Title
Consider a preliminary analysis, in response to Board Referral No. 2021.08 to explore potential of creating a Monterey County Broadband Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to facilitate regional governance, strategy, collaboration and partnerships on expanding broadband access and closing the digital divide throughout Monterey County.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive the preliminary analysis outlined below in response to Board Referral No. 2021.08;
b. Provide direction on a preferred referral processing option:
1) Proceed with completion of referral based on modifications by Board, including considerations to modify the referral to include exploring additional broadband governance structures:
1.1) A JPA arrangement to allow public agencies, schools, community partners and institutions within Monterey County to contract to jointly exercise common powers;
1.2) A JPA arrangement that allows public agencies, schools, community partners and institutions to form a separate legal entity; or
1.3) A Community Broadband Board with representations from public agencies, schools, community partners and institutions
2) Return to Board with a more comprehensive analysis of referral and anticipated effort for completion;
3) Provide further direction, as appropriate.
SUMMARY:
Monterey County IT department received Board referral #2021.08 on May 18, 2021 to explore the potential of creating a Monterey County Broadband Joint Powers Authority to facilitate regional governance, strategy, collaboration and partnerships on expanding broadband access and closing the digital divide throughout Monterey County.
ITD acknowledges the Board referral and has been working diligently with various entities including Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, Central Coast Broadband Consortium, City of Salinas, Tellus Venture Associates, County Council and BB&K to research multiple topics of discussion for the purpose of sustainable community broadban...
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