The speed of technological advancement has transformed the way we live, work, and connect. This transformation has highlighted the differences in access to digital tools and resources, commonly referred to as the "digital divide."
Digital access is about more than access to technology; it's about ensuring affordability, usability, and the skills needed to leverage digital tools. In today's interconnected world, the lack of digital access can limit opportunities for education, employment, financial tools, health care, and community engagement.
Roundtable offers a platform for collaboration
In May, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City hosted a roundtable which included 16 funders from foundations, corporate, healthcare, and broadband sectors at the 2025 National Digital Inclusion Alliance’s (NDIA) External LinkNet Inclusion Conference.
The event aimed to generate insights and promote collaboration, focusing on catalysts for partnerships, successful strategies, challenges, and methods for impact.
Themes included:
- Lasting effects of digital access partnerships post-pandemic
- The importance of data analysis in storytelling
- Overcoming rural connectivity challenges
- Optimism in long-term strategies
Then, the conversation shifted to sustainability and long-term impact. The group emphasized the need for continuous effort, investment, and collaboration.
Continuing the conversation: Digital Access Research Forum
Building on the momentum of Net Inclusion, the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, Kansas City, New York, and Philadelphia will host the 2.5-day External LinkDigital Access Research Forum on Sept. 16–18, 2025, at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
This event will bring together academics, researchers, community development practitioners, and policymakers to discuss digital access research in areas such as program evaluation, outcomes measurement, benefits in communities, and labor market implications.
Discussion topics will include:
- Digital access in rural areas
- Broadband data limitations
- Workforce impacts of expanding digital access
- Economic implications of digital access
- Initiatives from community-led coalitions
- Future of digital access and AI
- Increasing financial access with digital payments
This year, the conference includes a pre-forum featuring practitioner-focused workshops on community development programming and outreach methods. The content was developed with community development analysts, program managers, directors, anchor institutions, and policymakers in mind.
Attendees can register for one, two, or all three days. Registration closes Sept. 4th. See the registration options below.
Registration options
| All 3 days | $200 | ||
| Day 1 only (workshops) | $50 | ||
| Days 2 and 3 only (main forum) | $150 |
Come and connect with leaders, gain actionable strategies, and contribute to creating an accessible digital future.
Learn more or External Linkregister online.