By Corian Zacher

From August 5-7, 2024, broadband and digital equity advocates across the country convened in Denver, Colorado for the annual Mountain Connect conference. Next Century Cities’ Senior Policy Counsel for State and Local Initiatives, Corian Zacher, moderated a discussion with Bo Ford, Digital Equity Program Manager for New Mexico State Library, and Shannon Haynes, Town Manager for the Town of Breckenridge, Colorado.

The conversation kicked off with an overview of community needs. Ford explained that in New Mexico, rural communities are sometimes hours away from metropolitan areas where healthcare, education, and employment opportunities are more accessible. Haynes highlighted the unique challenges to building infrastructure for a small mountain community. Both agree that building and maintaining relationships with residents, anchor institutions, and policymakers are critical for tailoring programming to meet ongoing needs. 

Haynes described Breckenridge’s ambitious fiber plans. With the Town Council’s support, Breckenridge applied for a grant to connect anchor institutions with fiber. Along the path, the town connected to affordable housing, offering service for $40 for residents through a bulk billing agreement.

Ford explained the role that Social Determinants of Health, the nonmedical factors that significantly influence health outcomes, play as a policy framework for guiding digital equity planning. Health experts increasingly recognize broadband as a super determinant of health, facilitating not only direct healthcare connections between patients and providers, but also countless factors that influence health and wellness. 

You can view the full slide deck here.