DCist by Rachel Kurzius
In a bid to make Washington D.C. the "nation's premier hub for technology inclusion," Mayor Muriel Bowser has set forth a series of goals—including creating 5,000 new tech jobs for underrepresented workers and 500 new tech businesses founded by underrepresented entrepreneurs by 2020.
"We want people see the District as more than a government town," says spokesperson Joaquin McPeek. "One of our strengths is the diversity of the District's human capital."
A new report outlines that, as it currently stands, the city has just under 30,000 tech jobs, defined as "occupations in computer and information systems, engineers, and natural sciences." Of those, 49 percent are held by white men, 25 percent by white women, 9 percent by black men, and 8 percent by black women.
By examining the barriers preventing people from entering the tech field, the mayor's office, in conjunction with the Innovation and Technology Inclusion Council, is hoping to begin the process of eradicating them, though it has yet to release any formal policy proposals to achieve those numbers.
The report emphasizes the need to close the digital divide that exists in the District, where a quarter of households still don't have broadband internet. Suggestions include increasing access to wifi, strengthening job training, and introducing computer science and other related classes for young students.
However, McPeek wouldn't commit to any specific legislation—like former Councilmember Vincent Orange's bill that would create a taskforce to explore the citywide, free wireless internet.
City programs like Connect.DC already work to connect public housing residents to the internet. For FY15, Connect.DC budgeted for 500 families to get free internet through the multi-step process. Only five families completed the process, though 1,200 people took the first step.
"We are exploring legislation to make sure that we're hitting all the goals outlined in the report," McPeek says. "We are looking at expanding current programs but also looking at ones that we can create to make sure we're establishing this inclusive ecosystem"
Other ideas revolve around connecting technology employers with District residents, whether they're university students, returning citizens, and participants in the Summer Youth Employment Program, and launching an "Adopt a School" program.
"We know that government can't do it alone," says McPeek. "Part of it is making sure the private sector knows where our priorities are so we can connect people with capital opportunities, with mentorship opportunities. The government will be a conduit between the public and private sector."
One program that McPeek cited was Bowser's "inclusive innovation incubator," housed at Howard University and operated by Luma Lab. The city contributed nearly $1 million in grant funds for the space. Initially slated to open this fall, the launch date was postponed until early next year.
"We'll be announcing some additional funding early next year," says McPeek. "There will be a continual drumbeat of activity and milestones that we'll be announcing."