On Wednesday, October 19, 2022, several members of the Next Century Cities team visited with United States House and Senatorial offices to discuss broadband access and adoption challenges faced by many residents in member municipalities. 

While on the Hill, the team spoke with technology staff members from the offices of Senator Brian Schatz (HI), Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA), Senator Deb Fischer (NE), and Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH 9th district). During each meeting, the conversation focused on the challenges that residents and local leaders have with collecting, submitting, and challenging broadband mapping data. Team members also highlighted recently issued reports, “Resounding Silence: The Need For Local Insights In Federal Policymaking” and “Changing Our (Virtual) Reality: Telehealth and the United States Maternal Health Crisis.”

The team also followed up with a virtual meeting with the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband to discuss broadband mapping, middle-mile infrastructure, and network resilience. 

The Next Century Cities team prioritizes visiting Congressional offices twice annually, to help foster relationships between representatives and the constituents they serve. We encourage all local leaders to reach out to NCC directly if you are interested in visiting in-person or virtually with your representatives during our next #NCCDayOnTheHill.