Affordable, reliable internet is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s a must-have.
Unprecedented federal investments over the past two years will put affordable, reliable broadband within reach for all Americans. But these new funding opportunities, which mark the first time the federal government has provided states with funds explicitly for broadband deployment and digital equity, also come with significant challenges—including complex funding streams, staffing hurdles, and other barriers unique to individual states. But despite these obstacles, states have shown that they are ready to act, and some are already paving the way toward a more connected future.
The Pew Charitable Trusts hosted partners, policymakers, broadband officials, and other leaders from across the country June 21-22, 2022, for discussions and workshops designed to equip attendees with the essential information and skills they need to get started on a path to broadband for all.
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Defining “internet for all” and how to best support state and local leadership:
Fireside chat with Alan Davidson, assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information and administrator, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
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Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and the digital divide:
Discussing how a region’s investments in digital equity took shape and where future work will go.
Moderator: Bill Callahan, National Digital Inclusion Alliance
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Reviewing the new precedents established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—for internet access and digital equity—and what that means for funding implementation, the field, partners, and talent development.
Moderator: Kathryn de Wit, The Pew Charitable Trusts
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Welcome remarks.
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Breaking down the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program planning process, stakeholder engagement, and how to align those with digital equity plans.
Moderator: Amy Huffman, National Digital Inclusion Alliance
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Scoping a role for philanthropy.
Philanthropic leaders throughout the country are responding to a national call to action. Learn how they can fill critical leadership, resource, and capital gaps.
Moderator: Jenny Choi, Media Democracy Fund
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Embedding equity in all aspects of implementation.
Equity isn't limited to the Digital Equity Program. How can Tribal, state, and local leaders meet the equity goals outlined in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law?
Moderator: Christa Vinson, Rural LISC
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Enabling local solutions requires expanding local leaders' expertise. This session reviews several local capacity building and broadband planning programs, including the funding structures that supported them.
Moderator: Curtis Hansen, Appalachian Regional Commission
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Building partnerships with outcomes in mind.
Organizations and businesses are eager to support digital equity goals, and communities should be prepared to benefit from those partnerships. What do Tribal, state, and local leaders need to consider as they build partnerships?
Moderator: Francella Ochillo, Next Century Cities
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Meaningful coordination between levels of government.
How can state, local, and Tribal governments work together and share information, resources, and assets to achieve goals for BEAD, the Digital Equity Act, and more?
Moderator: Tamarah Holmes, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
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Fireside chat and audience Q&A.
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Experiencing the benefits of connectivity.
How do we ensure that all communities can access the opportunities broadband offers? How can states and localities learn from and partner with organizations and agencies in workforce development, health care, and education to achieve their goals?
Moderator: Roberto Gallardo, Purdue University Center for Regional Development
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More research is needed to understand digital equity funding's impact. From the overall effects of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law dollars to the connection between digital equity and outcomes in specific populations, we must develop meaningful methods of measuring and evaluating this work. What systems exist, and how can we adapt them to this moment?
Moderator: Anna Read, The Pew Charitable Trusts
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Building ecosystems for advocacy.
State and local coalitions, as well as regional partners, have been crucial allies in universal access and digital equity initiatives. What role can they play now, and which models can be applied for specific outcomes?
Moderator: Coralette Hannon, AARP
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Building the broadband workforce.
Staffing is top of mind for leaders within and outside government. From the people needed to build, operate, and maintain networks to the digital navigators and stewards who will help improve community accessibility, how can program leaders work with industry, academic institutions, and community organizations to build up the necessary workforce?
Moderator: Samantha Schartman-Cycyk, The Marconi Society
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Ask me anything: Subject matter experts from across the country held open discussions covering emerging issues and immediate challenges facing broadband practitioners.
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