A San Diego City Council committee voted Wednesday to move forward with a partnership to donate end-of-life computers to a local technology nonprofit organization to refurbish the machines for thousands of San Diegans in need of a computer.
The Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee unanimously approved the partnership to begin helping some of the nearly 30,000 local households that do not have computers.
“With so many San Diegans working and learning remotely, a computer is no longer a luxury but a lifeline,” said Mayor Kevin Faulconer.
“With the need for this technology growing, this partnership with the San Diego Futures Foundation will help bridge the digital divide for thousands for San Diegans and help them stay connected during this pandemic and beyond.”
With the committee approval of the proposed ordinance, it is expected to go before a full City Council vote in the coming weeks.
The city currently uses a contracted vendor to recycle or destroy end- of-life computer equipment like desktops and monitors. The current contract for these services has reached the end of its term and will wind down within two years.
If approved by the full council, the partnership would allow the San Diego Futures Foundation to receive, refurbish and distribute the roughly 800 computers the city considers end-of-life for its employees each year.
The city has 2,271 desktop computers that are ready to be refurbished and distributed that would otherwise be destroyed.
“With the current contract nearing expiration, this partnership would offer an innovative solution for the city to address digital inclusion and avoid potential costs with recycling this equipment,” said Jonathan Behnke, the city’s chief information officer.
“This technology could help someone who is struggling right now to work remotely, access government services, use telehealth services, go to class and much more.”
The San Diego Futures Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in City Heights that provides technology and training for San Diegans of all ages as well as nonprofit organizations who may need IT help.
The foundation has provided more than 53,000 computers to those in need and provided more than 10,000 training sessions. Through this partnership, the foundation would provide training to help recipients of the computers get off to a quick start and provide them with the resources to find affordable internet services.
“It’s exciting to see the city of San Diego is taking a major step in ensuring that the individuals on the wrong side of the digital divide will have computers made available from the city as they’re being retired or phased out of use,” said Gary Knight, the foundation’s executive director.
“This partnership marks a major step in ensuring that this digital divide is addressed in a meaningful way.”
— City News Service
