On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, United Way of Frederick County President & CEO Ken Oldham and Board Member Joy Schaefer attended County Executive Jessica Fitzwater's Community Benefits Listening Session. This session was designed for members of the public to share their ideas about community benefits surrounding data center development in Frederick County.
Ken and Joy were honored to speak on behalf of the needs of the more than 35,000 ALICE households in our community in regards to digital equity. Their statements are below.
Testimony 1: Understanding ALICE Families and Digital Equity Needs
Provided by Joy Schaefer, Board Member
Good evening. My name Joy Schaefer and I am a member of United Way’s Board of Directors. I'm here to speak about digital equity as a critical need in our community and something that can be addressed within this community benefits conversation.
ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are our neighbors who work hard every day. They're healthcare aides, retail workers, administrative assistants, and small business employees. They earn too much to qualify for traditional assistance programs, but not enough to afford basic necessities. Nearly thirty percent of Maryland households are ALICE families. In Frederick County, that represents thousands of households caught in an income gap.
For ALICE families, digital connectivity isn't a luxury. It is essential infrastructure. When an ALICE child can't complete homework because a computer is not available at home, that's an educational crisis for the family. When an ALICE parent can't access telehealth services or apply for better-paying jobs online for lack of affordable internet at home, that's an economic mobility crisis for our community. When ALICE families can't fully participate in the emerging digital economy, that's a crisis within our society.
The opportunity before us with this community benefits agreement is unprecedented. Industry partners bringing significant technological infrastructure to our community creates a unique moment to ensure that the benefits of this industry reach those who otherwise will be left behind.
ALICE families don't need charity; they need opportunity. They need the same digital tools that more affluent families take for granted. They need internet connections that don't cut out during healthcare appointments. They need affordable service plans that don't force impossible choices between internet and groceries, or medications, or rent. They need computers at home and digital training opportunities.
A community benefits agreement that prioritizes digital equity acknowledges that our community's strength depends on ensuring every household can participate fully in our digital economy. Digital equity creates pathways to self-sufficiency and economic security.
I urge you to make digital equity a cornerstone of this agreement, ensuring ALICE families throughout Frederick County can access the opportunities they've earned through their hard work.
Thank you.
Testimony 2: Technical Framework for Digital Equity
Provided by Ken Oldham, President & CEO
Good evening. I'm Ken Oldham, CEO of United Way of Frederick County, and I’m here to support digital equity for ALICE families.
With the development of new digital infrastructure in Frederick County, we have a unique opportunity demonstrate how the “The Frederick County Way” brings new digital opportunity to ALICE families. True digital equity rests on four interconnected pillars: Access, Affordability, Ability, and Advocacy. Each requires intentional planning, communitywide coordination and investment.
Affordability addresses the reality that infrastructure means nothing if families can't afford service. The FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program demonstrated that subsidized internet access works. With that program's end, thousands of local of local families have been left without affordable access. Through this CBA process, we can significantly improve broadband affordability in our community.
Access means the availability of digital devices. United Way’s Digital Access Initiative in 2024 showed that 83% of local families did not have a computer at home prior to our initiative. Our effort to distribute 5,500 Chromebooks also showed that there was need in every village, town and city.
Ability encompasses digital literacy and skills. Having internet access without knowing how to use it safely and effectively creates digital isolation rather than digital equity. This includes basic computer skills, online safety, navigating essential services, and understanding privacy protections. Technical training programs are effective when included in comprehensive digital equity efforts.
Advocacy ensures systemic support and coordination. This means establishing ongoing governance structures that monitor progress, address emerging gaps, and ensure that emerging policies align with other support systems available to ALICE families. Advocacy requires a strict focus on data collection and analysis. The beauty of this framework is its scalability and measurability.
The CBA represents an opportunity to build digital equity infrastructure as thoughtfully and comprehensively as the physical infrastructure being developed. When we approach this work strategically and collaboratively, everyone benefits. Families gain opportunity, industry partners strengthen community relationships, and Frederick County becomes a model to be followed by other communities.
Thank you for your consideration.
