This Petition Update is by Nehemiah Pitts III, Senior Director of Public Affairs & Strategic Partnerships, Austin Urban Technology Movement (AUTMHQ):

Dear Supporters,

It is with immense pride and gratitude that we announce an incredible milestone: the Texas Technology for All petition has surpassed 2,500 signatures! This accomplishment reflects the power of collective action and the shared belief in digital equity for every Texan. Thank you for standing with us in this vital effort.

While this milestone marks significant progress, our journey is far from over. Now, we shift our focus to the next phase of our campaign, which builds upon our original goals and addresses the evolving demands of digital inclusion and equity.

Original Petition Goals: A Foundation for Phase Two

Our initial goals remain essential:

1. Representation on the Broadband Development Council: We will continue to advocate for the inclusion of organizations like AUTMHQ in the Broadband Development Council or any functioning body similarly tasked by the State Comptroller to ensure the voices of underrepresented and underserved communities are central to broadband access planning.
2. Collaboration with Operation Connectivity: We remain committed to partnering with Governor Abbott and state leaders to ensure reliable internet access and devices for Texas’s 5.5 million public school students, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Evolving to Meet the Demands of Phase Two

As we celebrate our progress, we recognize the need to expand our strategy to address broader systemic challenges and ensure long-term sustainability. The next phase of Texas Technology for All will focus on:

1. Sustainable Workforce Development

The rising cost of living in Texas means many workers can no longer afford to live near their jobs. Quality broadband is crucial for enabling remote work, supporting economic mobility, and sustaining local economies. Our strategy will:

• Advocate for broadband as an essential utility for economic resilience.
• Push for digital upskilling programs tailored to local workforce needs.
• Partner with employers to create pathways for remote and hybrid work opportunities.

2. Regional Capacity-Building

Texas’s diverse regions, particularly multi-county MSAs like Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, face unique challenges in bridging the urban-rural divide. This phase will focus on:

• Expanding broadband infrastructure to ensure seamless service across urban, suburban, sub-rural, and rural communities in counties like Travis, Bastrop, Williamson, Hays, Burnet, Lee, and Caldwell.
• Supporting local governments and municipalities in developing the capacity to manage and maintain digital equity initiatives.
• Advocating for regional funding models that address local needs while fostering statewide collaboration.

3. Intersectional Digital Inclusion
We will advance policies and programs that address the unique challenges faced by low-income, underserved, and underrepresented communities. This includes:

• Strengthening partnerships with nonprofits, NGOs, employers, and educational institutions to deliver holistic support.
• Centering equity in all aspects of broadband planning, from emergency services to telehealth and education.
• Ensuring that digital equity policies are inclusive of marginalized groups, including those in rural and sub-rural communities.

Adjusting Original Goals to Align with This Phase

To meet the demands of our expanded strategy, we will:

• Broaden the scope of our Broadband Development Council advocacy to include specific provisions for workforce development and regional capacity-building.
• Expand the focus of Operation Connectivity to ensure reliable internet access not only for students but also for families and communities that support them.
• Increase our focus on digital equity coalitions, aligning efforts across local, state, and federal levels to amplify impact.

Coalition Building: The Heart of Phase Two

This phase requires collaborative action from all sectors of society. Our coalition-building efforts will include:

• Policymakers: Advocating for digital equity policies at the local, state, and federal levels with regional and state as the focus.
• Nonprofit Organizations & NGOs: Sharing best practices and delivering comprehensive community-centered solutions.
• Employers: Fostering inclusive hiring practices, mentorship opportunities, and supporting digital upskilling.
• Educational Institutions: Partnering to develop curricula that address the digital skills gap and regional capacity challenges.
• Communities: Ensuring grassroots voices are heard and included in decision-making.

Why This Matters

Digital equity is not just about technology—it’s about creating opportunities for all Texans to thrive. Broadband access underpins education, healthcare, economic mobility, and emergency services. By addressing these issues head-on, we’re working to dismantle systemic inequities and build a future where technology bridges divides rather than widens them.

Next Steps

1. Strengthen Advocacy: Push for representation on the Broadband Development Council and Operation Connectivity while expanding our focus to include regional capacity-building and workforce development.
2. Mobilize Support: Grow our coalition by engaging stakeholders and amplifying the voices of those most impacted by the Digital Divide.
3. Secure Investments: Advocate for sustainable funding models that ensure long-term digital equity and economic resilience.
    

Together, we’ve achieved an incredible milestone, but the work continues. Your voices have brought us this far, and they will carry us forward as we build a connected, equitable Texas for all.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication. Please feel free to contact me online or offline to get more involved. Let’s continue this transformative journey together. 

In solidarity,

Nehemiah Pitts III
Senior Director of Public Affairs & Strategic Partnerships
Austin Urban Technology Movement (AUTMHQ)