Following the publication of CUF’s report, Understanding and Overcoming the Bronx Digital Divide, both Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul launched new policies to close digital gaps in the Bronx. These actions echo our report’s recommendations, specifically expanding affordable broadband internet and distributing free devices.

In July, Governor Hochul renewed digital equity grant programs amid federal cuts and launched a campaign “to educate New Yorkers on the low-cost internet service options available under New York State’s Affordable Broadband Act.” This echoes the first recommendation in our report where we urged policymakers to “launch a targeted campaign to enroll residents in affordable broadband plans…available under New York’s Affordable Broadband Act.” Our report found that more than one in five households in the Bronx—over 131,700—still lack broadband access.

Mayor Adams directly cited CUF’s report in late July when he announced a new initiative to bring free and low-cost broadband to 2,200 low income households in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan: “Today’s announcement responds directly to the unique needs of the residents in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx, with a recent study by the Center for an Urban Future finding that 22 percent of Bronx households still lack home internet, and 184,000 households lack a computer.” Our report recommended the city should “scale up community-based broadband access models” including piloting broadband access programs for underserved areas.

In September, Mayor Adams again pointed to our report when announcing a free Chromebook program for 350,000 New York City Public School students in early September, citing that 31 percent of Bronx residents don’t have a computer at home, the highest share of any borough. Our report urged city leaders to expand access to computers across the borough.

We applaud Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams for taking the necessary steps to close the digital divide and ensure Bronx households have the tools to fully access New York City’s opportunities and services.