New: Diversity in Early-Career Tech Policy Roles: Surveying Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Field

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Public Knowledge has new research on Diversity in Early-Career Tech Policy Roles: Surveying Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Field. Here’s the executive summary…

In 2021, Public Knowledge published the first iteration of this study, led by Tsion Tesfaye, which identified structural barriers to diversity in early-career technology policy roles: reliance on narrow networks, exclusionary job descriptions, inequities in compensation, and the absence of robust demographic data collection. These findings informed Public Knowledge’s own Equity Council, partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and adjustments to hiring practices.

In 2025, amid heightened political scrutiny and dismantling of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, this updated study expands the scope and methodology. We surveyed 13 technology policy organizations and convened 17 early-career technology policy professionals. Key insights include:

Recruitment remains narrow. Job opportunities remain largely circulated within organizational websites and established networks, with limited outreach to Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), affinity groups, or community-based organizations, which continues to restrict access for underrepresented candidates.

On-ramps are improving but remain inequitable. Paid internships are now the dominant early-career on-ramp, but few organizations offer externships or other pathways, and financial barriers still shape who can participate.

Bias-reduction is partial. Structured interviews are widely used to reduce bias, yet practices such as blind resume reviews, scoring rubrics, and diverse interview panels are inconsistently adopted across organizations.

Policies outpace practice. Most organizations report having formal inclusivity policies, but the effectiveness of these policies in improving diverse hiring is mixed, and demographic data collection remains uneven.

Retention depends on clarity. Mentorship and sponsorship programs are the most common strategies for retention, though early-career professionals emphasized the need for clear promotion pathways, stronger onboarding processes, and opportunities to build policy-writing skills.

Leadership representation lags. Diversity in leadership and decision making spaces remains limited, with many early-career professionals reporting that their lived experiences are only sometimes recognized or valued.

The external climate is chilling. Organizations report mixed effects from the external political climate, with most seeing little impact but some noting that federal and state-level legal and regulatory backlash of DEI has created hesitancy around data collection and public commitments

Office of Broadband Development presentation to MN House Committee on Agriculture Finance and Policy

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Today, the Office of Broadband Development presents to MN House Committee on Agriculture Finance and Policy:

Monday, February 23, 2026, 1:00 PM
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Co-Chair: Rep. Paul Anderson holds the gavel
Co-Chair: Rep. Rick Hansen
Location: Capitol G3

The presentation will look remarkably similar to the recent presentation given to the Senate Committee last week.

*this is a link to the live video, broadband starts around 3:15. I will replace this with the archive video once available.

QUESTIONS:

  • Q Line Extension: I heard they were being assessed an extra fee because their connection was copper. In Stearns County, but this county wasn’t a part of the county effort to get service.
    We will need to look at the location. Line Extension won’t overbuild.
  • Any impact from tariffs?
    Not yet – as far as current construction. But we hear with BEAD that suppliers are having challenges. BEAD is required to buy American/build America – but we’re running into shortages there because the supplies weren’t for broadband only. We may be looking for waivers.
  • Q: We have a lot of folks on LEO & Fixed wireless – do you know cost of location? And how it might increase?
    Within BEAD: LEO didn’t apply during program so no limitations. Both were awarded another way at $900-1800 per location but we don’t know what we will be buying. Would have to dig to get stats on fixed wireless. Average cost in BEAD was around $5000 taking in account all modes of broadband. Highest cost was $36,000 per location. It was not accepted. But we did get approval for $22,000 per location.
  • Q: Shouldn’t we try to get fiber for a minimum of $5000? What’s our goal with fiber?
    BEAD is its own thing. State programs and goals are different.
  • Q: LEOA and fixed wireless – do they meet state requirements for speeds?
    No
  • Q: Why are we doing this in rural areas?
    It helps the childcare shortage by allowing childcare workers to do professional development at home. Also it makes reporting to the State easier.
  • Q: Who builds the broadband? Do you work with contractors or do you put our an RFP?
    OBD grants are for broadband providers.
  • Q: Do you have issues with workforce shortages?
    ISPs generally plan in advance. But it is a challenge.
  • Q: Given the federal funds and state investment when will we get ubiquitous broadband?
    We thought it would be $1.2 billion.
  • Q: How is MN doing?
    We have been doing this work for a long time so our questions are more complex than other states.
  • Q: It used to be that local providers got dibs on funding. Is that still true?
    We do rank applications by local support. It behooves providers to build relationships with the community.

