee's population lives at or under the poverty rate, and 41% of children under 18 lived at or below the poverty level.

Efforts to create digital opportunities for Milwaukee citizens can help to reduce some of these disparities in education and employment. 

In early 2006, Mayor Tom Barrett announced a citywide initiative to make Milwaukee one of the first "wireless cities" in America.  A foundation for the MDIP has already been put into place.  In the last year:

• City leadership has negotiated and agreed upon, a demonstration project for wireless access in a six square mile segment of the city. At the end of the trial period, the vendor will expand to the entire city within 18 months of the initiation of the project.
• Once established, the system will include a set of free websites available at no cost to all residents of the City and other users of the wireless system. 
• As part of the negotiation with the WI-FI vendor, Milwaukee garnered a nominal amount of seed money to apply towards the development of the MDIP
• Conversations have been initiated with potential partners regarding the provision of low-cost hardware and software to eligible residents.
• And, a process of selecting partner(s) that will provide technical assistance and training to residents is underway.

All of the preliminary planning has focused on the minimization of administrative overhead, ensuring that the bulk of the available resources are directed to, and for, low-income residents.

The City of Milwaukee is at a critical crossroad.  In order for the Milwaukee Digital Inclusion Project to reach its full potential, the following must be accomplished:

• Under the auspices of the Office of the Mayor, a Milwaukee Digital Inclusion Action Team will be convened.  The work of the committee will be short-term and concentrated in time and scope.
• The Action Team will be charged with the task of creating a community 'buzz" about the MDIP by garnering political, social and economic support for the project.
• The Action Team will make recommendations regarding the MDIP management structure and the capacity to accept and distribute in-coming resources to establish a strong funding base from local and national sources.
• Once the basic structure of the MDIP Project is in place, the Action Team will assist in the recruitment of the MDIP Board(s).  At this juncture, the task of the Action Team is complete and the MDIP Board(s) will be put in place. 
  • The development of the MDIP Board(s) will require Common Council approval.

The MDIP Board(s) will have a membership reflecting Milwaukee's sources of support and investment.  It will include representatives from political, business, community, faith-based, and educational entities, and, most importantly, resident consumers of the MDIP Project.

Suggested activities by the MDIP Board(s) may include, but not be limited to the following:

• Providing computers at no or low cost (refurbished or new).
• Providing Internet access at no or low cost (free resources can be restricted to specific information sources).
• Developing valuable online content that connects individuals to educational and workforce supports.
• Monitoring the development and provision of training made available to low-income residents, evaluating the worth of the information sources and ensuring quality service as well as product.
• Supporting the needs of the MDIP, with the intent to expand the program throughout the City of Milwaukee.

Milwaukee cannot afford to have residents unable to utilize computers or the Internet.  The future success of the city, the region, the state and surrounding regions depend on the elimination of the digital divide and the creation of opportunities that improve the quality of life for local citizens.  In the United States, computer and Internet knowledge is becoming a required basic skill, connecting individuals to employment and education, as well as connecting them to a more global world.

Leadership is needed now.  The time to make bold and innovative decisions is now.  The time to commit to a Milwaukee where everyone has access to a computer; where everyone has computer literacy skills; where everyone is comfortable about using the Internet; and where everyone benefits from the information accessed, is now. 

The Milwaukee Digital Inclusion Program intends to provide a venue of exposure, education and utilization for all Milwaukee citizens.