The Return of Bipartisan Tech
January 11, 2022
Greetings!

The Next Century Cities team welcomes the opportunities that accompany a new calendar year. Like many of you, we are already working on broadband issues that impact communities like yours – grant funding opportunities, universal access programs, data collection, and more. In our first bulletin of the year, we have included headlines and information that matter to local and state officials.

First, mark your calendars for our Bipartisan Tech Conference on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. The convening will examine the bipartisan impact of digital inequities using local perspectives. Additional details about registration, speakers, and the schedule are forthcoming. For sponsorship information, please contact Lukas Pietrzak. Register for conference updates here.
Your Community's Story
Is a Critical Part of Our Advocacy
Share Your Story Today.
As part of our 2022 campaign to showcase what universal broadband could enable, we will incorporate quotes, testimonials, and stories about your membership in NCC into publications, policy filings, and programs. We hope that you will set aside ten minutes to share your community's story here.
Member Survey
(for internal use)
Local leaders are working to navigate a rapidly changing broadband landscape. We continuously evaluate new ways to serve our member municipalities. Community feedback is a critical part of that process. Will you please take a few minutes to complete our membership survey?
NCC Members and Allies are Making Headlines
Washington State Digital Equity Act of 2022
Washington state’s Digital Equity Act of 2022 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Community and Economic Development today, January 11, 2022. 
New York State Announces ConnectALL initiative
In her 2022 State of the State speech, New York’s Governor Hochul announced the $1 billion ConnectALL initiative. A first-of-its-kind program, ConnectALL is the largest ever investment in New York's 21st century infrastructure. The initiative includes: Broadband Assessment Program and Interactive Map,Grant Programs, $30-a-month Affordability Subsidy, Affordable Housing Connectivity Program, and the Digital Equity Program. Learn more about the ConnectALL initiative here.
South Bend to Expand Fiber Capacity
South Bend, Indiana, will add free WiFi access points to its existing footprint and plans on expanding fiber capacity in 2022. The city will take public input on for suggested access point locations.| Learn more about upcoming plans here.
NEK Broadband to Begin Construction
NEK Broadband is the second Vermont Community Utility District (CUD) to begin construction. Evan Carlson, Chair of NEK Broadband, shared the CUDs plans with NCC in 2021. NEK's goal is to connect 500 addresses annually over the course of the next five to seven years.
Three NCC Municipalities Awarded "What Works Cities" Certifications
Bloomberg Philanthropies awarded 10 cities What Works Cities Certification for their data use, including three NCC member municipalities: Baltimore, Maryland; Long Beach, California; and Rochester, New York.
Restructured Cleveland City Council Prioritizes Broadband
Blaine Griffin, the newly-elected Cleveland City Council President, announced the restructuring and expansion of city council committees. The Utilities Committee is among the expanded committees, with a renewed focus on creating a citywide broadband network.
Funding and Learning Opportunities
Apply for the
Build Better Broadband Grant
Communities are encouraged to apply for the ‘Build Better Broadband’ grant. Through the grant, up to five communities will receive fully-funded broadband masterplans. This work will include a complete to every address feasibility level design in 3D software (ESRI and Google Earth compatible), market analysis, resident and business surveys, business model analysis, risk analysis and pro forma financial modeling. Applications are due on January 14, 2022. Learn more about the application requirements and review process here. 
Getting Started on Your Community Broadband Journey
The next Michigan Moonshot webinar, “Getting Started on Your Community Broadband Journey,” will be held on January 19th. Attendees will learn why communities are taking action now to bring broadband Internet to their areas; what steps interested individuals and groups should take to begin their broadband journey; how local broadband advocates can get the education, resources and support needed to make high-speed Internet a reality in their community. Register for the webinar here. 
Philadelphia Releases
Digital Navigator Report
The City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, released a Digital Navigator Report and Fact Sheet, which provides key insights about Philadelphia’s Digital Navigator program and similar programs across the country.
State Broadband Offices, Task Forces, Agencies, and Funds
Pew Charitable Trusts updated its map showing which states have broadband offices, task forces, funds, and agencies. Understanding which state organizations are responsible for broadband is an important step to take advantage of upcoming Infrastructure Act funding.
Career Advancement
The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition is hiring a Policy Advocate/Director. The ideal candidate has broadband or technology policy experience and strong writing skills. The full job description can be accessed here. Candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Emily Olson at eolson@shlb.org.

Brookline Interactive Group is hiring for a Director of Technical Operations. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The Director will manage day-to-day operations for Brookline Interactive, and provide technical leadership and staff development supporting organizational goals. Applicants should email resumes and cover letters to info@brooklineinteractive.org.  
Location:
1835 7th Street NW
Unit #261
Washington, DC 20001