Cristal Mojica (left) speaking on California’s broadband for all priorities during the Broadband Communities West Summit
By Cristal Mojica
As the year ends we reflect on the progress made in digital equity and broadband for all, and the challenges ahead.
Digital Equity State and Local Policy
The Michelson 20MM team at the Digital Equity Advocacy Day in Sacramento
2024 was a milestone year for our local and state digital equity coalitions. Together, we hosted our largest Digital Equity Advocacy Day in Sacramento. Over 40 digital equity stakeholders met at the Capitol in April to discuss priorities with 20+ legislators. They also gave critical testimonies on digital discrimination in an Assembly committee hearing.
Michelson 20MM Foundation joined the statewide digital discrimination campaign, educating leaders on the need to protect residents from digital discrimination. We advocated for updating California’s Civil Rights Code to make digital discrimination illegal. This will prevent that form of intentional or unintentional discrimination from exacerbating the digital divide.
In 2025, we will call for state-level digital discrimination protections and support local educational initiatives. These efforts will educate the public on identifying and reporting discrimination.
Grantmaking for Community Solutions
In 2024, we prioritized supporting community broadband projects through Michelson Spark Grants. Community organizations working in the Pico-Union and Crenshaw districts of Los Angeles have since secured millions in state funding and are now entering the implementation phase. We also partnered with City Heights CDC (San Diego) to support their broadband development strategic plan. This will ensure that San Diego has representation in statewide digital equity advocacy efforts.
In 2025, we expect to continue expanding our statewide partnerships in the Bay Area, Central Valley, San Diego and Imperial Counties, and beyond.
Digital Equity and AI
A panel at the at CalMatters Ideas Festival discusses what California is doing to hold AI accountable
Conversations with funders, educators, administrators, policymakers, and technologists on the impact of AI on digital equity inspired us. We also partnered with SoCal Grantmakers and Education-Trust West and are grateful for their support. In 2025, we look forward to continuing to center community and educator voices as AI policy is developed at the local and state level.
2025 and Beyond
We are proud of California’s continued leadership in digital equity advocacy and are ready to grow our impact in 2025 and beyond.
Michelson 20MM Foundation’s 2025 digital equity policy priorities, in alignment with the California Alliance for Digital Equity, will include:
- Advocating for broadband affordability measures in CA
- Reinforcing digital discrimination protections
- Ending anti-competitive practices in CA
- Preserving California’s infrastructure dollars
At the Federal level, the new administration picked Commissioner Brendan Carr to lead the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). He authored the chapter on the FCC in Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s policy guide for a second Trump term. Commissioner Carr’s troubling statement after being named Chair included a declaration that the Commission will “end its promotion of DEI.” Michelson 20MM is ready to defend digital equity in California and remain committed to the communities and partnerships that make it possible.
Next year is critical for digital equity. We must renew our collective commitment to equity and protect our California values. We look forward to working with our coalition peers, legislators, community leaders, and broader philanthropy to protect our citizens and continue the fight for broadband for all.
Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation working toward equity for underserved and historically underrepresented communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities, increasing affordability of educational programs, and ensuring the necessary supports are in place for individuals to thrive. To do so, we work in the following verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Co-chaired and funded by Alya and Gary Michelson, Michelson 20MM is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations.
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