Abstract

This summer, I am working with Georgetown Law Professor Monica Sanders on the "Ten States Project." We are working in conjunction with community leaders in neighborhoods in West Baltimore that have been systemically excluded from broadband internet access and face disproportionate climate related threats. West Baltimore is home to historic Black neighborhoods like Park Heights and Sandtown that have their own unique and dedicated community organizations and organizers. One component of my project is to highlight and asset map the many mutual aid networks and community resources in these neighborhoods. Often asset maps frame communities in terms of which public or private resources they consume, but our work is focused on highlighting the resources that people and organizations offer each other. The other primary goal of the project is to identify and support solutions to the stark digital inequity that simultaneously contributes to systemic poverty and prevents adequate risk reduction around climate issues in Baltimore. Maryland is not one of the 19 states that prohibit the development of public broadband, and there are local organizations such as Rowdy Orbit that focus on building networks of community wifi. These networks offer internet with higher capacities at fractions of the costs of national internet providers which has become vital in order for neighborhoods to thrive. I am working with Rowdy Orbit and community leaders to research and pursue effective methods of building community broadband that is designed to meet the specific needs of each neighborhood. The expansion of internet access is closely related to improving environmental conditions in these neighborhoods especially as it plays a crucial role in their ability to prepare for and respond to climate impacts and disasters.

Research Objectives and Questions

Our primary objective is to contribute to meeting the digital and climate needs of the neighborhoods where we are working. Instead of parachuting into communities, conducting research according to preconceived objectives, and discretely posting our results, we are focused on tailoring our project around building partnerships and sustainable solutions to material needs. 

To address the digital divide, our research is looking into how to bring federal and local funding to community centers that will most effectively expand internet access. Additionally, we are examining the question of how residents of specific blocks and neighborhoods can build out their own communally owned broadband. 

We are also heavily focused on mitigating the unique climate impacts posed to low-income neighborhoods in Baltimore. The combination of Baltimore's industrial economy located on the Patapsco River and the continued effects of systemic racism requires careful community-lead environmental work. Our asset mapping seeks to contribute to risk preparedness and expanding proactive initiatives. In conjunction with bridging the digital divide we hope to find answers to how internet access can alleviate environmental harm.

Potential Impacts

Our research compliments existing community initiatives and public policy regarding climate change and internet inequity. By working with the city and a wide range of local groups, our research will offer policy recommendations and implementation plans tailored to the desires and needs of those actively working on solutions. Furthermore, we are developing an Internet Bill of Rights that can serve as a foundation for policymaking and a model for other cities and counties. One of the most important impacts is providing the tools for community aid networks to build out broadband and environmental programs that will have lasting and cascading effects.

Resources and Support Needed

Our project's collaborative nature does not end at Baltimore's city limits! I would love to build on outside examples of effective municipal or hyperlocal initiatives regarding expanding broadband access in low-income areas and mitigating and preparing for environmental catastrophes such as floods, extreme weather, and industrial pollution. Aside from expertise on climate and digital equity, I am very interested in hearing about the best methods of ensuring that academic research gives voice to the people and communities that are its focus. From STEM fields to artistic expression, what methodologies and implementation practices center the real lives and needs of people to the highest degree?