The City of Chicago has been named a 2024 Digital Inclusion Visionary Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). This recognition highlights the city's efforts to bridge the digital divide and is part of a national program that acknowledges municipal, county, and regional governments working towards digitally inclusive communities.

Chicago is one of 34 communities across the United States to receive this prestigious designation. The city has been acknowledged for integrating digital inclusion into its governance and pioneering innovations in this area.

Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed pride in this achievement, stating, "Reliable and affordable home internet, paired with the digital skills to use it effectively, is fundamental to ensuring all Chicagoans can thrive in today’s economy." He added that his administration is committed to making Chicago the most connected city in the country.

Angela Siefer, NDIA executive director, commented on local governments' roles in building digital inclusion ecosystems. She said, “In the past decade, we’ve seen local governments step into the important role of building digital inclusion ecosystems."

Christian Taylor, Director of Digital Equity for Chicago, emphasized that internet access drives economic growth and connectivity. He stated that NDIA's acknowledgment confirms Chicago's leadership in addressing connectivity disparities.

Chicago achieved its Visionary Trailblazer status through initiatives like extending no-cost broadband access to over 40,000 students via the Chicago Connected program. Other efforts include releasing a Neighborhood Broadband Request for Proposal to enhance home internet access and collaborating with nonprofits to refurbish devices for distribution.

Since 2016, NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers program has set standards for excellence in digital inclusion work. The program verifies each applicant's materials for accuracy and community impact before sharing them on an interactive map on NDIA’s website.