OPPORTUNITY: MN Technology Advisory Council seats open

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An opportunity from the MN Boards & Commission…

Technology Advisory Council
Vacancies: 1 Seat — State Agency Business Planning – Member

More info…

Membership
The Council will be comprised of the following voting members:
a. Fifteen voting members:
i. Membership includes one member designated by Minnesota Association of Counties; six members appointed by the governor, who are actively involved in business planning for state executive branches; one member appointed by the governor, representative of union that represents state information technology employees; and one member appointed by the governor who is a representative of private business.
ii. Six additional members selected by the Governor and Lieutenant
Governor with private-sector or public-sector IT experience or
experience in academia pertaining to IT
b. Four ex-officio non-voting members:
i. A member of the Minnesota House of Representatives selected by the
Speaker of the House
ii. A member of the Minnesota House of Representatives selected by the
Minority Leader
iii. A member of the Minnesota Senate selected by the Majority Leader
iv. A member of the Minnesota Senate selected by the Minority Leader
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor will designate one of the fifteen voting
members to serve as the Council’s Chair.
Which seals? (Some discrepancy between the email and the website)..
Private Business Representative Private Business Representative Governor 8/18/2025

And

State Agency Business Planning – Member State Agency Business Planning – Member #6 Governor 3/16/2026

New: MN Report of the Technology Advisory Council: cybersecurity, AI, data sharing and production management

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Minnesota has a Technology Advisory Council (TAC). The release an annual report. For someone (like me) who attends all of the MN Broadband Task Force meetings, it’s a next step of sorts of looking to what’s coming toward us and how the state can maximize benefits and minimize risk. Also, from someone who attended the broadband meetings, the discussions happening at the TAC shine a light on the need for ubiquitous broadband. Here’s the executive summary…

Technology shapes how Minnesotans access essential government services — from childcare and healthcare to public safety, licensing, and regulatory oversight. As expectations for speed, security, and transparency rise — and as cyber threats, artificial intelligence, and federal funding uncertainty intensify — Minnesota must modernize in ways that deliver clear public value while protecting privacy, security, and public trust.

The legislature established the TAC in 2021 to provide strategic guidance to MNIT and executive branch agencies on enterprise technology priorities. Drawing on expertise from across the public and private sectors, the TAC helps the state reduce systemic risk, modernize responsibly, and align technology investments with legislative intent and statewide goals. In 2025, the TAC focused on strengthening the enterprise foundations required for effective, accountable government. Building on prior recommendations, the TAC emphasized governance-driven approaches that move Minnesota beyond isolated projects toward durable, scalable capabilities. Across all focus areas, a consistent theme emerged: Lasting public value depends on shared standards, coordinated execution, and sustained investment in people, data, and security. The TAC’s work in 2025 centered on four priority areas:

Advancing responsible artificial intelligence

Minnesota continued to lead in responsible AI adoption by strengthening enterprise governance, shared standards, and workforce readiness. Rather than pursuing AI for its own sake, agencies applied AI to clearly defined use cases that improve efficiency and decision-making while maintaining transparency, auditability, and alignment with Minnesota values.

Reinforcing cybersecurity and operational resilience

In response to an evolving threat landscape — including emerging risks such as quantum computing — and shifting federal support, the TAC prioritized a whole-of-state cybersecurity model. This approach emphasizes shared intelligence, coordinated response, and workforce development to reduce risk and protect critical services across state, local, Tribal Nations, and critical infrastructure partners.

