Texas Technology for All: Building a Connected Future Together
This Petition Update is by Nehemiah Pitts III, Senior Director of Public Affairs & Strategic Partnerships, Austin Urban Technology Movement (AUTMHQ:
Dear Supporters,
As we close out 2024, I want to express heartfelt gratitude for your commitment to the Texas Technology for All campaign. Your advocacy for digital equity has been instrumental in advancing this critical initiative, and I’m excited to share our recent accomplishments and ongoing efforts.
This year, AUTMHQ has made remarkable strides:
- Digital Inclusion Week 2024: Recognized by the City of Austin, this week celebrated digital inclusion and workforce advocacy, highlighting AUTMHQ’s leadership in bridging the Digital Divide.
- GTOPs Proclamation Day: AUTMHQ was honored for our award-winning upskilling and placement programs, empowering underserved communities to access tech careers.
- Regional Coalition for NTIA Digital Equity Competitive Grant: AUTMHQ joined forces with regional leaders to submit a comprehensive proposal aimed at delivering long-term solutions for Central Texans.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with businesses, agencies, policymakers, NGOs, and more, we are building an ecosystem of support to prepare communities for the future of work.
These milestones underscore the critical importance of addressing the Digital Divide. With over 2 million Texas households lacking high-speed internet and millions living in poverty, equitable access to technology is more urgent than ever. This is not just a technological challenge; it’s an economic, educational, and social imperative.
Through our petition, we continue to call on Governor Greg Abbott to:
- Include organizations like AUTMHQ in the Broadband Development Council to ensure underrepresented voices are heard in broadband access planning.
- Collaborate with AUTMHQ under Operation Connectivity to guarantee reliable internet and devices for Texas’s 5.5 million public school students.
We also proudly support Austin’s Equity Action Community Investment Budget, which prioritizes community-driven solutions for housing, health, workforce development, and sustainability. Aligning public policy with real community needs is key to addressing systemic inequities.
Your continued support is vital. By signing and sharing this petition, you’re helping to push for meaningful change that will impact generations to come. Together, we can ensure every Texan has the tools they need to thrive in the digital economy.
Thank you for standing with us. Let’s keep the momentum going!
In solidarity,
Nehemiah Pitts III
Senior Director of Public Affairs & Strategic Partnerships
Austin Urban Technology Movement (AUTMHQ)
Sign and Share the Texas Technology for All petition today!