For the third consecutive year, the City of Newark has been named a Digital Inclusion Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). This prestigious designation recognizes Newark’s aggressive efforts to expand affordable high-speed internet, distribute devices, and provide essential digital skills training to its residents.
The city joins a select group of 58 other municipalities across the United States recognized for creating sustainable “digital inclusion ecosystems” that empower residents to participate in the modern innovation economy.
“This achievement underscores our commitment to digital equity,” said Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “Equality and equity cannot be achieved until every resident has affordable internet access and connectivity. Newark’s success is a snapshot of our city’s cultural profile: collaboration, resident participation, and a legacy of artistic innovation.”
Three Pillars of Newark’s Digital Success
The NDIA highlighted three specific initiatives that propelled Newark to Trailblazer status this year:
- Award-Winning IT Collaboration: The city’s partnership with Invest Newark and the Newark Alliance recently won “Best IT Collaboration” at the 2025 New Jersey Excellence in Technology Awards. The project provided refurbished devices and digital literacy training to residents of Newark Hope Village 2, a transitional housing community for the unsheltered population.
- Smart Development Standards: Newark launched a Broadband Development Survey integrated into the municipal permitting process. This encourages real estate developers to plan for competitive, high-quality internet infrastructure in all new buildings.
- Youth Empowerment through Technology: The opening of the Ronald L. Rice Arts Center West in the West Ward. The facility serves as a creative hub where youth can access professional recording studios, video editing suites, and high-end computers to hone their digital artistic talents.
Building a “Smart City” for “Smart People”
Aaron Meyerson, Chief Innovation Economy Officer and Director of Broadband at Invest Newark, emphasized that digital inclusion is the foundation of economic mobility. “By supporting these initiatives, we are giving residents a ladder into the innovation economy. Creating a smart city starts with supporting smart people and building smart buildings.”
The NDIA’s Trailblazer program verified Newark’s success across seven best-practice categories, including data collection and multi-faceted community collaboration.
