The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County has announced the launch of a comprehensive program aimed at enhancing digital access and literacy among its residents. Dubbed TechTies: Connected Services for the Community, the initiative is set to kick off in 2024, aiming to empower individuals to live, learn, and work more effectively in the digital age.
TechTies Nashville will offer a range of services, including technology training, access to free laptops, apprenticeship and job opportunities, and virtual health monitoring, all from a single Metro location. Mayor Freddie O’Connell highlighted the program’s goal to provide a centralized access point to digital opportunities and praised the thoughtful approach to its launch, emphasizing the ease of access to the chosen location through various transportation modes.
Latest TN News
A significant aspect of this initiative is its focus on removing transportation barriers, a common obstacle to accessing digital inclusion programs. Participants will be provided transportation to and from the Metro Action Commission facility, addressing a key need for those seeking to improve their digital skills.
The $1.9 million funding for this project comes from a successful proposal to the Connected Community Facilities, a competitive grant program by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. This program is part of the broader effort funded by the Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund – American Rescue Plan, aimed at advancing digital opportunities across the state.
Dr. Cynthia Croom, Executive Director of the Metro Action Commission, expressed enthusiasm for the program’s potential to offer multiple services under one roof, particularly highlighting the expansion of workforce development programs. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving multiple departments within the Metro Government and local community organizations, including Tech Goes Home Tennessee and the Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE), among others.
Mayor O’Connell and Keith Durbin, Metro’s Chief Information Officer and Director of IT, acknowledged the decade-long effort that culminated in this award, emphasizing the collaborative nature of this achievement. Durbin also noted the establishment of the Nashville Digital Inclusion Fund and the Connected Nashville smart city plan as foundational elements of Metro’s digital inclusion efforts.
Pearl Amanfu, Metro’s Digital Inclusion Officer, underscored the importance of comprehensive solutions to bridge the digital divide, highlighting the need for broadband access to be paired with skills, devices, and ongoing support.
For more details on TechTies Nashville and its offerings, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the Metro Digital Inclusion page or contact the provided email address.
Source: Read Original Release
Nashville Reinforces Commitment to Urban Tree Canopy
Mayor Freddie O’Connell has issued an executive order to reaffirm Nashville‘s commitment to expanding and protecting its urban tree canopy, highlighting the city’s record tree planting efforts and the potential for further growth in tree coverage.