Since the 1990’s, the Austin and Travis County area in Texas has been commonly nicknamed “Silicon Hills,” a fast-growing tech hub at the top of lists for business and employment growth.

But when looking at different demographics and geographies, there are large gaps between those that do and do not have internet access, digital skills, and access to devices.

Without more insight, it was difficult to prioritize investments, design effective programs, or align efforts across government and community partners.

For this reason, Travis County and the City of Austin embarked on a needs assessment study to better understand the community’s digital access challenges and identify recommendations that expand all community members access to affordable, reliable, and high-speed internet, devices, and skills.

Approach and methods

We designed a mixed-methods, community-centered study that combined quantitative data with lived experience which included an in-person survey, advisory workshops, a non-profit working group, community circles, and community data co-interpretation and recommendations sessions.

In total, the study received

 

1,382

survey responses from the in-person survey

 

193

participants across 11 community circles during which 1,106 comments were documented and analyzed

44

participants across 3 advisory workshops

 

7

community data co-interpretation and recommendation sessions

19

local nonprofit organizations in a working group

 
 

  • Affordability was a primary barrier, even where infrastructure existed

    Many households lacked reliable devices, not just internet service

    Digital skills gaps limited people’s ability to fully benefit from connectivity

    Awareness of existing programs and resources was low

    Connectivity challenges disproportionately impacted low-income households, seniors, and communities of color

  • Expand affordable broadband access and enrollment support

    Invest in device access programs

    Partner with community organizations to provide free digital skills training

    Improve outreach and communication about available resources

    Use ongoing data collection to guide future infrastructure and program investments

  • Increased awareness of digital inequities across County leadership and partners

    Improved coordination between government and community organizations

    More residents connected to, affordable or free internet options, digital skills training programs, device access initiatives, and a clear, shared foundation to guide future broadband and digital equity investments

 

My role

I led the project end-to-end, including:

  • Planning and managing study logistics

  • Managing relationships with city partners and funders

  • Co-designing the research methods and survey

  • Translating the study into an accessible, deployable form

  • Organizing and supporting a community outreach team

  • Facilitating in-person community engagement sessions

  • Participating directly in field outreach and resident conversations

  • Synthesizing findings and designing the final report

This work required balancing strategy, operations, partnership management, and hands-on community engagement with a strong focus on equity and usability.

 
 
Read the full report