As NCC prepares for 2024, equity continues to be at the forefront of our work. As the new Executive Director, I’ve taken the time to visit and learn about the diverse needs, challenges, and opportunities for many of our members. The digital divide contains a  vast number of issues from access to emergency services, maternal health resources, education, and affordable devices. The issues of digital equity and broadband access are not only about passing laws and regulations or providing funding. They are ultimately about connecting communities and people in need and providing them with equitable opportunities.

The year 2024 marks the 10th year anniversary for Next Century Cities (“NCC”) and could not come at a more exciting time in the chapter of the broadband access and digital equity story. NCC will be celebrating our 10th anniversary through a series of storytelling projects throughout the year. We recognize the importance of sharing stories that showcase the need for low-cost broadband access, showcase creative solutions to municipal networks, and highlight the incredible work being done in each of our states, territories, and Tribal communities. 

This next year also provides unique opportunities for NCC to support our members as they navigate the BEAD plans for each of their states.The Digital Equity Act creates the opportunity to change the narrative of not only broadband access, but also workforce development, device accessibility, and digital inclusion. Digital equity cannot be considered a singular issue, but embedded in an ecosystem connected to workforce development, education, healthcare, and community building. Developing resources to connect with statewide workforce development plans, create workflows for device access, and connecting these with digital inclusion programs will be a necessity for providing a robust and impactful framework with long term potential. 

NCC will also be focusing on member engagement; reconnecting with old friends and expanding to more territories and Tribal communities to help us grow our perspective and understanding of broadband and digital equity needs. We look forward to developing closer relationships with our members and providing more opportunities for input and engagement throughout the year.

I hope that you celebrate our 10th anniversary with us this year through participating in our storytelling project, engaging in our membership programs, and joining us at our Bipartisan Tech Policy Conference in April. 

I encourage you to review the amazing highlights and accomplishments of our incredible NCC team from 2023. And thank you to our funders and sponsors for providing the resources to continue this important work. I’m excited to see where 2024 takes us as we continue our journey towards closing the digital divide.

Andy Stutzman

Executive Director