City of Gloucester Recognized for Second Time

GLOUCESTER, MA – The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named the City of Gloucester as a 2025 Digital Inclusion Visionary Trailblazer, recognizing the City’s  efforts to close the digital divide. 

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, the City continues in its efforts towards digital equity.

“Access to technology is essential for education, work, and community engagement. The City of Gloucester is proud to be recognized as a Visionary Trailblazer for our commitment to ensuring all residents can fully engage in today’s connected world,” said Mayor Paul Lundberg. “We are grateful to Library Director Jenny Benedict and the staff at Sawyer Free Library for their leadership in advancing these efforts and making our Digital Equity initiatives a success.”

This year, Gloucester joins 58 other Digital Inclusion Trailblazers paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the U.S.  Visionary Trailblazer is the highest honor awarded for communities that have achieved 18 points or higher out of a possible 23. Visionary Trailblazers are communities that have deeply integrated digital inclusion throughout their local government. They are leading the way in digital inclusion innovation.

“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.Last year, the designation recognized the work of the Sawyer Free Library and municipal IT Department with consultants from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) on Gloucester’s first Digital Equity Plan. This plan is a roadmap for how the community can address the digital divide by helping under connected residents better access the Internet and obtain the devices and digital skills needed to fully participate in digital and everyday life.

This year, the City of Gloucester achieved Visionary Trailblazer status through the implementation of the Digital Equity Plan’s recommendations. Notably, the following Digital Equity initiatives launched in 2025:

• Gloucester’s Digital Equity Steering Committee was formed with 9 community partners, establishing Gloucester’s Digital Inclusion Ecosystem and engaging the community in ongoing conversation about increasing under connected residents’ access to the Internet, reliable devices and digital skills training;
• Sawyer Free Library’s Digital Learning Lab opened and hosted a Computer Basics Course funded in partnership with the Essex County Community Foundation;
• Gloucester Public School students with interests in technology were employed as Digital Tutor interns by Sawyer Free Library.

In addition, grant funds through the Massachusetts Broadband Institute have been secured for the implementation of initiatives in 2026, including new public outdoor Wi-Fi access networks downtown; the continuation of the Computer Basics Course at Sawyer Free Library; and free public Wi-Fi access in affordable housing sites. 

“The progress that has been made in a short period of time is simply outstanding,” said Library Director and Gloucester Digital Equity Steering Committee Chair Jenny Benedict. “In the first year, eight of the Digital Equity Plan’s thirteen short term recommendations are well underway. We are so proud that NDIA has recognized the City of Gloucester as a Visionary in leading the way with innovative practices in digital inclusion efforts.”

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 ways to continue learning, connect with trailblazing peers, and plan their own digital inclusion solutions.

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About National Digital Inclusion Alliance: NDIA advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Working collaboratively with over 2000 affiliates, NDIA advocates for equitable broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training, and tech support. For more information, visit digitalinclusion.org.