STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Vibrant
AGENDA DATE: May 28, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Office of Community Care and Empowerment
EXECUTIVE: M. Elizabeth Cedillo-Pereira
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the (1) acceptance of a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Subaward Agreement No. S6566, in the amount of $50,000.00 for the J-PAL North America’s LEVER Evaluation design for the Digital Navigators Program for the period of September 1, 2024 through August 31; (2) establishment of appropriations in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00 in J-PAL North America's LEVER Evaluation Incubator Grant Fund; (3) receipt and deposit of funds in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00 in J-PAL North America's LEVER Evaluation Incubator Grant Fund; and (4) execute the grant sub agreement and all terms, conditions and documents required by the grant sub agreement, approved as to form by the City Attorney - Not to exceed $50,000.00 - Financing: J-PAL North America’s LEVER Evaluation Incubator Grant Fund
Body
BACKGROUND
The City of Dallas has been awarded a $50,000.00 subaward agreement through MIT, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and will support the JPAL/ARP Evidence Database research project. This program will support the evaluation and impact of the City’s Digital Navigators Program digital efforts, through its partner the Dallas Innovation Alliance, to address digital access barriers for Dallas residents. The Digital Navigators Program aligns with the goals of the City’s Broadband Digital Equity Strategic Plan, Resilient Dallas Strategy and Racial Equity Plan to promote upward economic mobility. The purpose of the Digital Navigators Program is to address the four pillars of digital equity across the City of Dallas through: Affordability, Access, Devices, and Digital Skills.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On March 8, 2023, Dallas City Council approved an agreement with Dallas Innovation Alliance (DIA) to serve as a subrecipient of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the purpose of administering the Digital Navigators Program.
The Workforce, Equity and Education Committee was briefed regarding this matter on February 10, 2025.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2025 |
FY 2026 |
Future Years |
|
J-PAL North America’s LEVER Evaluation Incubator Grant Fund |
$50,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |