When we talk about the future of Philadelphia’s economy, workforce, and overall equity, we cannot ignore one foundational truth: access to technology determines access to opportunity. Philadelphia has already built a strong foundation for digital equity. The question now is whether we have the collective will to sustain and scale that progress. Because digital access is not just about connectivity. It is about unlocking opportunity at scale.
That’s exactly why 1Philadelphia partnered with the Technology Learning Collaborative (TLC) to develop Philadelphia’s latest Digital Access Report, a reflection on more than two decades of work across the city to close the digital divide. But this report is not just a look back. It is a clear signal of where we are right now, and what’s at risk if we fail to act.
To unpack what this report means, our CEO Danae Mobley sat down with Kate Rivera, Executive Director of TLC, and Andy Stutzman, a longtime leader in digital equity and broadband policy. What emerged from our conversation was both a celebration of progress and a sobering reminder that this work is far from finished.
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Danae Mobley: Before we jump in, I wanted to ground us in the basics. When we talk about digital equity, what does that mean to you?
Kate Rivera: Digital equity means that everyone has access to three essential things: reliable and affordable internet, a device that meets their needs, and the digital skills to use that technology effectively. Without all three, people are locked out of opportunities that touch nearly every part of life, from education and employment to healthcare and social connection.
Danae Mobley: We have this report in front of us, and it really spans two decades of work across Philadelphia. So I want to start at the beginning. What sparked the need for this report right now? Why was it so important to document this moment?
Andy Stutzman: The timing is really important. We’re at the end of Philadelphia’s five-year Digital Equity Plan, so it’s a natural point to reflect on what’s been accomplished. At the same time, we’re seeing major changes in federal funding. Programs like the Digital Equity Act and BEAD were expected to bring significant resources, but much of that funding is now being pulled back. This report helps us understand both the progress we’ve made and the impact of those changes so we can figure out what comes next.
Kate Rivera: We’re also at a critical moment where the momentum we saw during the pandemic is slowing down. There was increased investment and attention during that time, but now many organizations are facing funding cuts. The report highlights the work that’s been done while also making it clear that continued investment is necessary so we don’t lose that progress.
Danae Mobley: When we were thinking about putting this together, there was really a question of, knowing where we are now, what do we do next? The work can’t stop. So from your perspective, what are some of the key gaps or challenges that this report is trying to address?
Kate Rivera: We’re at a point where organizations doing critical digital equity work are facing real constraints. Funding is shrinking, and that means some organizations are reducing services or even laying off staff. At the same time, the need hasn’t gone away. If anything, it’s grown. So the report is really about identifying where those gaps exist and making the case for why we need to continue investing in solutions that are already making an impact.
About the Report
Danae Mobley: For someone who picks up this report, what are they actually going to find in it? At a high level, what is it telling us about digital access in Philadelphia?
Andy Stutzman: One of the biggest things is the history. Philadelphia has made significant investments in digital access over the last 20 years, across city government, nonprofits, and higher education. This report lays that out and shows the progress that’s been made.
It’s also a way to help current leadership understand that foundation so they can make more informed decisions moving forward.
Kate Rivera: It’s both a reference point and a forward-looking tool. It walks through the history, looks at where we are today, evaluates progress on the city’s digital equity plan, and then offers recommendations for how we sustain and grow the work into the future.
Recommendations
Danae Mobley: Let’s talk about those recommendations. I know they’re all important, but if you had to highlight one that you really want people, especially funders, to pay attention to, what would it be?
Andy Stutzman: For me, it’s building a stronger ecosystem for computer refurbishing and distribution. A lot of people are relying on smartphones or outdated devices, which limits what they can actually do. Expanding access to reliable computers would make a huge difference in people’s ability to work, learn, and navigate daily life.
Kate Rivera: For me, it’s increasing local investment. This work simply can’t happen without funding. And it’s important to understand that investing in digital equity has real returns. When people have access to technology and skills, they’re able to find better jobs, manage their healthcare, and contribute more to the economy.
It’s not just a social good, it’s an economic investment.
The Urgency of Action
Danae Mobley: Digital access is the foundation for everything else we talk about, from education to workforce to entrepreneurship. So let’s go a level deeper. What are the risks if we don’t act? What happens if we don’t invest in this work?
Kate Rivera: We’re going to see more people fall behind. Students who can’t complete homework, individuals who can’t access job opportunities, people who struggle to manage their healthcare because they can’t navigate digital systems. These are already challenges for many, and without investment, they’ll become even more widespread.
Andy Stutzman: Philadelphia will keep pushing forward, it always does. But without consistent funding, the work becomes harder and less effective. We won’t be able to meet the full need, and the progress we’ve made won’t be as strong as it could be.
Danae Mobley: Now that we have this report and we’re putting it out into the world, what do you want to see happen next? What does success look like coming out of this?
Andy Stutzman: I’d like to see this help guide the city’s next steps and create stronger alignment across the ecosystem. We need to work together to figure out how to move forward and support the priorities outlined in the report.
Kate Rivera: I hope it serves as a call to action. We need funders, organizations, and leaders across sectors to come together, understand the needs, and invest in the work. Collaboration is what will allow us to make real, system-level impact.
Get Involved
Danae Mobley: And for those who are ready to take that next step, where should they go to learn more and get involved?
Kate Rivera: TLC is really the place where people can connect to this work. We’re bringing together organizations across sectors to take a collective approach to digital equity, and we need more partners at the table.
People can visit TLCPhilly.org or connect with us to learn more and find ways to get involved.
