In Chicago, Democratic Mayors Urge Action to Preserve Affordable Internet

CHICAGO, August 20, 2024 – Democratic mayors from major U.S. cities Atlanta, Kansas City, and Phoenix discussed the critical need to maintain affordable internet access for their constituents to mitigate impacts of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program’s expiration. 

The mayors outlined strategies to bridge the gap left by the program’s end during a discussion hosted by the Democratic Mayors Association here at the Democratic National Convention. The ACP, a federal initiative that provided low-income and Tribal households with subsidies for internet service, had been a crucial resource for more than 23 million American households.

To provide a stop-gap measure, the city of Atlanta leveraged American Rescue Plan dollars to offer temporary relief to residents struggling with their internet bills, partnering with nonprofit organizations to leverage their networks.