SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Springfield City Council is seeking input from residents regarding improved internet access. The council's Digital Equity Group is collaborating with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to organize a series of listening sessions to gather this feedback. The goal is to utilize residents' recommendations to apply for grants aimed at enhancing internet access and education in Springfield. "This is important to close that digital gap," says city councilor Jose Delgado. "That played out during COVID where everyone was home and they needed still be able to connect with their therapist--work wise---school wise---and so now there's really a race to get some of these grants." The next listening session is slated for October 30th starting at 5:30---and will be held at the Indian Orchard Citizens Council. Local News Headlines More than 360K early votes cast in Massachusetts Valley Press Club Roast raises funds for journalism students Springfield seeks resident input on improving internet access South Hadley police struggle with staffing shortages WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.