Access to high-speed internet is critically important for the success of the region. Cuyahoga County has been working for over two years to get residents connected.

Cuyahoga County has now been recognized nationally for its work to provide affordable, high-speed internet access.

Cuyahoga County has been named a 2022 “Digital Inclusion Trailblazer” by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. This is a highly competitive award, with Cuyahoga County being one of only nine counties in the entire country to achieve this designation.

The County was selected based on its funding of community digital inclusion programming, leadership on the Greater Cleveland Digital Equity Coalition, and the County’s work to increase access to and affordability of home broadband service. Most notably, Cuyahoga County made a joint $20 million investment with the State of Ohio last month to provide low-cost, high-speed internet to 25,000 households through a partnership with local non-profit PCs for People.

“Cuyahoga County is proud to be a ‘Digital Inclusion Trailblazer’ as we work to get our residents connected to affordable, high-speed internet,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “This award acknowledges the importance of this work and the multi-pronged approach that goes into true connection—access to devices, service and education.”

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) works collaboratively with more than 800 digital inclusion practitioners and advocates for broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training, and tech support.

“We’re excited to be listed as an NDIA Digital Inclusion Trailblazer,” said Chief Innovation & Performance Officer Catherine Tkachyk. “This is a result of the hard work of all of our partners throughout Cuyahoga County that are committed to solving the digital divide.”