Framing
Connectivity to the digitized world is of increasing importance in society. Digital connection provides people with vital access to information, services, opportunities, communication options, and social networks. Out of 36 OECD countries, the USA ranks 31st for internet access among households. Despite California being home to some of the most advanced technologies, many households still lack access to the internet. California is ranked 7th in the country for access to wired or fixed wireless broadband. Likewise, access to mobility and transportation is essential for economic, social, and political activities. As one of the largest states by area, transportation is essential for Californians to thrive. The state has significant room for improvement to both increase the accessibility and sustainability of its transit systems. A 2021 mode-share study analyzing data from 2012 to 2017 found that biking, walking, and public transportation were all declining, contradicting California's goals to increase public and active transit. The study also revealed that by far the most dominant mode of transportation in the state is private vehicles, with approximately 80% of the total transit share. Overall, California experiences a moderate to significant shortfall in providing Californians with adequate access to connectivity and transportation.
Policy spotlight
* California recently secured a $70 million grant from the federal State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program to address digital equity. * Senate Bill 156 provides $6 billion to improve infrastructure and expand broadband access to businesses and homes. * 2024 saw many transportation policies under consideration or signed into law, including expanded service area and fare discounts for seniors in Sacramento (AB 1924 and AB 2634) and improving roadway design for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users to meet Caltrans requirements (SB 960).
Justice lens
* Rural and low-income households are less likely to have broadband access than their counterparts. * As people age, their ability to independently transport themselves declines and they become reliant on relatives and public transit options. * Rural households lack access to public transit links, medical transportation services, and car sharing opportunities.
Source & citation
Content on this page draws from The California Doughnut Snapshot and Report, used under CC-BY 4.0.
Aritza, A. and Kraus-Polk, J. et al. (2025). The California Doughnut Snapshot and Report. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17540639