Title
Receive the progress report from ITD outlined below, 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.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive the progress report outlined below in response to Board Referral #2021.08.
b. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
SUMMARY:
Monterey County IT department (ITD) received Board Referral #2020.25 on Sept. 6, 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. On May 18, 2021, ITD received Board referral #2021.08 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.
On July 20, 2021, Board directed ITD to close the Board Referral # 2020.25, and mark it completed. ITD will report to Board quarterly on the community broadband project progress through its presentation on Board referral #2021.08. This report summarizes ITD's progress on broadband since then which includes:
1) Regional broadband task force kick-off
2) Broadband RFP release
3) Submission of a Board Resolution to execute Golden State Connect Authority JPA agreement
4) Public Wi-Fi implementation.
ANALYSIS:
Background:
Monterey County IT department (ITD) received Board Referral #2020.25 on Sept. 6, 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. On May 18, 2021, ITD received Board referral #2021.08 to...
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