Iowa Town Hall Meetings on Digital Services

Confirmed Digital Service Meeting Locations:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2023

CONTACT: Gloria Van Rees, (515) 782-3661, gloria.vanrees@iowa.gov

DES MOINES- Thank you to the hundreds of Iowans who came out for The Office of the Chief Information Officer’s (OCIO) Digital Services Outreach Meetings this spring throughout the state. The meetings gave all Iowans an opportunity to express their concerns and ideas for changes in regards to broadband accessibility and affordability. 

Some of the early takeaways from the meetings have already come to light. Notably, many Iowans are motivated to understand how they can get better access to high speed internet. The affordability of high speed internet access and digital devices was a concern in both urban and rural locations. Awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program needs to improve so more eligible Iowans can take advantage. Also, the need for digital skills training cuts across all demographics and age groups.

For those unable to attend the meetings, the OCIO produced a video friendly format of the presentation, which can be found at the following link: https://youtu.be/Ddh2BFORPbc. Included in the video description is a Google form identical to the one meeting attendees filled out to express their digital needs and wants. The public is welcome to fill out the form and submit it to the OCIO.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2023 

CONTACT: Gloria Van Rees, (515) 782-3661, gloria.vanrees@iowa.gov 

DES MOINES- The Department of Management, Office of the Chief Information Officer is excited to announce more than 50 public town hall style meetings to get feedback from everyday Iowans on digital services, including broadband, in their area. We want to hear  from Iowans of all walks of life on how they use the internet and digital services in general. If you ever felt like the digital world is passing you by, for whatever reason, this is your chance to speak up and help Iowa identify ways to help you and your community. 

Attendees will hear a short presentation on digital services followed by a discussion with the audience on the barriers and potential solutions for full participation in the digital aspects of society. All meetings will start at 6 pm at the designated locations and are anticipated to last about 90 minutes. 

For more information, please contact broadband@iowa.gov. Not able to attend a community meeting? 

If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact Maria Guevara at maria.guevara@iowa.gov by no later than at least 7 days before the event you will attend. 

Join us at a town near you!