Category: Global

WEBCAST 15 APR 19:00 UTC – B4DE – Local Dollars, Local Solutions: Digital Equity Tax Money & Negotiating AI Data Center Deals

Promotional banner for a “Building for Digital Equity” event. The design features a bold header with the hashtag “#BUILDING FOR DIGITAL EQUITY.” A highlighted box on the right reads “Special Tax Day Edition!! April 15, 2026, 3:00–4:15 PM ET.” Logos for the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) and ILSR appear on the left. The main title reads “Local Dollars, Local Solutions,” with a subtitle: “Digital Equity Tax Money & How to Negotiate Better AI Data Center Deals.” The right side includes a stylized illustration of buildings, cranes, and connectivity icons. The banner also notes “Sponsored by Utopia Fiber,” with small icon credits at the bottom. LIVESTREAM | ADD TO CALENDAR | PERMALINK

On Wednesday April 15 2026, at 15:00-16:15 EDT (19:00-20:15 UTC) the Institute for Local Self-Reliance Community Broadband Networks Initiative and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) present a Building for Digital Equity (B4DE) livestream ‘Local Dollars, Local Solutions: Digital Equity Tax Money & How to Negotiate Better AI Data Center Deals’. As Americans file their taxes this Tax Day, digital equity leaders across the nation will gather for a timely exploration of how public dollars can be used to strengthen communities – and how local advocates can negotiate better deals as AI data centers rapidly expand, lured with tax breaks.

SPEAKERS
Kyla Williams Tate – Director of Digital Equity, Cook County (Chicago) Government
Drew Garner – Director of Policy Engagement, Benton Institute
Amy Huffman – Policy Director, NDIA
Mauricio Jimenez – Digital Equity Coordinator, Cook County (Chicago) Government
Rebecca F. Kauma – Director of Digital Equity, County of Los Angeles
Dirk Elmendorf – Founder of Jobward, Partner for r26D
Brandon Forester – Senior Campaign Lead, MediaJustice
Jordana Barton-Garcia – Director, Texas Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition, Connect Humanity

Sponsored by UTOPIA Fiber.

#ILSR #NDIA #DigitalEquity #datacenters #AI