The Digital Divide Report
Issues of internet connectivity in the United States have traditionally been framed as part of a larger rural-urban divide. However, the landscape of broadband access within urban areas raises significant issues on its own. Currently, 29% of households in the City of St. Louis and 15% of households in St. Louis County do not have high-speed internet subscriptions.
A quick examination of the geographies without broadband internet access confirms what observers might predict. St. Louis’ most at-risk populations are also the least able to access education, health, employment, and financial services due to a lack of high-speed internet connectivity. The real-life impacts of this inequitable access have long existed but have been emphasized and exacerbated by the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is especially true with regard to health outcomes, access to care, and the availability of online health resources.
Partners
The Center for Civic Research and Innovation (CCRI) is a mission driven organization that seeks to serve as a catalyst for the actionable, innovative solutions necessary for a safe, equitable, and thriving St. Louis region.
While CCRI has in-depth experience researching and analyzing data across the fields of education, health, and economic development, it is not singularly or primarily focused on any one field. With no specific policy sector focus, CCRI is positioned to serve as an objective researcher and convener.
The Digital Divide report was commissioned by the St. Louis Community Foundation and the Regional Business Council (RBC) and prepared by the Center for Civic Research and Innovation (CCRI) and accounting firm EY (Ernst & Young).
Additional funders include:
- Boniface Foundation
- Missouri Foundation for Health
- NISA Charitable Fund
- St. Louis Public Schools Foundation
- St. Louis Regional Response Fund, a component fund at the St. Louis Community Foundation
- The Opportunity Trust
