Fighting for Digital Equity in King County and Beyond

King County residents are facing a critical setback; the federal Digital Equity Act, signed into law in 2021 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, promised $2.75 billion to help rural communities, seniors, veterans, and low-income households get online. After years of planning, grant programs finally launched in 2024. Washington State was approved for more than $15.9 million in Digital Equity Capacity Grant funding. This funding would have transformed lives across our region, helping grandparents access telehealth appointments, students in rural areas complete homework, and job seekers fill out applications. Then in spring 2025, the Trump administration abruptly canceled the program.

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance has sued the Trump administration, arguing the cancellation was an illegal overreach of executive power. A coalition of 22 states has also filed suit challenging federal grant cancellations. These legal battles offer hope for restoration.

What Digital Equity Learning Network members can do:

Amplify local impact. Share stories from your work about how internet access barriers impact King County families. Contact Senator Murray and Representatives Smith, Jayapal, and Schrier with specific examples from our community.

Strengthen our network. Connect neighbors to King County Library System programs, Seattle Public Library digital literacy classes, and community technology centers.

Join the fight. Follow NDIA's lawsuit progress and participate in advocacy campaigns. Attend county council meetings to ensure local leaders prioritize digital equity.

Nearly 3 million Americans live in digital deserts. King County residents deserve better, and together we can fight for it.