Strengthening data sharing and evidence-based decision-making

The TAC emphasized the need for a coordinated, enterprise approach to data stewardship and sharing. Stronger leadership, clearer legal frameworks, and improved data quality enable agencies to collaborate more effectively, reduce duplication, and deliver faster, more seamless services — while protecting privacy and security.

Modernizing service delivery through product and experience

Recognizing that human-centered services depend on strong product and agile practices, the TAC advanced recommendations to modernize procurement, funding models, leadership engagement, and workforce capacity — shifting government from project completion to sustained value delivery.

The report goes on to provide recommendations for each area.

EVENT Feb 23: Office of Broadband Development presents to MN House Committee on Agriculture Finance and Policy

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The Office of Broadband Development presents to MN House Committee on Agriculture Finance and Policy…

Monday, February 23, 2026 , 1:00 PM

Agriculture Finance and Policy

Co-Chair: Rep. Paul Anderson holds the gavel
Co-Chair: Rep. Rick Hansen
Location: Capitol G3
Agenda:

Please note: Eligibility for the Dairy Assistance, Investment, Relief Initiative (DAIRI) program modified, now HF 3508 (Nelson), is removed from the agenda.
– Update from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Broadband Development

Live Video

Bills Added

HF3548(Anderson)
Farm down payment assistance program modified.

HF3549(Anderson)
Use of the grain indemnity account modified.

Committee Documents:

(2/20/2026)

(2/20/2026)

(2/20/2026)

(2/20/2026)

Opinion Piece in Star Tribune: Slow down the rapid growth of data centers

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Last year, I noticed a number of local discussion and event seminars on data centers looking to set up iin various Minnestoa towns. With the legislature in session, I suspect we’ll see a few more opinions shared in the near future. The following is an Opinion piece written to the Minnesota Star Tribune…

Put simply, data center proposals are moving faster than policy in Minnesota. The speed of AI investments in data centers is outstripping the ability of the state and communities to protect themselves from their rapacious demands. We need a pause. We are calling on the Legislature to pass a two-year moratorium on data centers so that policymakers can catch up with this fast-moving industry. In those two years, the state should develop recommendations on policies to protect our natural resources and communities. They should look at the potential cumulative impacts of multiple proposed data centers, and they should develop a statewide strategy on where and how we will allow this industry to develop in our state.

Our organizations are tracking at least 21 potential data center proposals. Minnesotans from around the state are calling our organizations daily, concerned about known or suspected data center proposals in their communities. We say “suspected” because, in many cases, it is quite hard to know what is actually being proposed. These projects are moving forward under a cloak of secrecy, often described in vague terms such as “technology park” or “light industrial development.” Even when city officials state that it is a data center, it’s often hard to get details beyond that basic fact.

The letter was submitted by the following…

Organizations that are signatories to this article include the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, CURE, the Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Mississippi River, Stop the Hermantown Data Center, the Coalition for Responsible Data Center Development, Vote Solar, WaterLegacy and Clean Water Action.

Willmar City Council approves selling bonds for Phase 1 of Willmar Connect project

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KWLM 96.3 Lakeland Media reports…

The Willmar City Council this week approved issuing bonds for Phase 1 of the Willmar Connect broadband project. Phase 1 will involved laying fiber optic cable to every home and business south of Highway 12 and west of 1st Street, then leasing the cable to any company interested in providing internet service. The bond approved Tuesday is for 9.2 million dollars, and City Operations Director Kyle Box says the bond would be repaid through revenues generated by leasing the network to the internet service providers…

…Box says it is estimated the Willmar Connect project will not cash flow until after Phase Two is up and operating in a few years…

…Box says it is hoped the contractor can begin work on Phase One later this year.

Benton reports on the NTIA Broadband Non-Deployment Listening Sessions

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The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society report on the Non-Deployment Listening Sessions  hosted by National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)…

We’ve been…well, listening in to the listening sessions held by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) regarding the use of potential Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program non-deployment funds. This week, NTIA held its second session on the subject, which concluded just before the deadline for written input on what to do with non-deployment funding.

