Saint Louis County Digital Equity Profile – ranked 47

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Every year, the Blandin on Broadband blog does County Broadband Profiles (and will do again when the new maps come out) but given federal opportunities are making it possible to get funding for access and adoption, I thought I’d try to present information for counties to assess their digital equity standing (see table below) and give options for who to contact locally for more information.

Summary

St Louis County ranks 47 out of 87 counties for digital equity. Their rankings are varied. They are in a position where they need to work on the three pillars of digital equity: affordable access to broadband, device ownership and the skills to use them. Their standing with poverty ranking, poverty and disability will help build a case with potential funders. The good news is that they have been working on digital equity, so they have the local expertise and community engagement.

Scroll down for details and suggested resources for more information.

Blandin Foundation is using the Microsoft Digital Equity Tool to determine needs by county and make high level recommendations for next steps to consider based on the data. (With special thanks to Carter Grupp, Broadband Coordinator Broadband Coordinator at American Connection Project for Otter Tail County.) Visit the tool if you want to look up more statistics on your community.

Demographic Data and Ranking (out of 87)

St Louis County Ranking
Access to 100/20 34
No bachelors 16
No HS degree 23
Below 150% poverty (last 12 months) 83
Below poverty (last 12 months) 84
Disability 76
No computer 49
No broadband access 57
No subscription 44
Overall average 47

The map below shows digital inequity by census tract. The bluer the better; yellow and orange colors indicate more inequity. This map can be helpful in figuring out which parts of your county need the most help.

So where do you go to talk to people in the county about digit equity plans? Good places to start include:

Libraries

Schools

Regional Development Commission

There’s a lot to take in but sometimes it’s also helpful to see what a community has done in the past, so we’ve gathered specific projects funded through the Blandin Foundation:

