Title
Receive a preliminary analysis report in response to Board Referral #2022.09, to explore the potential of creating a Salinas Valley Five Cities Joint Powers Authority to develop the broadband, and/or high-speed internet needed by all the communities and areas represented by the Joint Powers Authority, and provide further direction.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive the Information Technology Department report outlined below in response to Board Referral #2022.09;
b. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
SUMMARY:
On February 8, 2022, the Information Technology Department (ITD) was assigned Board Referral #2022.09 for the purpose of exploring the potential of creating a Salinas Valley Five Cities Joint Powers Authority (JPA). On February 10, 2022, ITD was provided a proposed draft of a JPA agreement, created by City of Gonzales.
ITD supports a JPA initiative which enables cities and the County to work together with a collective vision and cost sharing. ITD believes that the open-access network approach that leverages federal and state funds could lower subscriber cost and contribute to the County's already-existing broadband initiative. ITD has created a list of suggested changes to the JPA agreement proposed by City of Gonzales, which are listed below, and also in the Board presentation.
ANALYSIS:
Background:
On February 8, 2022, the Information Technology Department (ITD) was assigned Board Referral #2022.09 for the purpose of exploring the potential of creating a Salinas Valley Five Cities Joint Powers Authority (JPA). On February 10, 2022, ITD was provided a proposed draft of a JPA agreement, created by City of Gonzales.
California is facing a digital crisis, with far too many residents left without adequate and affordable broadband service. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the lack of reliable and affordable internet service to the forefr...
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