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Broadband Built with Communities, For Communities

 

The Los Angeles Digital Equity Action League (LA DEAL), convened by UNITE-LA, empowers local leaders, unlocks funding and delivers broadband solutions where they’re needed most—ensuring every Angeleno can participate in the digital economy.

Equity-driven. Data-informed. Results-focused.

Noteworthy Highlights Include:

 

Infrastructure Development & Funding Acceleration

  • Project Pipeline Builder: Identified 15+ high-potential broadband infrastructure projects aligned with CASF, Federal Funding Account, BEAD and Public Housing programs.
  • Grant Development Leader: Supported the submission of 12 Local Agency Technical Assistance (LATA) applications—all successfully awarded in Los Angeles County.
  • Rural Connectivity Champion: Facilitated a CASF Infrastructure application to bring fiber-to-the-home service to nearly 1,000 residents in Antelope Acres (under CPUC review).
  • Funding Successes: Contributed to four Federal Funding Account grants awarded to community partners.

 

Community Impact & Deployment Milestones

  • Regional Engagement: Activated 50+ cross-sector stakeholders advancing broadband projects across L.A. County.
  • Middle Mile Collaboration: Partnered with the State on CA Middle Mile Network deployment along the 110 Freeway corridor, unlocking future last-mile opportunities.
  • Community Broadband Expansion: Supported development of a municipal wireless network delivering free or low-cost internet in East L.A. and South L.A.
  • Flagship Project Launch: Helped launch the Destination Crenshaw Wi-Fi Network, a model for community-centered broadband infrastructure.

 

Core Strategies Driving Regional Impact

  • Stakeholder Mobilization: Engages both traditional and unconventional partners to align around regional broadband challenges and co-create solutions.
  • Equity-Centered Deployment: Identifies and prioritizes communities where broadband need intersects with strong local leadership and readiness.
  • Public Will Building: Advances community-driven and community-owned broadband models through advocacy and coalition building.
  • ISP & Community Coordination: Strengthens relationships between communities and a diverse set of internet service providers to unlock deployment opportunities.
  • Project Catalyzation: Transforms planning into action by accelerating the development of broadband infrastructure projects across the region.