III.5. Hopkins Digital Access Initiative Update; Kivett
CITY OF HOPKINS
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
Mike Mornson, City Manager
From: Beth Kivett, Activity Center Manager
Date: 06/16/2026
Subject: Hopkins Digital Access Initiative Update
_____________________________________________________________________
PURPOSE
Hopkins City Council will receive an update from the Hopkins Digital Access Initiative
(HDAI). This initiative is guided by a steering committee comprised of representatives
from the City of Hopkins, Hopkins Community Education, Hopkins Public Library and
ICA Food Shelf. Connecting to Thrive, a mission driven organization, provides
organizational support for this effort. https://www.connectingtothrive.org/
Check out the HDAI website for more information: www.hopkinsdigitalaccess.org
INFORMATION
HDAI is a collaborative, community-driven effort to ensure all Hopkins residents can
safely and confidently navigate the digital world. The initiative formed in direct response
to a clear reality: barriers to digital tools, skills, and support prevent many residents from
fully participating in economic, educational, health, and community life. As AI and other
emerging technologies continue to reshape daily life, those barriers carry increasingly
high stakes, not just for individual residents, but for the health and vitality of the
community as a whole.
Since 2024, HDAI has taken a strategic approach to developing the Hopkins Digital
Access Plan, pursuing three interconnected areas of work: engaging stakeholders and
residents across the community; conducting research to assess assets, challenges, and
gaps; and raising awareness about the critical role digital access plays in community
well-being. We welcome the opportunity to share recent accomplishments and where
HDAI is headed.
Stakeholder Involvement
The Hopkins community has demonstrated strong and consistent support for this work.
Through the planning process, HDAI has found broad interest among businesses and
organizations in deeper communication and collaboration around digital access. This is
a foundation we will continue to build on.
Hopkins Digital Navigator Program
NDIA provided pro-bono consultation and training to support the launch of the Hopkins
Digital Navigator Program. This was an in-kind contribution valued at $10,000. NDIA
staff developed and delivered customized training to eight Hopkins residents who are
Community Services
now certified Digital Navigators. A Digital Navigator is a trained community member
equipped with the skills and best practices to help neighbors use digital tools and
technology with confidence. Trained Navigators are currently available on -call for
residents who have received devices through ICA Food Shelf and as drop -in support at
Dow Towers, with additional sites planned.
Grant received from 35 Mile Foundation
In January, when many Hopkins residents were effectively homebound due to
immigration enforcement action, HDAI reached out to NDIA for support. Within five
days, ICA received a $10,000 grant from the 35 Mile Foundation which made it possible
to purchase and distribute 100 laptops and 100 hotspots with one year of free internet
service to residents in need. We’ve since heard that this access has been
transformative enabling residents to attend school, connect with healthcare providers,
and manage essential tasks online.
Digital Access Plan Development
The City has contracted a consultant to analyze and synthesize findings from the
community assessment and compile them into a report that will support future funding
efforts. The consultant brings significant expertise to this work, including authorship of
the Minnesota Digital Access Plan. The full Hopkins Digital Access Plan, including
outcomes and implementation strategies, will follow this summer.
ACE Intern
HDAI welcomes Chelsea, a summer ACE Intern who will conduct an internal
assessment of how the City digitally interacts with residents, the technology
requirements embedded in city processes, and opportunities to better serve residents
who face digital barriers. Chelsea will also be reaching out to each Council Member to
schedule a brief interview on their observations and experiences related to digital
access in Hopkins.
FUTURE ACTION
No action is required. Chelsea, our ACE Intern, will follow up individually with each
Council Member to schedule a brief interview to gather your perspectives and any
resident feedback relevant to this work.