Title
Housing Department Wi-Fi and Digital Initiatives - Citywide
Description
This report provides the Community Services and Education Subcommittee an overview of the Housing Department's Wi-Fi and digital initiatives.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
The Housing Department's Wi-Fi and digital initiatives, called the PHXHousing Connect Program, launched in May 2020 as a comprehensive initiative aimed at closing the digital divide for residents of public and affordable housing. Created in response to technology access challenges highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the program builds upon Phoenix’s ongoing participation in United States Department of Housing and Urban Development ConnectHomeUSA initiative, of which the City has been a member since 2017.
The PHXHousing Connect Program is built on a three-pillar strategy that focuses on providing free or low-cost digital devices, delivering high-speed internet connectivity, and offering digital literacy training along with personalized technology support. This integrated approach ensures that residents not only receive the tools needed to access the digital world but also the skills, support, and knowledge to use them effectively and safely.
To date, more than 3,300 devices, including iPads, Chromebooks, and LG tablets have been distributed to Phoenix residents living in the Housing Department’s public and affordable housing communities. Efforts to provide free-to-tenant internet connectivity are ongoing. Currently, 3,746 housing units across 33 affordable and senior housing communities have been connected to high-speed internet. To support ongoing digital engagement and advance the goals of the PHXHousing Connect Program, the Housing Department partnered with the Institute for Digital Inclusion Acceleration to open two Digital Access Centers, known as The Hives. The Hive at Aeroterra opened in December 2023, followed by The Hive at CTEC in March 2024, to support PHXHousing Connect Program participants and serve the wider community. Located within one mile of 12 City affordable and senior housing sites, these centers provide convenient access to one-on-one technical support, device training, digital literacy courses, and workforce development opportunities.
The PHXHousing Connect Program continues to grow and expand its reach and by the end of 2025, the program plans to connect additional affordable housing units to free internet, increase the number of devices distributed, and pilot a new senior digital literacy training program. New initiatives and expanding connectivity, devices, and training will help the program further scale to meet the needs of Phoenix’s public and affordable housing residents.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Housing Department.