The world is increasingly defined by digital connectivity, and here in Detroit, access to the internet and digital skills training have become fundamental requirements for participation and success. Recognizing this, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) has named Christine Burkette, Director of the City of Detroit Digital Equity and Inclusion Department, as a 2023 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer. This prestigious accolade acknowledges Burkette’s relentless efforts in bridging the digital divide and fostering a digitally inclusive community.
NDIA champions digital equity by backing community programs and empowering policymakers to take action. Through collaborative efforts with over 1,500 digital inclusion practitioners, NDIA tirelessly advocates for fair access to broadband, tech devices, digital skills training, and technical support. Burkette’s endeavors seamlessly align with their initiatives, making her the ideal choice to be named the 2023 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer.
In 2019, a city report revealed that 35.6% of households in Detroit lacked access to broadband internet. The significance of digital inclusion became even more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the essential requirement for affordable high-speed internet, accessible devices, and comprehensive digital skills training. Despite the hurdles presented by the pandemic, Detroit, guided by Burkette’s leadership, persevered in its dedication to digital inclusion long after the quarantine period concluded.
Burkette envisions that within the next five years, 30% of Detroit’s workforce will be dedicated to tech-related and electronic vehicle manufacturing roles. These jobs include positions in network engineering, cybersecurity, graphic design, web development, and the mapping of the city’s network infrastructure.
At the start of her position as Director, Burkette stated, “Part of having digital equity and inclusion is having the IT workforce training so that when the time is right, we already have people ready to go into those positions. There’s no point in offering and saying tech jobs are coming in when nobody’s ready to go into them. We need our partners to help us in training, certification, job placement and internships,”
Burkette, in her first six months as the Director, has made significant strides in addressing the digital divide within the City of Detroit. Acknowledging the diverse needs of the community, she embarked on a comprehensive assessment, utilizing both innovative and traditional methods to understand the unique requirements of each district and demographic group in the city.
“In the City of Detroit, we are constantly striving to achieve greatness and that includes our digital equity efforts,” said Burkette. “The Office of Digital Equity and Inclusion works to identify discrepancies in the City and implement solutions that create an even playing field for all residents to have equal access to high-speed internet and effective technology.”
To ensure real-time responsiveness to the community’s digital equity needs, Burkette initiated a 3-to-5-year community engagement and outreach initiative. Using tablets at community events and kiosks at tech hubs, she gathered feedback from residents, fostering a participatory approach to digital inclusion solutions.
Transparency and accessibility have been key tenets of Burkette’s approach. In March 2023, she launched Detroit’s first-ever interactive GIS map, offering residents direct access to information on the allocation of digital equity resources by neighborhood and need. This groundbreaking tool provides a clear overview of how the city is working to ensure an equitable distribution of resources.
“Nonprofits, libraries, churches, and other community organizations can’t reach digital equity on their own. For everyone to thrive in today’s digital world, we need all hands-on deck,” said Angela Siefer, NDIA executive director. “NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers exemplify the key role local governments have in building connected communities for all of their residents.”
Continuing her commitment to transparency, Burkette introduced the “City of Detroit Certified Tech Hub” in November 2023. This citywide initiative provides an online portal for residents to locate the nearest tech hub, offering information on available digital equity resources, hours of operation, and accessibility features at a glance.
In a digital age, continuous learning is vital. Recognizing this, Burkette unveiled a citywide basic digital literacy YouTube channel, offering free online courses to enhance residents’ digital skills. The channel focuses on essential digital literacy skills-building and provides crucial training for seniors, youth, and those seeking to upskill for new jobs or careers in the IT sector.
Looking ahead, Burkette is poised to contribute to the City of Detroit’s Citywide Fiber Plan, which aims to provide low-income residents with access to high-speed internet. This initiative, currently in development, aligns with Burkette’s vision of a digitally inclusive Detroit.
The recognition of Christine Burkette as a Digital Inclusion Trailblazer by the NDIA is a testament to her dedication and innovative approaches to building a connected and inclusive community. As one of the 47 awardees nationwide, Burkette joins a distinguished group of leaders who are setting the standard for digital inclusion initiatives across the United States. In the words of Angela Siefer, NDIA executive director, “For everyone to thrive in today’s digital world, we need all hands-on deck,” and trailblazers like Christine Burkette are leading the way toward a more digitally inclusive future.
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