Project Owner Project Name Description
Chisholm Community Education Community Training Sessions Training sessions on internet use (social media, security, Facebook) to be offered free of charge to the community.  CHS students will be on hand to help class participants as they utilize the training.
Chisholm EDA Community Website/Portal Develop a community portal and calendar for community information and events, including marketing, tourism, school events, city and chamber.
Chisholm EDA Community Hot Spots Provide Wi-Fi hotspots at the Chisholm Public Library, Lake Street Pocket Park, Balkan Community Center, and HRA Apartment Complex.
Chisholm EDA The “Business Perks” Building Develop a technology center with rental space/incubator space available for businesses.  Broadband/Internet/website/social media training opportunities for businesses will be offered.
Chisholm Public Library Hot Spot Check-Out System Provide fifteen hotspots  with mobile data plans for check out at the Chisholm Public Library.
ISD 695 Chisholm Public Schools Wi-Fi on Buses Install Wi-Fi on two school buses, allowing students taking longer bus trips to have access to the internet. Bus Wi-Fi may be used for community events as well.
Minnesota Discovery Center Minnesota Discovery Center Broadband Connection Upgrade Wi-Fi throughout the Minnesota Discovery Center, allowing for better access during meetings, for events, and for patron/staff use.
Chisholm EDA Central Range Area Feasibility Study Hire a consultant to conduct a feasibility study to better understand options for improving broadband infrastructure and services within the designated area, present the resulting plan and funding options to city councils, townships, school boards and the St. Louis County Board, and assist with grant writing as requested.
City of Ely – Ely EDA Homegrown Ely Website (Elyite.com) Create a website to showcase Ely to prospective residents, businesses, and visitors. The site will include information on the cost of living, the arts, restaurants, churches, business opportunities, infrastructure, etc.
Entrepreneur Fund Digital Marketing for Small Businesses Engage seven small business owners (selected through an application process) in hands-on consulting to build brand awareness and increase revenue by developing and implementing affordable website and social media strategies.
Incredible Ely Ely Technology Center Utilize current space in the downtown business district to provide a shared office space with high-speed Internet for local telecommuters, entrepreneurs, and visitors.
Entrepreneur Fund Ely Small Business Workshop Series Provide three structured workshops on timely topics for small business owners. Local facilitators will share practical tools and ideas on topics such as digital marketing, employee recruitment, and QuickBooks.
City of Ely Ely Area Broadband Feasibility Study Conduct a feasibility study that will provide factual information about market demand, technology alternatives, deployment and maintenance costs, network operation and marketing. It will include installation of fiber within the City of Ely, and extending throughout the entire school district area. Project partners will use the data generated to develop a plan for service delivery.
Incredible Ely Business Development/Broadband Survey Conduct a survey on business development and internet usage data as well as projected broadband usage information, with the goal of bringing broadband to Ely and making it an economic success.
Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians Business Training and Community Education Design and provide community technology education programs at Bois Forte, Orr Center, Cook Library and Community Center, and North Woods High School. Topics will be determined based on community feedback.
Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians Wi-Fi Access Points Provide Wi-Fi Access Points throughout the Orr Center, and Cook Library and Community Center.
Cook Library Wi-Fi Hot Spot Check Out Program Purchase five mobile hotspots that can be checked out from the Cook Library to provide home access to un- and underserved residents of the Grizzlies community.
Cook Library Cook Library Expansion Expand the capacity of the computer lab at Cook Library by adding electrical outlets and cleaning up the cabling. This will greatly enhance training opportunities in the City of Cook.
Orr Center Orr Center Web Page Redevelopment Redesign the Orr Center’s webpage, making it more user-friendly for customers, and allowing Orr Center staff to maintain it without consulting assistance.
Access North PC Distribution and Computer Skills Training Distribute 50 PCs for People computers to seniors and people with disabilities, along with technical assistance and service, and provide 10 training sessions for recipients on basic computer literacy skills to increase knowledge and confidence in use. This project builds upon an IRBC program element where each community received 50 PCs for People Computers to distribute to low income residents.
Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce Increase Public Wi-Fi Availability Promote the use of Wi-Fi by providing hotspots at public and municipal locations including schools, colleges, and libraries; implementing a mobile hot spot check-out program through the public library; and creating a Wi-Fi map of the city.
Hibbing Community College IT Knowledge & Career Fair Host an Information Technology Fair for high school and college students that will focus on the many ways IT interfaces with everyday life, careers options, and education pathways to those careers.
Entrepreneur Fund / Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce Digital Marketing Consultations for Small Businesses Growth Provide seven Hibbing business owners with professional digital marketing consulting to implement affordable strategies to strengthen brand awareness and increase business success. The business owners are selected via an application process, and will complete marketing assessments, create work plans and implement strategies to grow their online presence. This project was so successful that a second round was held for 16 additional area businesses.
Entrepreneur Fund / Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce Digital Marketing Workshops for Small Businesses Conduct a series of three workshops for are business owners that will deliver practical tools and ideas to their businesses’ marketing efforts. Workshop topics may include website strategies; promotional products; photos, writing and design; and social media.
