Join the Urban Institute for an event that will highlight how access to digital infrastructure can facilitate equitable outcomes across policy sectors, featuring current investments via the US Department of Commerce’s Internet for All initiative and programs from other federal agencies, including the US Department of Agriculture, the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Small Business Administration, and the US Department of Education. We will also discuss how these investments are being implemented at the state and local level, sometimes with private-sector support, with a focus on rural inclusion. Presentations and panels will feature federal agency officials, community representatives, and Urban Institute subject-matter experts.
 

1:00 p.m. Opening remarks

• Kimberlyn Leary, Executive Vice President, Urban Institute
• Ines Hernandez, Counselor for Equity, US Department of Commerce

1:05 p.m. Keynote conversation

• Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and Administrator, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, US Department of Commerce
• Kimberlyn Leary, Executive Vice President, Urban Institute (moderator)

1:25 p.m. Laying the Foundation: Distribution of Funds Towards Digital Equity

• Angela Thi Bennett, Digital Equity Director, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, US Department of Commerce
• Yonah Freemark, Principal Research Associate and Research Director, Land Use Lab, Urban Institute
• Christopher Proctor, Technical Assistance Branch Chief, Telecommunications Program, Rural Utilities Services, US Department of Agriculture
• Rekha Balu, Director of Federal Equity Initiatives and Co–Vice President, Office of Race and Equity Research, Urban Institute (moderator)

2:20 p.m. Digital Equity as a Pathway to Outcomes in Health and Education

• Fredric Blavin, Principal Research Associate, Urban Institute
• JaWanna Henry, Interoperability Systems Branch Chief, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy, US Department of Health and Human Services
• Priyanka Sharma, Vice President, US and Asia Portfolios, World Education; Codirector, Digital US
• Rekha Balu, Director of Federal Equity Initiatives and Co–Vice President, Office of Race and Equity Research, Urban Institute (moderator)

3:15 p.m. Meeting Community Needs: Expanding Infrastructure and Connectivity in Rural Communities

• Glen E. Howie, State Broadband Director, Arkansas Department of Commerce
• Catherine Krantz, Area Director for Broadband (TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, AL, TN), Communities Unlimited
• Brian Vo, Chief Investment Officer, Connect Humanity
• Corianne Payton Scally, Senior Fellow, Urban Institute (moderator)

This event is available for in-person or virtual participation. Please be sure to register correctly. In-person check-in and lunch will begin at 12:30 p.m. We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodations or have any questions about this event.

Support for this event is provided by Ballmer Group. For more on Urban’s funding policies, go to urban.org/about/organizational-principles.