Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development have partnered with the New York Public Library to announce "Liberty Link," a new initiative aimed at providing high-quality internet to low-income families in the city's affordable housing. This pilot program, supported by a $3.25 million funding from HPD, is expected to serve around 2,200 households across 35 affordable housing buildings in Bronx and Upper Manhattan, as per an announcement by the Mayor's Office.
Eric Adams conveyed the crucial nature of internet access in modern times, "Whether it’s finding a job, filling a prescription, or applying for child care, the internet is no longer a luxury; it’s an essential service." He linked the program to broader efforts under his administration to bridge the city's digital divide, highlighting the previous "Big Apple Connect" program which has provided internet service to NYCHA residents. This latest expansion with "Liberty Link" focuses on Section 8 and other affordable housing tenants. According to Adams in an statement obtained by the Mayor's Office, it is a step towards creating "a more affordable city for working-class families."
HPD Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani touched on the broader implications of this digital inclusion strategy, emphasizing that internet access is fundamental for education and health care, as well as job opportunities. HPD's "Neighborhood Tech Help" program is also a part of the initiative, aiming to improve digital literacy among participants. Tigani was quoted expressing the program's alignment with HPD's housing mission - to not only provide a foundation with shelter but also to build upon it by offering access to resources that are increasingly dependent on connectivity, as per the Mayor's Office.
The collaborative approach taken by the NYC administration and libraries represents a new frontier for public service delivery, keeping the New Yorkers' needs at the forefront. Notably, the NYPL will handle the connection of fiber internet and Wi-Fi infrastructure within these buildings. NYPL President Anthony W. Marx stated, "From applying to jobs to staying informed, the internet is increasingly necessary to fully participate in society." He positioned the library's mission as directly tied to ensuring free access to information in the digital age. This sentiment is echoed by local officials; New York City Councilmember Carlina Rivera reflected this by underscoring public libraries as critical equalizers—an insight supported by her words obtained through the Mayor's Office announcement.
Plans for network design and procurement are slated to start this summer, with hopes to begin rolling out service by the end of 2025. The pilot program will spend its first three years assessing various technologies and models to establish the most effective approaches for potential citywide application. Approximately half of its funding will be channeled to minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs) for the installation, maintenance, and operation of network infrastructure. The early response to the program has been positive, acknowledging it as a crucial step in removing barriers to internet access for innumerable residents in historically marginalized communities.
