The journey towards digital equity is transformative for communities seeking to thrive in today’s digital age. Digital equity means providing everyone with access to reliable broadband, digital devices, and training opportunities to access social and economic opportunities and services, including education, health, finance, and employment. The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) is at the forefront of efforts to address these challenges, providing funding for local communities to investigate current trends and identify effective solutions.
Since September 2024, VHB, in partnership with Linguistic Systems, Inc. (LSI), has been actively working with the City of Methuen—led by staff at Nevin’s Memorial Library—to conduct a Digital Equity Study. This study is not just research—it is a commitment to an inclusive and connected future for Methuen.
Efforts kicked off with a stakeholder meeting that included leaders from key community anchor institutions. Representatives from city government, schools, civic groups, communication sectors, churches, and local banks came together to grasp the specific needs of the community. This cohesive approach is integral to creating relevant and effective solutions.
To foster collaboration and gather valuable insights from the greater community, VHB and Nevins Memorial Library hosted a Digital Equity Charrette that attracted 20 community members, inviting diverse perspectives and critical feedback on work to date. This feedback was invaluable for clarifying goals and pinpointing actionable items to enhance digital accessibility across the city. With LSI’s help, the charrette successfully integrated multiple languages, including Arabic, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole, inviting inclusivity.
The Digital Equity Study now incorporates an implementation matrix for the city to follow—a clear roadmap designed to bridge existing digital divides. With the groundwork laid, the next phase involves putting this plan into action. Methuen aims to leverage secondary grant funds from MBI and other local, state, and federal sources to bring these initiatives to life, focusing on projects and programs that will create tangible impacts.
Since VHB began assisting towns in Massachusetts with securing funding through the Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program, we have helped seven municipalities secure a total of $380,000 for digital inclusion projects and programs.
Methuen is poised for substantial progress with the strategic deployment of resources and a community-centered approach. The vision remains clear: a digitally inclusive community where everyone has the tools and access necessary to thrive in today's digital age.
Learn more about how VHB is helping advance digital equity.
