New Mexico is known as the “the land of enchantment.” The landscapes are as stunning as the people are diverse. Hundreds of Native American and First Nation tribes meet in the City of Albuquerque each year for the Gathering of Nations, the largest pow-wow in North America. Since 1972, hundreds of thousands of international visitors have gathered there for the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. These days, local officials in Albuquerque’s community are working on ways to ensure that residents of New Mexico’s vibrant communities have exceptional opportunities beyond state borders. 

On December 7, 2022, Next Century Cities partnered with the City of Albuquerque to host Build Broadband Together, a digital equity workshop at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. The event was designed to allow local leaders to learn about best practices being implemented in New Mexican communities. The speakers included local officials and concerned citizens who are taking ownership of persistent digital divides. Next Century Cities staff also highlighted tools for addressing local connectivity challenges that are available on the National Broadband Resource Hub. Speakers included the following:

• Catherine Nicolaou, Broadband Program Manager, City of Albuquerque

• Jennifer Nevarez, Director and Lead Educator, CommUNITY Learning Network

• Kimball Sekaquaptewa, Chief Technology Officer, Santa Fe Indian School

• Roxanna Barboza, Program Director, Next Century Cities

Catherine Nicolaou detailed efforts by the City of Albuquerque to increase community awareness of the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program. The City is also working to build public awareness about the benefits of broadband and eliminating pass-through ROW fees from low-income customers. Nevarez emphasized the importance of coalitions. Getting involved in existing efforts and getting the word out about coalition work has helped mobilize resources and brainstorm solutions in Albuquerque. 

Kimball Sekaquaptewa discussed the important work happening within tribal communities to help connect Pueblo schools and libraries to each other and the world. She described the multigenerational impact of middle-mile and last-mile projects on households in digitally disadvantaged tribal communities. 

Roxanna Barboza wrapped up the discussion by introducing the National Broadband Resource Hub, a free online community for government leaders and nonprofits working to expand broadband access and affordability to build a strong digital future. Local leaders in various phases of broadband planning can access free resources on broadband deployment strategies, affordability programs, methods for increasing broadband adoption, and more.  

Local leaders stayed after the program to network and share ideas about how upcoming broadband grant programs could address local connectivity needs. View the event Recording here.

Related Media:

• First wave of broadband grants begin to address New Mexico’s ‘billion-dollar’ need | The Business Journals (Dec. 12, 2022)
• American Rescue Plan Helps Connect New Mexico | Benton Institute for Broadband & Society (Dec. 20, 2022)
• U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Hearing Featuring Kimball Sekaquaptewa: Ensuring Solutions to Meet America’s Broadband Needs