Between the two sessions, roughly 85 people were able to communicate their non-deployment ideas to NTIA staff. Broadband adoption (including affordable broadband, low-cost devices, and digital skills training) is the most supported use mentioned over both meetings. Here’s what speakers said during round two, and how it compares to the first session last week.

Here’s an interesting look at the range of topics…

The two non-deployment listening sessions contained a few recurring themes that steered the conversation amongst everyone who was able to speak. By our estimates, these key topics were mentioned by the speakers at the rates given below:

  1. Broadband Adoption: Affordability, Device Access & Digital Literacy  –  43 (times mentioned by speakers)

  2. Workforce Development –  22

  3. Broadband Affordability  – 13

  4. Regional/Local Flexibility – 13

  5. Permitting Reform – 12

  6. Middle Mile & AI infra – 12

  7. Public Safety & Emergency Response/911 – 9

  8. More Infrastructure – 7

  9. EdTech/Kids Safety – 7

  10. Return Funds to Treasury – 5

  11. Wireless infra – 5
  12. Mapping/Data Collection – 4
  13. Tribal broadband –  3
  14. Air Traffic Control – 1
  15. Radio Technology – 1

 

 

EVENT Feb 23: Office of Broadband Development presents at MN House Agriculture Finance and Policy

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From the MN House…

1:00 PM

Agriculture Finance and Policy

Calendar
Permalink
Location: Capitol G3
Co-Chair: Rep. Paul Anderson holds the gavel
Co-Chair: Rep. Rick Hansen

Agenda:

– Update from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Broadband Development
– HFXXXX (Anderson) Farm Downpayment Assistance Program Modifications (Pending introduction; Revisor number 26-06857)
– HFXXXX (Anderson) Restricting Grain Indemnity Account transfer for other purposes (Pending introduction; Revisor number 26-06622)
– HFXXXX (Nelson) Dairy Assistance, Investment, Relief Initiative (DAIRI) modification (Pending introduction; Revisor number 26-06826)

Committee Documents:

26-06857
26-06622
26-06826

EVENT March 26: Ignite Cup 2026 – Live Pitch Night in Red Wing MN

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An invitation for investors and entrepreneurs from Red Wing Ignite…

🔥 Ignite Cup 2026 – Live Pitch Night
Thursday, March 26 • 6:00–9:00pm • Red Wing, MN

Get ready for an electrifying evening of innovation, inspiration, and real-time business breakthroughs at the Ignite Cup—SE Minnesota’s premier pitch competition! This is your front-row seat to witness bold ideas come to life as local entrepreneurs and startup founders take the stage to pitch their ventures to a panel of expert judges.

Whether you’re a seasoned business builder, aspiring founder, investor, or community supporter, this event offers something for everyone:

✨ High-impact pitches from emerging companies across industries
🤝 Networking opportunities with innovators, mentors, and regional leaders
💡 Inspiration & insights into the next generation of ventures thriving in our region
🏆 Live competition — watch finalists compete for cash prizes, mentorship, community recognition, and even a seat in the statewide MN Cup competition.

Be there to cheer on the finalists, connect with driven entrepreneurs, and be part of a community that’s building the future of business in southeastern Minnesota. Don’t miss your chance to experience where creativity meets opportunity!

👉 Reserve your spot today and join us for an unforgettable night of innovation!

 

Worth sharing: That text or email about your “tax refund” is a scam

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I suspect that most readers are savvy about how technology can be used to scam folks, but a reminder never hurt and we all might know someone who could also use a reminder – or lesson. Here’s help from the FTC…

Tax season is approaching, and if you’re getting a refund, scammers are looking to steal it before you’ve had a chance to claim it. So, before you respond to a text or email about a “tax refund” — especially one that asks you to click a link — know that this could be a scam designed to get your personal information and steal your tax refund.

