Title
Authorize the Chair to sign a letter of support to the California Department of Technology on behalf of the County of Monterey for the Golden State Connect Authority’s application to the California Digital Equity Capacity Subgrant Grant Program.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Authorize the Chair to sign a letter of support to the California Department of Technology on behalf of the County of Monterey for the Golden State Connect Authority’s California Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program application.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The California Digital Equity Capacity Subgrant Program, administered by the California Department of Technology (CDT), provides funding to support the implementation of the State Digital Equity Plan. This program aims to ensure all Californians have access to the technology, affordable broadband, and digital skills necessary to participate fully in modern society.
The Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) is preparing to submit a Track 1 application aimed at developing and refining county-specific digital equity plans that align with the California State Digital Equity Plan. This application will also support capacity-building efforts to implement digital equity initiatives, either directly or through secondary subgrants. These local plans will serve as a foundation for securing future funding to launch key activities such as digital navigation services, digital literacy training, creation of computer labs, workforce development programs, apprenticeships in broadband infrastructure and broadband adoption campaigns, and device distribution efforts.
The California Department of Technology (CDT) is distributing funds on a per-county basis, using an allocation formula that considers total population, covered population (including rural residents), and levels of broadband availability and adoption. Monterey County’s allocation is $478,382. GSCA will submit a multi-county application,...
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