III.1. Presentation of National Digital Inclusion Alliance Trailblazer Award; Kivett
CITY OF HOPKINS
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
Mike Mornson, City Manager
From: Beth Kivett, Activity Center Manager
Date: February 17, 2026
Subject: Presentation of National Digital Inclusion Alliance Trailblazer Award
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PURPOSE
Accept the National Digital Inclusion Alliance Trailblazer Award.
INFORMATION
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named the City of Hopkins as a 2025
Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, recognizing the City of Hopkins’ work toward a vision where
all community members can safely and confidently navigate the digital world.
Digital inclusion – access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills –
is essential to participating and thriving in today’s world. Through community-driven and
collaborative efforts Hopkins continues its work toward digital equity.
This year, the City of Hopkins joins 58 other Digital Inclusion Trailblazers paving the
way for digitally inclusive communities across the US.
Trailblazers provide models for other local governments to aspire to as communities
build digital inclusion ecosystems. The City of Hopkins achieved Trailblazer status by
prioritizing digital inclusion for residents of their communities through:
• Officially declaring support for digital inclusion
• Hosting community conversations focused on meaningful engagement around
digital inclusion
• Building on current skills training and access to devices
• Digital inclusion asset mapping
Along with this exciting award the Hopkins Digital Access Initiative was requested to
speak at the National conference in Chicago Feb 3-5, 2026. Through the partnerships
and support of NDIA Hopkins and ICA has already received a grant award for $10,000
from 35 Mile Foundation to purchase 100 low-cost refurbished devices, hot spots and
free Wi-Fi for 1-year. NDIA has also offered to provide an in-kind personalized Digital
Navigator training worth $10,000. The momentum and nation-wide support for
Minnesota and Hopkins residents has given us a great step forward as we have quickly
shifted from assessment into action.
Community Services
Staff thanks our community partners and especially the HDAI Steering Committee:
• Connecting to Thrive
• Hopkins Activity Center
• Hopkins Library
• Hopkins Community Education
• ICA Food Shelf
Tonight staff will present the award to the City Council. For more information about the
National Digital Inclusion Alliance, visit www.digitalinclusion.org.
FUTURE ACTION
The Hopkins Digital Access Initiative will give a comprehensive update at a future
council meeting.