These scams often start with a text or email that looks like it’s from the IRS or a state tax office saying they’ve “processed” or “approved” your tax refund claim. (Note: that’s not how you find out about a real tax refund.) To “verify your identity” and “send you money,” they ask you to click a link to enter details like your Social Security and bank account numbers — but it’s a phishing scam. If you click and share your info, the scammer might steal your personal information to get your tax refund or even steal your identity to open other accounts.

If you get a message like this:

  • Know that the real IRS and state tax offices won’t reach out by text, email, or on social media to get your information. Only scammers will.
  • Don’t respond or click any links. To check the status of a pending tax refund, never use the link from the message. Instead, visit USA.gov to learn how to find out if you’re really getting a federal or state tax refund.
  • Report and delete the message. Use your phone’s “report junk” option or forward unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM) and mark unwanted emails as spam or junk. Once you’ve checked it out and reported it, delete the message.

Visit IdentityTheft.gov/steps to learn how to protect yourself before identity theft happens. And if you spot a scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Bois Forte Band in Northeastern MN Begins Construction on $20 Million Tribal Fiber Project

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The Institute for Local Self Reliance reports…

The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa (also referred to as Ojibwe) has officially begun construction on a foundational fiber optic broadband expansion project in northern Minnesota that is poised to bridge the digital divide for thousands of Tribal residents.

The ambitious undertaking is supported by a significant $20 million grant awarded under the 2021 Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, marking a major step forward in modernizing infrastructure for the sovereign nation.

The massive project aims to overhaul the existing connectivity landscape across the Bois Forte Reservation.

Once completed, the new network will deliver a high-speed, future-proof up to 10 gigabit per second (Gbps) fiber-to-the-home network to over 2,097 largely-underserved Native American households, businesses, and community anchor institutions.

The article goes on to give a history and environmental scan for the project moving forward.

New MN Bill introduced: A bill for an act relating to data privacy HF3353

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I am going to try to at least track the bills that get introduced that are at all related to broadband and/or broadband use. I may not follow all closely. Click the bill number for more info and updates:

From the MN House:

Freiberg, Bahner and Moller introduced:

HF. 3353,A bill for an act relating to data privacy; expanding personal information protections for judicial officials to state legislators; creating a legislative task force to study personal information protections for government officials; requiring a report; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, sections 480.40, subdivision 1; 480.45, subdivision 2.

Office of Broadband Development speaks to MN Senate Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

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Today the Office of Broadband Development gave a presentation this afternoon to MN Senate Committee…

Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 03:00 PM
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Chair: Sen. Aric Putnam
Location: 1150 Minnesota Senate Bldg.

Agenda

Office of Broadband Development – Update on State Programs and BEAD

*Note I will change the video when it is archived, in the meantime, OBD starts about an hour into the video

Here are the questions:

  • 50 communities were telecommuter Forward? What is that?
    It’s a special designation that comes with some resources.
  • What’s up with satellite? I understand when the State invests in fiber but not so much satellite.
    The providers get paid by milestones. That does look different for LEO.
  • Does that mean we pay people’s bills?
    We’re paying for capacity. Not bills. NTIA defines LEOs as part of that infrastructure investment. It is a question people ask because technically everyone already has satellite.
  • What’s up with AI regulation and broadband funding?
    There are terms and conditions that we are working through with the legal team to ensure that we can deploy without fear of crossing the lines.
  • Is MN compliant with AI regulations for current Admin?
    NTIA have given themselves until March 11 to define “onerous AI” – we should know more after that.
  • Can people submit to Line Extension offline?
    We take applications by paper and phone.

The slides below can also be found in the PDF mentioned above. (I just think it’s easier to see here in graphic form.)

MN Broadband Task Force meeting Feb 2026: Rural Health Research and Technologist Computers

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The Broadband Task Force met today. Their stated goal is to focus on education in the first few months of the year. Today they heard from folks at the Mayo on rural health research and from a Task Force member Ini Augustine who does digital equity work in Hennepin County through Technologist Computers. They also got an update from the Office of Broadband Development.

Meeting Agenda Continue reading →