HUD Secretary Julian Castro wasted no time getting into the gist of his keynote address: Digital inclusion.
With the unrest in Baltimore top of mind, he said "we can't ignore .. the pain of unfulfilled hopes and dreams. .. I am here to ask for your help so that every person has access to technology and can thrive... You are on the frontlines of change, of progress. The core question is: How do we shape a future in the tech revolution that includes everyone?"
Leveling the playing field starts with broadband access for all, he said, as one in four American households do not have access to the Internet.
He outlined three programs the Obama administration has taken on: TechHire, an initiative to rapidly train and hire workers for the tech economy (South Florida's LaunchCode is a partner); broadband access programs; and making government easier to use.
- Nancy Dahlberg