In today’s digital age, access to reliable internet and the skills to use it are more than conveniences: they’re necessities. Recognizing this, Centralina Regional Council has taken a bold step to bridge the digital divide across its nine-county region through a comprehensive and collaborative planning effort.
Backed by a BAND-NC grant from the Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State University, Centralina launched a regional initiative in 2023 to address the critical need for digital access, affordability and skills. While Mecklenburg and Stanly counties had already made strides independently, Centralina’s efforts built on that momentum to support the creation of Digital Opportunity Plans in Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan and Union counties, resulting in a unified regional strategy.
Why This Matters
Despite progress in broadband infrastructure, many communities across the region still face significant barriers like unreliable internet service, lack of affordable access, insufficient digital devices and gaps in digital literacy. These challenges not only affect daily life but also hinder emergency response, economic mobility and workforce development, especially in underserved rural and urban areas.
A Collaborative Solution
Centralina brought together a diverse coalition of local leaders, from libraries and colleges to emergency management and economic development professionals, to develop customized plans grounded in community input and local data. Each county’s plan aligned with four core goals:
- Strengthen emergency communication and digital preparedness
These goals were designed to ensure every resident, regardless of zip code, has the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a digital world.
Impact and Progress
The initiative has already delivered impressive results:
- A Regional Digital Opportunity Plan and seven county-level plans have been completed.
- Centralina’s planning model is now featured on the IEI BAND-NC Planning webpage as an example of effective regional coordination.
- The initiative fostered new partnerships with government IT departments, nonprofits and emergency teams.
- Centralina launched a Regional Digital Hub at centralina.org/digital, offering resources to support continued implementation and collaboration.
What’s Next
Planning was just the beginning. These strategies are now driving grant applications, shaping digital skills training programs and improving public safety alert systems across the region. Centralina will continue to play a central role in helping communities implement their plans, align efforts and share lessons learned.
Join the Movement
Visit centralina.org/digital to explore the plans, access tools, and learn how your community can be part of the mission to expand digital opportunity for all.
