Digital Access Research Forum
September 16–18, 2025 | Kansas City
Hosted by the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, Kansas City, New York and Philadelphia
The forum will highlight the latest research on digital access, as well as emerging methodologies and best practices in the sector.
This in-person event brings together academics, researchers, community development practitioners and policymakers for impactful conversations around digital access research in areas such as:
- Program evaluation and outcomes measurement.
- Benefits of digital access interventions in communities.
- Labor market implications.
When
Sept. 16–18, 2025Where
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City1 Memorial Drive
Kansas City, MO 64198
Registration
Attendees can register for one, two or all three days. Day 1 offers pre-forum workshops tailored for practitioners, state broadband offices and policymakers. Day 2 and Day 3 are the main forum sessions for all audiences.
Find agenda details on the tabs for each day.
Early-bird pricing is available through July 18. Registration closes Sept. 4.
Register online
| Registration options | Early bird | Regular registration |
| All 3 days | $155 | $200 |
| Day 1 only (workshops) | $30 | $50 |
| Day 2 and 3 (main forum) | $125 | $150 |
Agenda
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Day 1: Pre-forum workshops
These workshops offer hands-on learning experiences. Topics include sourcing and leveraging both quantitative and qualitative data, as well as practicing effective facilitation techniques. Check back in late June for details on sessions and speakers.
Tuesday, Sept. 16 11:00 a.m. Registration 11:30 a.m. Lunch and plenary
Bridging the Divide Between Researchers and Practitioners
- Moderator: Kseniya Benderskaya, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
1:00 p.m. Break 1:15 p.m. Workshop sessions
Workshop 1A: Qualitative Insights
“Collecting Community Perspectives, Purpose and Methods”- Moderator: Merissa Piazza, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Workshop 1B: Qualitative Insights
“Fundamentals of Data for Community Engagement and Representation”- Moderator: Ambika Nair, Federal Reserve Bank of New York
2:45 p.m. Break 3:00 p.m. Workshop sessions
Workshop 2A: Storytelling
“How We Use Data to Tell Our Story”- Moderator: Anne O’Shaughnessy, Fed Communities
Workshop 2B: Fed Resources
“Demystifying Community Development Research Tools from the Federal Reserve System”- Moderator: Theresa Dunne, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
4:00 p.m. Workshops end -
Day 2: Main forum, opening day
Check back in late June for details on sessions and speakers.
Wednesday, Sept. 17 8:00 a.m. Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Welcome and introduction 9:15 a.m. Plenary
Emerging Datasets: Measuring the Proliferation and Impact of Digital Inclusion Ecosystems
- Aaron Schill, National Digital Inclusion Alliance
- Amy Huffman, National Digital Inclusion Alliance
- Moderator: Jeremy Hegle, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
10:45 a.m. Break 11:00 a.m. Plenary
The Economic Benefits of Broadband Expansion: What Does the Research Say and How Can You Use It?
- Alan Spell, University of Missouri
- Brian Whitacre, Oklahoma State University
- Moderator: Roberto Gallardo, Purdue University
12:00 p.m. Lunch and plenary
Understanding the Role of Community Development for the Nation’s Central Bank
- Kseniya Benderskaya, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
- Jeremy Hegle, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
1:15 p.m. Break 1:30 p.m. Breakout sessions
Session 1A: Broadband Affordability and Adoption
“The Broadband Affordability Burden: Broadband Pricing and Household Budgets in Major U.S. Cities”- Ambika Nair, Federal Reserve Bank of New York
“What Difference Did the Affordable Connectivity Program Make? Exploring Recent Broadband Adoption Data”
- John B. Horrigan, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society
Session 1B: Digital Access in Rural Areas
“Stuck in the Middle: Internet Insecurity in Rural America”
- Chris McGovern, Connected Nation, Inc.
- David Nunnally, Connected Nation, Inc.
- Shauna Plath, Connected Nation, Inc.