City of Mt. Iron Internet Access at Public Buildings Improve Internet access and expand technology capabilities at the Mt. Iron Senior Center, City Hall and other public buildings for public use.
ISD 712 Mountain Iron Buhl Wi-Fi on School Buses Install and maintain Wi-Fi on MIB’s fleet of seven buses used to transport students to and from school and home, and to athletic and academic activities, allowing students to complete homework and participate in classes while traveling
ISD 712 Mountain Iron Buhl Technology for Environmental Learning Introduce technology to the environmental learning classes at MIB Schools and community education, and City of Mt. Iron School Forest, including GPS mapping, geocaching, trail cameras, and lab equipment.
ISD 712 Mountain Iron Buhl Technology Classroom Upgrades Purchase equipment for the Mt. Iron-Buhl School District to improve technology offerings, including a journalism technology class for students and adult learners, and to create a Makerspace classroom.
Kinney Township & Great Scott Township Township Websites Develop websites for Kinney and Great Scott Township so residents will be able to access meeting minutes, pay bills, learn about community events, and interact with elected officials online.
Kinney Township & Great Scott Township Township Technology Upgrades Improve Internet access and technology equipment, including video projectors and Wi-Fi network capacity, in government buildings in Kinney and Great Scott Townships.
UMD Center for Economic Development Community and Business Technology Breakfasts Provide training for safe, efficient, and effective use of technology by community members and area businesses. Fifteen trainings will be offered, including six business breakfasts, on topics such as cyber security, social media tips, smartphone basics, FaceTime, etc.
UMD Center for Economic Development Small Business Marketing and Technology Audits Conduct marketing and technology audits for area businesses. Business owners will work with a consultant to complete the audit of current technology platforms, and may apply to be one of ten businesses to receive $1,500 worth of digital marketing training.
East Range JPB ERJPB / The Northspan Group East Range Business Retention and Expansion Visits Project support to solicit input from area business on their broadband familiarity, use, needs, etc. and to seek to engage them in the BBC process and strengthen the case for greater connectivity on the East Range.
East Range JPB Hoyt Lakes & Aurora Public Libraries Portable Training Lab Project support to develop a mobile training lab to provide computer/technology training and job search skills to East Range residents.
East Range JPB ERJPB / The Northspan Group ERJPB Website Project support to create a new website to better inform the community about East Range Joint Powers Board and community activities, including the Blandin Broadband Community, with the goal of promoting cooperation across communities, creating a centralized point for information about telecommunications technology in the region, and raising awareness about ERJPB-supported broadband work on the East Range.
East Range JPB East Range Steering Committee member Peter Senarighi Public Wi-Fi Project support to improve internet access by expanding public Wi-Fi access in areas inside and outside of public buildings at the City of Biwabik, and libraries in the cities of Hoyt Lakes and Aurora.
East Range JPB East Range Police Department Squad Car Computer Upgrade Project support to improve public safety by providing a uniform computer system in all squad cars with faster speeds, downloads, and data request capabilities.
East Range JPB Mesabi East School District Updated Electronic Communications Project support to improve communications throughout the school facilities by upgrading software and message boards to push information to teachers, students, and visitors.
East Range JPB Mesabi East School District Wi-Fi on Buses Project support to improve public internet access and use by installing wireless routers on four long-haul school buses, allowing student riders access to homework and projects via smart devices.
East Range JPB Hoyt Lakes Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Laptop Upgrade Project support to improve public safety and patient care by upgrading computers and software on emergency vehicles allowing for better communications with county dispatch and faster access to patient information.
East Range JPB Hoyt Lakes Ambulance Training Equipment Upgrade Project support to improve public safety and patient care by upgrading the laptop used for training purposes.
East Range JPB Hoyt Lakes Public Library STEM Kits and STEM Kits To Go Project support to train residents of all ages about coding, robotics, using apps, and VR systems by providing STEM equipment for use at the library or for check-out to be used at home. The library will host classes, and they plan to engage the Age to Age group so students can help teach older adults.
Laurentian Chamber of Commerce City of Gilbert Gilbert Campground Project support to improve public access to the internet through the installation of a fiber connection to the Gilbert Campground and a free public internet access point.
Laurentian Chamber of Commerce Small Business Development Center (Northland Fdn) Digital Marketing / Technology Audits for Area Businesses Project support to improve the online presence and profitability of ten local businesses by providing technical assistance, including an audit of the businesses’ current technology platforms, websites, and use of social media.
Laurentian Chamber of Commerce Laurentian Chamber of Commerce Chamber Technology Upgrades Project support to improve the ability of the Chamber of Commerce to host businesses and chamber members for meetings and events through the purchase of a new computer with upgraded software, projector, screen and a Bluetooth conferencing unit.
Laurentian Chamber of Commerce Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency PCs for People Distribution Event Enhancement Project support to improve digital literacy skills of local residents through training, education and other support to the recipients of computers distributed by PCs for People as part of the Blandin Broadband Community Program.
