Rural Utah Project

The Challenge

The Navajo Nation spans 16 million acres, much of which lacks named roads or house numbers. This "geographic void" led to systemic disenfranchisement, as residents were often placed in the wrong voting precincts or unable to register at all. Additionally, essential services like school bus routing and emergency wellness checks were nearly impossible to coordinate.

The Solution & Implementation

Partnership: Google in collaboration with Rural Utah Project (RUP).

The Process:

• Cultural Outreach: RUP hired Navajo speakers to visit over 5,000 structures, using satellite imagery to identify building footprints.

• Address Kits: Every home received an outdoor address board, a fridge magnet, and a wallet card to help residents learn their Plus Code.

• Precinct Correction: RUP used precise coordinates to work with county officials, ensuring voters were placed in the correct legislative districts.

The Impact

• Democratic Representation: Thousands of voters are now correctly registered, ensuring their voices are heard in local and national elections.

• Pandemic Relief: During COVID-19, relief organizations used Plus Codes to deliver food and medical supplies to otherwise unreachable families.

• Educational Access: Schools now utilize these codes for bus routing and wellness checks, ensuring no student is left behind due to their location.

Resources