Commission summarizes town-hall findings on affordability, literacy and AI concerns

Chair Apodaca summarized the outputs of a recent Digital Inclusion Town Hall facilitated by Mimi Styles and presented a set of thematic findings the commission plans to carry forward.

Apodaca said participants identified clusters of underserved ZIP codes and flagged infrastructure reliability problems during storms. On affordability she reported that residents cited widely varying monthly costs for Internet service and complained about short-term promotional rates that later increase. "Individuals reported paying anywhere from 28 to over 200 a month," Apodaca said, describing the range of experiences attendees reported.

The town hall also surfaced digital-literacy and trust gaps. Apodaca noted that many older residents raised concerns about tracking, phishing and difficulty navigating municipal portals and health-record systems; commissioners emphasized training, digital navigators and malware/virus support as priorities.

Early public concerns about AI and environmental impacts also emerged: attendees asked for clearer public-facing rules, and commissioners said they would coordinate with the Environmental Commission on recommendations related to energy and water impacts from AI systems.

Commissioners discussed practical next steps, including inviting providers and new enrollment partners, such as mobile-plan intermediaries and housing providers, to future meetings to pursue outreach and affordability solutions. The chair recommended embedding these themes into upcoming commission agendas.