This month, we spotlight Digital Equity LA (DELA),  a broad coalition of community-based organizations that have worked together since early 2021 to ensure everyone can access fast, reliable, and affordable internet service.  A project of California Community Foundation’s (CCF) Digital Equity Initiative, the DELA coalition’s work aligns with CCF’s commitment to promoting equity across Los Angeles County. Broadband is a key priority in CCF’s agenda to advance opportunity for all, with internet access being crucial for education, healthcare, economic development, and overall well-being.

DELA’s efforts recently secured a groundbreaking victory when the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) awarded $96M in funding to three community-based broadband projects. The CPUC awards come after years of steady work on the part of community advocates members and advocates, and the state funding will help close the digital divide for LA’s residents and small businesses across South and South East Los Angeles, bringing fast, affordable internet to those who need it most—an essential step toward ensuring equitable access to opportunity.

The Impact in Huntington Park

One of the three projects awarded funding is a city-wide broadband network in Huntington Park. For the residents of Huntington Park, this broadband initiative is more than infrastructure—it’s a bridge to opportunity. Families will have better access to education, healthcare, and jobs, and small businesses will gain tools to thrive in the digital economy..

“This milestone reflects our shared commitment to equity and opportunity for all,” said CCF President and CEO Miguel Santana. “We’re proud to support Huntington Park in this transformative moment and remain dedicated to securing digital equity through strong community partnerships.”

This project exemplifies CCF’s philosophy of integrating diverse perspectives to achieve lasting change. Under Miguel Santana’s leadership, CCF ensures initiatives like Huntington Park’s broadband expansion address immediate needs while laying the foundation for sustainable, inclusive growth.

As Huntington Park and DELA  lead the charge for digital inclusion in LA County, their efforts pave the way for a more connected and equitable future for everyone. DELA includes nearly a hundred diverse community partners such as GPSN, Parent Institute for Quality Education, UNITE-LA, Community Clinics Association of LA County, Communities in Schools Los Angeles, Families in Schools, the Healing and Justice Center, Pacoima Beautiful, Destination Crenshaw, Arts for LA, and EveryoneOn. Their collective efforts advance CCF’s mission to foster collaboration and enact policy changes that uplift marginalized populations across Los Angeles County.

Thank you to all the partners who made the CPUC’s historic investment in LA communities possible! Stay tuned for updates as this transformative work continues. Learn more about their work here.