States have played a significant role in supporting communities as they work to build out new networks and upgrade existing broadband infrastructure. Many states use a state broadband offices to centralize efforts. Until the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 5, Texas was one of the few states that lacked a statewide broadband plan. New legislation […]
One of the largest barriers that communities face in accelerating broadband deployment or launching adoption programs is the lack of funding. Local officials are oftentimes unaware of all of the funding opportunities that are available to them or lack the capacity to navigate the process. What’s more, communities in need may not find out about
A bold, connected future is possible when we embrace new ideas, support innovative processes, and develop effective partnerships. Those are several of the core takeaways from the July 21st Next Century Cities panel discussion on how ubiquitous broadband could positively impact communities across the United States. Next Century Cities hosted a virtual conference on July
In Austin, Texas, local leaders tap into community knowledge and expertise through their groundbreaking Leadership Austin fellowship program. On July 21st, 2021, Next Century Cities hosted a virtual conference featuring local leadership from California, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, and Virginia. During the session, Building Sustainable Solutions for Digital Inclusion in
In March of 2020, local officials from California to Virginia led an unexpected and unprecedented switch to life-from-home as the COVID-19 pandemic raged across the United States. Overnight, schools, public meetings, and city services switched to remote capabilities. For local leaders, one goal remained paramount: a continuity of services for every resident, regardless of connectivity
Detroit, Michigan, the largest city in the state of Michigan, is well-known for being home to Motown Music as well as the hub for American automobile production. However, as the world has been forced to go online, Detroit has gained notoriety for its vast digital divide. Joshua Edmonds, Detroit’s Digital Inclusion Director, joined NCC’s Brittany-Rae
Ohio communities face numerous connectivity challenges related to both broadband access and adoption. The problems are not unique to rural or urban areas. Local governments across the state are using a variety of innovative models to fill infrastructure gaps in their communities while simultaneously working to ensure that residents have the tools they need
What Broadband Advocacy in Ohio Means for Communities Nationwide Read More »
Academic Pre-Conference Presenters and Moderator On July 20th and 21st, 2021, Next Century Cities held its first-ever virtual conference. The two-day event kicked off with an academic pre-conference in which presenters shared current research, covering a wide range of topics that impact the broadband lnadscape. Through his research, Mike Conlow of Blue State Digital suggested
Broadband Scholars Gather for Next Century Cities’ First Academic Convening Read More »
Credit: Jones Day The State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (“SLFRF”) is a $350 billion emergency fund to be used by eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to support the populations that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in the SLFRF’s Interim Final Rules (“IFR”) are provisions that allow communities to use
On Friday, July 2, 2021, Next Century Cities submitted comments with the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) elevating the importance of using local digital equity strategies to address historic and ongoing discriminatory practices. The CPUC sought comment on three studies which highlight disparate broadband access and adoption for California residents living in digitally redlined areas.
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