Laurentian Chamber of Commerce Cities of Eveleth, Gilbert and Virginia Wi-Fi in the Parks Project support to improve public access to the internet by installing Wi-Fi hotspots in three public parks in the cities of Eveleth, Gilbert, and Virginia.
Laurentian Chamber of Commerce Laurentian Chamber of Commerce Small Business Saturday App Project support to improve small local business profitability on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year through the development of an app that shoppers can use to learn about local options and enable participating businesses to share promotional offers.
Laurentian Chamber of Commerce DEED Workforce Center Virtual Interview Room Project support to increase employment opportunities for people using the Workforce Center by providing a remote interview cubicle with a computer, camera, and microphone. The equipment may also be used for training purposes, specifically on interview skills.
Laurentian Chamber of Commerce DEED Workforce Center Interactive Television Project support to increase access to training by installing an interactive television (ITV) at the Workforce Center to allow staff and the public to videoconference, participate in remote trainings, increase training opportunities, reduce travel costs, etc.
Laurentian Chamber of Commerce City of Eveleth Safe, Accessible Public Wi-Fi Project support to improve access to the internet by providing dedicated, comfortable, and safe spaces in three public locations in Eveleth where residents, visitors and guests can access Wi-Fi.
Laurentian Chamber of Commerce Eveleth-Gilbert and Virginia School Districts Wi-Fi on Buses in the Eveleth-Gilbert and Virginia Schools Project support to improve public internet access and use by installing Wi-Fi on school buses, allowing students who rely on school bus transportation access for schoolwork.
Laurentian Chamber of Commerce Town of Fayal Fayal Township Website Upgrade Project support to create a new, upgraded website for Fayal Township that will allow features such as a community calendar, forms and permit applications for download, and enable better communication between residents and Township officials.
Iron Range Tourism Bureau Iron Range Tourism Bureau Internet Access Assessment Project support to conduct an assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of internet connectivity at area attractions, lodging, campgrounds, and trails.
Iron Range Tourism Bureau Iron Range Tourism Bureau Talent Attraction Microsite Project support to create and market a fun and informative microsite on Iron Range Tourism Bureau’s website that will provide needed information for those seeking to relocate to the area, including housing, daycare, what to expect during winter, etc.
Iron Range Tourism Bureau Iron Range Tourism Bureau Local Pride Campaign Project support to launch a social marketing campaign to promote local pride and a positive sense of place.
Iron Range Tourism Bureau Small Business Development Center (Northland Fdn) Small Business Trainings Project support to improve the technology and online marketing skills of tourism businesses to enhance their profitability through one-on-one trainings, professional design services, and equipment upgrades.
Iron Range Tourism Bureau Iron Range Tourism Bureau Interactive Arts Map Project support to create an interactive online map to showcase and promote the work of local artists, cultural opportunities, and cultural sites in the region.
Iron Range Tourism Bureau Iron Range Tourism Bureau Virtual Reality Mine Tour Project support to create an interactive, virtual mine tour experience so visitors can learn about the mining process and history via technology.
Tower EDA Township of Breitung Workstation for Public Access Project support to improve public access to the internet by providing a workstation with a computer and printer in the new community room at the Breitung town hall.
Tower EDA City of Tower Hoo Doo Point Campground Wi-Fi Project support to improve public access to the internet by providing Wi-Fi throughout Hoo Doo Point Campground.
Tower EDA City of Tower Broadband Access to the Tower Depot and Farmer’s Market Project support to improve public access to the internet by providing Wi-Fi access to people using the Tower Depot for information, and to Farmer’s Market participants and visitors.
Tower EDA Tower-Soudan Elementary School School and Community Connectivity Project support to improve digital literacy skills and technology use by creating and supporting a mobile computer lab and AV display for the Tower-Soudan Elementary School media center that will be accessible to the community as well as students.
Tower EDA Vermilion Country School (VCS) Senior / Public / Student Access Computer Lab Project support to improve digital literacy skills and technology use by creating a 12-computer lab and AV display that can be used by the school, as an internet café for AEOA Senior Dining clients, and the general public through Tower-Soudan Community Ed classes and VCS after school parental involvement classes.
Tower EDA Vermilion Country School Interactive Field Trip and Music Lab Project support to improve digital literacy skills and training opportunities for students and the public by expanding the Vermilion School computer lab into a space that can be used for interactive educational and community education programming, virtual field trips, visits with scientists and writers, along with technology to create a digital music lab, including a digital piano and other instruments.
Tower EDA Vermilion Country School Smartboards in our Classrooms Project support to improve technology use by installing Smartboards in VCS classrooms, particularly math and science rooms, and to take full advantage of the new fiber optic capabilities to the school building.
Laurentian / Tower / East Range City of Virginia Laurentian-Tower-East Range (LTE) Broadband Feasibility Study Project support to explore options to expand broadband infrastructure and services by conducting a feasibility study throughout the Quad Cities / Tower / East Range JPB area. They will also use this process to identify potential partners to provide these services.
Chisholm Chisholm Public Schools Wi-Fi Hotspots for Check-out Project support to increase students’ access to the internet at home by making hotspots available for check-out by students at the Chisholm Public School Library.
Chisholm Minnesota Discovery Center Distance Learning Program Project support to improve Minnesota Discovery Center’s public outreach by establishing a distance learning program related to Iron Range history and natural history for remote audiences, including a mobile cart with video conferencing capabilities
