Bloomington Recognized as 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) has named Bloomington as a 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, recognizing the city’s efforts to close the digital divide. This year, Bloomington joins 58 other Digital Inclusion Trailblazers paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the US. 
​
Digital inclusion—access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training—is essential to participating and thriving in today’s world. Recognizing the ongoing needs of the community, Bloomington continues in its efforts towards digital equity.

“Creating an equitable community means ensuring every resident has the tools and access they need to succeed, including in the digital realm,” said Mayor Kerry Thomson. “From helping children access remote learning to supporting job seekers and ensuring older adults stay connected, these efforts touch every aspect of our community’s well-being. We are incredibly grateful for the partnerships and community support that have been vital to this progress and make this work possible. This recognition from NDIA affirms we’re on the right path.”

“Nonprofits, libraries, churches, and other community organizations can’t reach digital equity on their own. For everyone to thrive in today’s digital world, we need all hands on deck,” said Angela Siefer, NDIA executive director. “NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazer program exemplifies the key role of local governments in building digital opportunities for all of their residents.”

Trailblazers provide models for other local governments to aspire to as communities build digital inclusion ecosystems. Bloomington achieved Trailblazer status by prioritizing digital inclusion for residents of their communities through:

• First in the state Digital Equity Survey and Strategic Plan
• Digital Equity Grants Fund program to local nonprofit community partners
• Investment in Digital Equity Staffing in the City’s ITS Department 
• Digital Equity Plan with Meridiam to make broadband access ubiquitous and affordable across the city

The Trailblazer program identifies seven categories of current best practices. Each applicant’s materials are verified for accuracy, assessed for community impact, and posted in an interactive map and searchable database on NDIA’s website. By sharing materials with open-sourcing, NDIA provides community advocates and local governments with ways to continue learning, connect with trailblazing peers, and plan their own digital inclusion solutions.