CLOSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN TECHNOLOGY

WHEREAS, mayoral involvement in closing the digital divide through national community-based technology efforts can have an important impact upon voters, citizens, residents, community-based organizations (CBOs), community-development corporation (CDCs), neighborhood-based organizations, faith-based community efforts, libraries, community centers, schools, and the general fabric of the community; and

WHEREAS, mayoral involvement in the closing of the Digital Divide led to an increase in job readiness training, life skill development, job training and jobs in the technology field for the underemployed and the unemployed; and

WHEREAS, corporations, technology companies, foundations, and private for-profit and non-profit organizations have followed the lead of mayors across the country in their individual efforts to close the Digital Divide; and

WHEREAS, this effort has led to the establishment of a number of national efforts and models to close the digital divide including the connecting of millions of classrooms, computers and community centers to the Information Superhighway because of the e-rate, efforts of mayors of cities, large and small, and public and private initiatives; and

WHEREAS, billions in public and private funds are being made available to insure that all citizen, regardless of income or socioecomic background, have access to state-of-the art technology in their communities, classrooms and libraries; and

WHEREAS, some large telecommunications companies cable companies and others have expressed sincere support and a commitment of resources to this effort by working to increase the amount of funds and in-kind contributions available to this effort,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors urges this body to use its resources to support, encourage and lead a national initiative to establish a National Community Technology center effort which is so vital to bringing jobs to undeserved communities through the use of technology made available through community based organizations, faith-based organizations, schools and libraries; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President, the Congress and the Departments of Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, and Labor, along with any relevant Departments support this effort; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the national Chamber of Commerce and other national efforts that exist to Close the Digital Divide be asked to support this effort; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors underscore its support of this initative, urging Mayors throughout the U.S. to set up community-based technology centers in their cities in faith-based institutions, community-based organizations, community centers, recreation centers, libraries and schools for the purpose of creating job training that can lead to the creation of millions of jobs in the new American economy.