Ely Incredible Ely Google Local Listings Project support to create a website to showcase Ely to prospective residents, businesses, and visitors, including information on cost of living, the arts, restaurants, churches, business opportunities, infrastructure, etc.
Ely Incredible Ely Community Building Skilllshares Project support to improve local business profitability through free professional training on internet and social media use offered through Ten Below Coworking.
Ely Incredible Ely Proximity Beacons Project support to promote local events and businesses by using Wi-Fi enabled Bluetooth proximity beacons to deliver fun, interactive and unique experiences to park visitors.
Ely Incredible Ely Ely through my Eyes Project support to kick-off a promotional video series with four episodes that highlight Ely through diverse stories of the unique characters found within the community.
Ely ARTS in Ely Arts Directory Project support to promote area artists by creating a web-directory that will link artists, art consumers, and material providers in an easy-to-access and easy-to-maintain website.
Ely Hak Ely Ely Meetup Project support to increase the sophistication of Ely’s web presence through the use of Meetup.com software by businesses and organizations to consolidate and post all community event listings online in one location.
Grizzlies (Bois Forte, Cook, Orr) Orr Center Community Education Project support to increase internet access, digital literacy and technology use by providing adult education classes and public Wi-Fi at the Orr Center.
Grizzlies (Bois Forte, Cook, Orr) Cook Library Wi-Fi Hotspots and Adult Education Project support to increase internet access, digital literacy and technology use by providing public Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi hotspots for check-out, and technology training and activities at the Cook Library.
Grizzlies (Bois Forte, Cook, Orr) Bois Forte Reservation QuickBooks Business Training Project support to improve business technology skills by providing technical training and support for small business owners on QuickBooks.
Grizzlies (Bois Forte, Cook, Orr) Bois Forte Reservation Native Video Archive Project support to establish a Native Video Archiving program with videos of various events so future generations can see, about learn about culturally significant activity throughout the reservation.
Grizzlies (Bois Forte, Cook, Orr) North Woods School District Grizzlies Sports Blog and Website Project support to provide digital literacy and skills to students and community members through training in journalism, web design, and blogging while promoting a sense of one-ness between the three communities in the North Woods school district by establishing a webpage designed specifically to cover all Grizzlies sporting events and programs.
Hibbing Access North Center for Independent Living Aging in Place Through Technology Project support to increase internet use by utilizing smart home technology to create environmental control and enhance safety and security within homes to allow seniors to successfully age in place.
Hibbing HRA of Hibbing Public Housing / Downtown Mesh Wi-Fi Network Project support to increase public access to the internet by providing affordable Wi-Fi to up to 60 low-income families at the public housing facility, with the potential to provide free access in public areas and to businesses in the downtown area within two blocks of the facility.
Hibbing Tech Tank, Entrepreneur Fund Monthly Business Meetup Meetings Project support to increase the profitability of Hibbing area businesses by offering free monthly meetups with paid facilitators that focus on topics such as entrepreneurship, financial management, human resources, marketing, workflow mgmt, and technology.
Hibbing Fairview Range iPads in Emergency Dept, Hibbing Fire Dept, and Ambulances Project support to provide critical visual connectivity between first responders and emergency department providers by placing iPads in the Fairview Range Emergency Room, six Hibbing Fire Dept vehicles, three Nashwauk ambulances, and two Chisholm ambulances.
Hibbing Fairview Range Infusion Treatment Center iPads Project support to provide internet access to patients and family members visiting Hibbing for cancer treatments by offering two iPads at the Fairview Hibbing Infusion Center.
Mt. Iron-Buhl Mesabi Family YMCA Internet Upgrades Project support to increase internet access and digital literacy skills by expanding Wi-Fi throughout the Mesabi Family YMCA facility, offering science and technology programs for youth, and through implementing the Open Y platform which allows for more up-to-date website, apps, etc.
Mt. Iron-Buhl Mt. Iron-Buhl School District Environmental Community Learning Center Project support to invite and encourage students and community members to engage with technology to enrich their environment learning by establishing an outdoor learning lab with 12 GPS units, geocaching containers, a weather station, and a community greenhouse.
Mt. Iron-Buhl Mt. Iron-Buhl School District Technology Inspired Design Program Project support to improve digital literacy and technology skills by making the school’s STEM Lab available and accessible to the broader population, and to develop a multi-facetted approach to teaching students and community members about the endless creative possibilities of using the internet and design software.
Mt. Iron-Buhl Mt. Iron-Buhl School District Collaborative Community Journalism Project support to improve digital literacy and technology skills by showcasing the school’s technology to teach community members and students to develop and produce various types of videos, social media, advertisements, posters and more.
Mt. Iron-Buhl City of Mt. Iron City Services App Project support to develop an app for of the City of Mountain Iron to provide a wide variety of information to its residents.

 

This entry was posted in MN Broadband Equity Profiles 2022 by Ann Treacy. Bookmark the permalink.

About Ann Treacy

Librarian who follows rural broadband in MN and good uses of new technology (blandinonbroadband.org), hosts a radio show on MN music (mostlyminnesota.com), supports people experiencing homelessness in Minnesota (elimstrongtowershelters.org) and helps with social justice issues through Women’s March MN.

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