While not specifically broadband focused, it doesn’t take long to see how the following announcement might help a community plan for broadband deployment and/or adoption…
Today, the Obama Administration launched Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2), a new and customized pilot initiative to strengthen local capacity and spark economic growth in local communities while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely and efficiently.
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Additionally, communities nationwide will be eligible to compete for comprehensive economic planning assistance through a grant competition designed to spark local innovation. By integrating government investments and partnering with local communities, SC2 channels the resources of the federal government to help empower cities as they develop and implement their vision for economic growth.
They have already selected 6 communities to receive some assistance (none in Minnesota) but there are three ways in which Minnesota might benefit:
- A fellowship program that will place mid-career professionals in city agencies in the same six cities to work closely with the Community Solutions Teams, increasing the capacity of mayors and their staffs on key priorities
- A new Economic Planning Challenge grant that, through a national competition, will help additional communities – those without an economic blueprint – design a comprehensive strategy
- And the National Resource Network that, pending funding, will serve as a one-stop-shop for local governments to receive technical assistance from national experts with wide-ranging skills critical for promoting economic growth and resiliency
I hope that Minnesota communities will look into this. I’m assuming they are looking for cities, not rural areas. They do note that they are looking for a city in each of the six regional offices (Atlanta, Austin, Philadelphia, Chicago, Denver, and Seattle). The fellowship opportunity could be good for anyone.