Strengthening the Ecosystem for Long-Term Impact

Creating digital opportunity at scale requires more than individual programs. It requires strong partnerships, shared learning, community leadership, and a commitment to understanding what creates lasting change. 

This year, we focused on strengthening the Mecklenburg Hub as a regional ecosystem—one that can sustain momentum, adapt to changing needs, and serve as a model for collaborative digital opportunity efforts across North Carolina and beyond. 

Measuring What Sustains Change

As the digital opportunity ecosystem continues to mature, we are asking new questions about long-term impact. 

Working alongside researchers Dr. Roberto Gallardo and Dr. Bibi Reisdorf, CDE developed and deployed new survey tools designed to better understand how digital opportunity efforts influence not only individuals, but also organizations, networks, and communities over time. 

These tools support a broader sustainability framework centered on three interconnected elements:

• Mindset
• Networks
• Infrastructure

By gathering insights from both residents and partner organizations, we are building a stronger foundation for learning, continuous improvement, and long-term ecosystem growth. 

Deepening Community Engagement

A strong ecosystem depends on meaningful participation. 

Throughout the year, residents, partners, community organizations, businesses, schools, and grassroots leaders engaged through Community Council meetings, focus groups, ConnectTech cohorts, user experience research activities, and regional convenings. 

One of the year’s most significant milestones was the Digital Navigator Convening, which brought together navigators and community support professionals from across the region to strengthen relationships, identify shared challenges, explore opportunities for collaboration, and imagine new ways of working together. 

These conversations reinforced the value of community-led solutions and highlighted the importance of creating spaces where practitioners can learn from one another and build stronger networks of support. 

Advancing Thought Leadership and Policy Conversations

As emerging technologies continue to reshape how people live, learn, and work, CDE has remained committed to ensuring community voices are represented in broader conversations about the future of digital opportunity. 

This year, CDE contributed to discussions related to artificial intelligence, workforce development, digital infrastructure, and community-centered technology policy through conference presentations, podcasts, public discussions, and regional convenings. 

Highlights included participation in AI//Forward, community conversations exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on digital opportunity, thought leadership engagements focused on workforce and technology policy, and ongoing efforts to help communities better understand the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies. 

These engagements strengthen CDE’s role as both a community convener and a trusted voice helping translate complex technology issues into meaningful community conversations. 

FY26 at a Glance