Title
Receive a progress report from the Information Technology Department in response to Board Referral #2021.08 to facilitate regional governance, strategy, collaboration and partnerships on expanding broadband access and closing the digital divide throughout Monterey County, and provide further direction.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a progress report from the Information Technology Department in response to Board Referral #2021.08 to facilitate regional governance, strategy, collaboration and partnerships on expanding broadband access and closing the digital divide throughout Monterey County;
b. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
SUMMARY:
On July 20, 2021, in Board Referral #2021.08, the Board of Supervisors directed the Information Technology Department (ITD) to report to the Board quarterly on the community broadband project progress. This report as well as ITD' presentation to the Board, will summarize ITD's progress on broadband which includes:
1) Broadband RFP update
2) Regional Broadband Task Force update
3) San Jerardo project update
4) Public Wi-Fi stats and sites
5) Board Referral #2022.09 South Salinas Valley JPA information
ANALYSIS:
Background:
The Monterey County Information Technology Department (ITD) received Board Referral #2020.25 in 2020, to support collaborative efforts to address the digital divide in partnership with local school districts, cities, the County of Monterey, and community partners, and to advocate for solutions at the state and federal level. In 2021, ITD received Board Referral #2021.08 directed at exploring the 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.
On July 20, 2021, the Board directed ITD to close the Board Referral # 2020.25, and mark it complete...
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