Nashville named one of nation’s digital inclusion trailblazers for 2025

NASHVILLE, TN – The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) has recognized the city of Nashville as a 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer for its continued efforts to close the digital divide and expand access to technology and digital skills for residents.

Digital inclusion—defined as access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training—is increasingly essential to full participation in modern life. City leaders say the recognition reflects Nashville’s sustained focus on digital equity and its understanding that access to technology is now a basic necessity.

“A city that works for everyone is one where everyone can connect, learn, and participate fully in our community and its success. Digital literacy is a key part of that connection,” said Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “Being recognized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance for the third year in a row demonstrates Nashville’s commitment to ensuring every resident has the tools, skills, and support they need to thrive. This award reflects our dedication to building a city where access to technology helps close gaps, not widen them.”

Nashville is one of 59 communities nationwide named Digital Inclusion Trailblazers in 2025, joining local governments recognized for leadership in building digitally inclusive communities.

“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 Trailblazer program highlights the critical role local governments play in expanding digital opportunities for all residents.”

Trailblazer communities serve as models for other local governments working to build digital inclusion ecosystems. Nashville earned the designation through a combination of targeted programming, sustained investment, and strong public-private partnerships. Key initiatives include the TechTies program, ongoing funding for digital resources, long-standing support for the city’s Digital Navigator program, and direct services such as device distribution, training, and one-on-one assistance.

The NDIA Trailblazer program evaluates communities across seven categories of best practices. Each applicant’s materials are verified for accuracy, assessed for community impact, and shared through an interactive map and searchable database on NDIA’s website. By open-sourcing these materials, NDIA enables communities nationwide to learn from one another and develop their own digital inclusion strategies.

“This award recognizes the power of investing in people, not just platforms,” said John Griffey, Chief Information Officer and Director of Information Technology for Metro Nashville. “By centering digital learning, workforce readiness, and trusted community partnerships, we are creating a model where technology becomes a tool for equity, resilience, and long-term opportunity across our city.”

Pearl Amanfu, program director for Digital Learning and Advancement, said the city’s approach has evolved to focus on long-term outcomes. “Our work reflects a deliberate shift in how we approach digital opportunity. We are building clear pathways from basic digital skills to workforce readiness, while leveraging our Digital Navigator program to ensure residents receive practical, one-on-one support. Being named an NDIA Visionary Trailblazer affirms this direction and our focus on turning digital access into real economic mobility.”

Private-sector partners also emphasized the importance of collaboration. “Comcast is proud to support the Digital Navigator program, a cornerstone of Nashville’s digital learning and advancement efforts,” said Kimberly Sasser-Hayden, senior director of government and regulatory affairs for Comcast. “By helping residents turn access into skills, opportunity, and economic mobility, this program reflects the impact the NDIA Visionary Trailblazer award is meant to celebrate.”

Community partners echoed that sentiment. “We’re honored to partner with Nashville in building the Digital Navigator program and training the next generation of digital skills instructors,” said Melissa Callejas, director of Tech Goes Home Tennessee. “Nashville’s recognition as an NDIA Visionary Trailblazer shows how thoughtful curriculum and strong partnerships can transform digital resources into real opportunities for residents.”

For participants, the impact is personal. One Davidson County resident who took part in the TechTies program described the experience as transformative. “The best parts of the TechTies program are the people and their patience,” the resident said. “They didn’t judge us for what we didn’t know—they met us where we were and supported us from there. As a single father trying something new, I truly appreciated the time, understanding, and willingness to help.”

City officials say the recognition underscores Nashville’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that as technology advances, no community is left behind.