The California State Capitol
As states nationwide are determining whether to allocate American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery funds for broadband, California is in the process of designing grant programs to distribute funding. Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 156 into law in July 2021, marking a $6 billion investment in broadband infrastructure. $2 billion of that funding is earmarked to support last-mile projects.
On October 29, 2021, Next Century Cities submitted comments to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on its proposed broadband grant program aimed at expanding broadband access and adoption statewide. NCC’s comments highlighted the importance of collaborating with local leaders during the program planning process, including digital equity and economic development in funding criteria, and adopting a robust definition of affordability.
California is home to over 30 of NCC’s member municipalities. Equipped with a grant program that supports ongoing local needs, the state can make meaningful strides in achieving its universal broadband goals.
Read NCC’s filing here.
Additional Resources
- Planning for California’s $6 Billion Broadband Investment is Underway. What Does Your Community Need? (Next Century Cities)
- Promoting Digital Literacy in Central Valley, California (Next Century Cities)
- Overcoming Poverty in Delano, California (Next Century Cities)