Counties across the country play a critical role in closing the digital divide. They manage key funding streams, oversee social service delivery, and maintain trusted partnerships with community-based organizations that serve residents most impacted by lack of internet access, devices, and digital skills.
As essential services such as benefits enrollment, healthcare, and workforce development continue moving online, digital access has become a prerequisite for stability and opportunity. Counties see these barriers firsthand when residents struggle to apply for services, attend telehealth appointments, or support their children’s learning.
The opportunity is clear. Counties already have the reach, resources, and relationships needed to drive meaningful digital inclusion. What is needed now is intentional action and strong implementation partners.
At digitalLIFT, we partner with counties to help translate digital equity goals into practical, scalable solutions that support frontline staff and meet residents where they are.
digitalLIFT in Action: Partnering With Counties Across the Country
City and County of San Francisco, California
The City and County of San Francisco’s SF Connected program provides free digital literacy training and technology support to older adults and adults with disabilities through a network of community-based computer labs and partner organizations. The program emphasizes multilingual instruction and accessibility, helping participants confidently use technology to stay connected and access essential services. digitalLIFT has been a long-standing partner in this effort, supporting digital skills training and strengthening the capacity of organizations delivering services through the SF Connected network.
Solano County, California
Solano County’s Solano Connected initiative was launched in 2023 with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to address internet access, device ownership, and digital skills gaps among residents. digitalLIFT (formerly Community Tech Network) plays a central role in this effort by providing digital literacy training and ongoing support to older adults and adults with disabilities. Classes teach practical skills such as using devices, internet safety, and online tasks like booking medical appointments. Training is available both in person and virtually in multiple languages. Eligible participants can also receive free Android tablets, and digitalLIFT delivers train-the-trainer programs to local staff and volunteers to build long-term community capacity.
Lake County, Illinois
digitalLIFT also works beyond California, including with Lake County, Illinois through its Digital Growth Initiative and Digital Navigator Program. Lake County developed its first Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan to address broadband and skills gaps. digitalLIFT provided capacity-building training for county digital navigators, coordinators, and managers to strengthen local service delivery. The organization also shared ready-to-use digital skills curricula in multiple languages, enabling classes to begin right away. This partnership illustrates what is possible when local leadership and national expertise come together to close the digital divide.
Five Things Counties Can Do This Year to Get Their Communities Connected
- Develop or update a countywide digital equity plan.
A strong plan aligns infrastructure, affordability, devices, and digital skills and is shaped by community voices. Counties can convene libraries, schools, nonprofits, and residents to prioritize investments that reflect real needs. - Invest in digital access AND skills training.
Connectivity alone is not enough. Counties can fund or partner on digital literacy programs that help residents use technology confidently for healthcare, employment, education, and civic engagement. - Leverage social service agencies as digital access points.
Social service providers are trusted and deeply embedded in communities. Equipping them with training, tools, and referral pathways allows digital support to become part of everyday service delivery. - Use federal and state funding for sustained local impact.
With historic investments available through programs like BEAD and the Digital Equity Act, counties can work with experienced partners to ensure funds support long-term adoption rather than short-term infrastructure. - Measure outcomes and share what is working.
Tracking participation, skill gains, and service outcomes and sharing success stories helps counties strengthen programs, build support, and sustain investment over time.
Counties Do Not Have to Do This Alone
Bridging the digital divide requires coordination, capacity, and a deep understanding of how residents experience technology. Counties bring leadership, reach, and resources. digitalLIFT brings hands-on experience implementing digital skills programs within social service systems.
From San Francisco to San Mateo, Contra Costa, Sonoma, and Solano counties, our partnerships demonstrate what is possible when counties invest in people, not just infrastructure. When counties lead on digital inclusion, they do not just connect residents to the internet. They connect them to opportunity.
Counties play a crucial role in closing the digital divide, serving as trusted leaders at the intersection of services, funding, and community needs. digitalLIFT is proud to partner with counties across the country and excited to extend these efforts to help residents stay connected and access essential services. Partner with digitalLIFT today to strengthen digital skills in your county, support frontline staff, and create lasting digital inclusion for the communities you serve.
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