“Cultivating Sustainable Computer Ownership Ecosystems in Rural Communities”
- Karisa Tashjian, Digitunity
“Extension Education for Economic Development: Evaluating Workforce Development Training for Rural Utah Residents”
- Amanda Ali, Utah State University
- Paul Hill, Utah State University
- Dominic Bria, Utah State University
3:00 p.m. Break 3:30 p.m. Breakout sessions
Session 2A: Broadband Data and Its Limitations
“How Fast Is Fast Enough?”
- Roberto Gallardo, Purdue University
“Bridging the Data Divide: Addressing Federal Data Gaps to Enhance Broadband Deployment”
- Colby Humphrey, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Session 2B: Workforce Implications of Expanding Digital Access
“Workforce Development in the Broadband Industry: Jobs Required for BEAD Deployment, Training Pathways and Considerations for State Investment”- Lexi West, The Pew Charitable Trusts
“Do Broadband Access and Digital Literacy Skills Impact Rural Workforce, Education and Businesses? Evidence from Communities in Rural Tennessee”
- Sreedhar Upendram, University of Tennessee
Session 2C: Broadband Availability
“The Competitive Landscape of Digital Access: Mapping Broadband Availability and Affordability in Kansas City”
- William Crumpler, KC Digital Drive
“Closing the Digital Divide: New Insights on U.S. Broadband Availability”
- Daniel Centuriao, West Virginia University
5:00 p.m. Reception and poster session 6:30 p.m. Reception ends -
Day 3: Main forum, final day
Check back in late June for details on sessions and speakers.
Thursday, Sept. 18 8:00 a.m. Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Welcome 9:15 a.m. Breakout sessions
Session 1A: Regional and Geographic Economic Implications of Digital Access
“Beyond Connectivity: The Role of Broadband in Rural Economic Growth and Resilience”
- Amanda Weinstein, Center on Rural Innovation
“The Benefit of the Bargain: The Role of Institutions of Higher Education in Federal Broadband Investments”
- Dominique Harrison, National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Session 1B: Perspectives from Community- and Coalition-ledInitiatives
“Municipal Digital Equity Planning: A Community-Led Approach to Bridging Gaps and Building Sustainable Interventions”
- Anagha Devanarayanan, Metropolitan Area Planning Council
- Stephen Larrick, Metropolitan Area Planning Council
- Will Pfeffer, Metropolitan Area Planning Council
“Building a Sustainable Digital Inclusion Through Ongoing Tech Support”
- Kami Griffiths, Community Tech Network
10:45 a.m. Break 11:00 a.m. Breakout sessions
Session 2A: Toward Maximum Employment: Digital Access and Health
“Bridging the Gap: Examining Disparities in Digital Health Care Access and the Impact of Improved Connectivity on Health Technology Adoption”
- Erezi Ogbo-Gebhardt, North Carolina Central University
“The Digital Connection Health and Wellness Model”
- Tiffanie Spearman, CARDBoard Project
“Better Internet, Better Health: A Statewide Assessment of Broadband Access in Underserved Communities in South Carolina”
- Maushmi K. Patel, University of South Carolina
Session 2B: Increasing Financial Access Through Digital Payments
“Aspen Principles for the Future of Remittances”- Diego Deleersnyder, Aspen Institute
“Defining Households That Are Underserved in Digital Payment Services”
- Claire Greene, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
12:30 p.m. Lunch and plenary
The Future of Digital Access and Artifical Intelligence (AI)
“Incorporating AI Literacy and Use in Digital Skills Training for Adults”
- Tsion Tesfaye, National Digital Inclusion Alliance
“Building an AI-Ready Workforce: Lessons from New Jersey’s Life Sciences and Technology Sectors”
- Kristine Joy Bacani, Rutgers University
- Liana Lin, Research Project Manager, Rutgers University
- Brittney Donovan, Rutgers University
- Grace Maruska, New York City Equal Employment Practices Commission
- Jessica Starace, Rutgers University
1:30 p.m. Closing remarks 2:00 p.m. Forum ends
When and where
September 16–18, 2025Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri