Book Talk: Digital Equity Ecosystems: How Community Coalitions Reduce Inequality and Strengthen Democracy
July 15, 2026 from 1:00 PM– 2:00 PM ET
Virtual (Zoom)
Join The Metropolitan New York Library Council for a lunchtime chat with Colin Rhinesmith, author ofDigital Equity Ecosystems:How Community Coalitions Reduce Inequality and Strengthen Democracy. Colin, an associate professor and director of the Digital Equity Action Research (DEAR) Lab in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will join us to talk about how community coalitions—in which libraries can play an essential role—serve as vital infrastructure to tackle digital inequality and strengthen democracy.
Find more information, including a link to register, here.
The webinar will feature four practitioners who have been in the trenches of community broadband development: Jim Cannon, CEO of Pivot-Tech; Scott Corbitt, General Manager of the Port of Lewiston; Christina Burns, Kendall County Administrator; and Chris Perlitz, Managing Director at Municipal Capital Markets Group, Inc.
The conversation will be grounded in two case studies — Kendall County and Lewiston — that together illustrate what it actually takes to move a community fiber project from idea to operating network, using a creative “63-20” tax-exempt bond model championed byPivot-Tech Development, which specializes in public-private partnerships for community-owned broadband networks.
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries from telecommunications to customer service, the question is no longer whether AI will transform the workforce, but how leaders, policymakers, and educators can ensure workers are not left behind. This panel brings together experts to examine the real-world impact of automation on jobs, the sectors most exposed to disruption, and the strategies that can turn displacement into opportunity. Panelists will explore reskilling and upskilling initiatives, the role of public-private partnerships, emerging policy frameworks, and what a resilient, AI-ready workforce looks like in the years ahead. Join us for a frank conversation about protecting workers while harnessing the productivity gains AI can deliver.
Panelists
Panelists have been invited
Melissa Newman (moderator), SVP, Government Relations, TIA
Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates
Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates
NTIA funding opportunities on Tribal Lands and broadband news
Broadband Task Force, June meeting recap
Line Extension Connection Program, registration open for residents and businesses
Thank you to the National Tribal Telecommunications Association (NTTA) for welcoming Office of Broadband Executive Director, Bree Maki, to present alongside Minnesota Telecom Alliance’s President/CEO, Brent Christensen at the 2026 NTTA Midwest Regional Tribal Broadband Summit last week!
Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates
Minnesota continues to advance the federal BEAD program forward with steady, thoughtful progress through pre-contracting. As contracts are signed, the projects will be reflected on the dashboard, and progress will be able to be monitored on the Minnesota BEAD map.
A webinar for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program will be held Wednesday July 8 at 11 a.m. CT. for the Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems). The session agenda is posted on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage under the “Broadband Development Training series” toggle. No registration required and the Teams link to join the session will be included on the agenda.
Reminder: Updated guidance was released June 16 from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the updated FAQ Version 22 is available on NTIA’s webpage.
Additional information and resources will continue to be posted and updated on OBD BEAD’s webpage ensuring partners have ongoing access to the latest program developments.
NTIA funding opportunities on Tribal Lands and broadband news
The Broadband Task Force met virtually on Thursday June 18 and heard a panel presentation from Mediacom’s Christopher Lord, Sr. Director, Government Partnership Opportunities and Nuvera’s Kathy Lund, Vice President of Technical Services on experiences so far with the federal BEAD program, particularly challenges in the application process, activities for pre-contracting, and what has has worked well in Minnesota so far. The Office of Broadband Development’s Jennifer Frost and Megan Messerole presented general BEAD program and environmental permitting updates in addition to regular updates from OBD’s Executive Director, Bree Maki.
An overview was provided by the Mayo Clinic Housing-Based Socioeconomic Status (HOUSES) Program of the HOUSES Index, a tool developed to provide individual-level socioeconomic measure with relevancy to broadband and exploration of potential benefits from collaboration from experts Dr. Young Juhn, Dr. Chung Wi, and Dale Shim.
Line Extension Connection Program, registration open for residents and businesses
Registration remains open for residents and businesses for future rounds of the Line Extension Connection Program. For assistance completing the application or to request a paper form to complete, please call 651-259-7610 or email DEED.broadband@state.mn.us.
OBD expects to announce a sixth round of the program with standard timelines using state funds later in 2026.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit recently vacated the Federal Communications Commission’s 2023 Digital Discrimination Order, finding the commission exceeded its statutory authority.
The dispute centered on the FCC’s implementation of Section 60506 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which directs the commission to prevent “digital discrimination of access” in broadband deployment and service. In carrying out this statutory mandate, the FCC adopted a disparate-impact framework, under which broadband providers and other entities that impact broadband could face liability for policies or practices that disproportionately affect certain communities without regard to discriminatory intent. The Eighth Circuit concluded that Section 60506 does not authorize the FCC’s disparate-impact regime or regulation of entities other than broadband providers.
Join us for a litigation update on the decision and its implications for broadband deployment, digital equity initiatives, FCC authority, and future efforts to address alleged discrimination in access to broadband service. Featuring:
Dr. Christopher Ali, Pioneers Chair in Telecommunications, Penn State University
Jennifer B. Dickey, Vice President and Deputy Chief Counsel, U.S. Chamber Litigation Center, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Daniel H. Kahn, Partner, Wilkinson, Barker, Knauer, LLP
[Moderator] Matthew Furlow, Counsel, U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce
The National Tribal Telecommunications Association hosted the 2026 Tribal Broadband Midwest Summit in Minnesota. I wrote about the first full day yesterday; today the conversation is all about AI. We got a practical introduction to AI and tribal leaders spoke about using AI to help preserve native languages. The presenters spoke about the difference between AI is a public for private environment.
Welcome from Godrey Enjady
Trying to get broadband to everyone
Learn to read contract and rules carefully
Teaching people how to use new resources and preserving culture
Understanding AI
AI is a shortcut for images
Using AI for language preservation
You need to verify AI results – good memory but not always right
Understanding AI in Tribal Broadband (language preservation)
Q: Is one AI tool (ChatGPT vs GROK…) and is paid worth it?
Each tool has a different benefit. Some folks have subscriptions to all; some none.
You get faster results and more use available if you pay. Creating code? You might want to pay. Simple question? Free is probably OK.
Try out a few tools and see what you like.
You do get different results if you use different tools.
Be cautious of uploading/sharing intellectual data with AI tools – even to have them help you figure something out. (Upload it becomes internalized with AI)
Q: Wat guard rails to you institute to keep data good?
It is a concern. Can’t let AI run amok.
Rural broadband operators are navigating a moment of real change. AI is reshaping how networks are used, how they’re managed, and how providers can stay competitive. But sorting useful strategies from empty buzzwords isn’t easy.
A panel of industry leaders will share proven approaches to using AI and automation to improve network efficiency, deliver better customer experiences, and open new revenue streams.
The National Tribal Telecommunications Association hosted the 2026 Tribal Broadband Midwest Summit in Minnesota. It was fun to hear the stories from Minnesota and learn from what’s happening in other areas, such as Arizona. It’s clear to see that data center (emphasis on micro-data centers!) and AI are hot topics. Funding, and what’s happening with BEAD and other federal funding, is also a hot topic, although there are federal funds that are available exclusively to tribal areas. Shared barriers included questions about what may happen with federal funding, inflation and balancing POTS (landlines) with LEO (satellites).
Also very interesting to hear about the tribal perspective on sovereignty, which includes:
Local control
Ownership equals opportunity
Cost of dependency
Vision for the future
Welcome by Bill Rudnicki, Tribal Administrator, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Welcome – Godfrey Enjady
$500M for tribal broadband – how do we do it?
Meet your tribal networks
575 recognized tribes in the US
Difficult become tribal lands are remote
“We used to follow the buffalo to stay alive; now we follow the Internet.”
Permitting on tribal lands can be a complex thing.
Working on AI for language preservation. Fewer than 200 on tribe can speak conversational Apache back home.
Built a new data center – micro to meet the needs of our tribe.
Looking at Spectrum. You can do 5G with 3 channels government just gave tribal communities some spectrum.
We need to understand more about the tools that are being created to work with them.
Panel – Connecting Minnesota: Partnerships, Policy, and the Path to Border-to-Border Broadband
MTA (Brent Christensen) and OBD (Bree Maki tell a Minnesota Broadband Story
2008 – MN Leg mapped broadband
2013 – Leg creates OBD – housed in Dep of Employment and Economic Development (NOT Commerce)
2013 – created rules for grants
OBD has had 3 Executive Directors
Work to get stakeholders together
OBD does mapping twice a year with Connected Nation. ISPs do provide information
Working through BEAD and local legislation
Part of MN grant process has included a challenge process that allows the challenging provider to be specific about target area and let grant applicant rework the proposal.
No waste, fraud or abuse in broadband funding in MN.
Q: Where’s the tribal engagement?
11 tribal national in MN. Some tribes serve themselves and some are served by MTA members. MTA is working on building better roads to work together.
OBD also reaches out to tribal areas and attend meetings. The MN Broadband Task Force includes a tribal member.
Tribal areas can maintain sovereignty and work with consultants
New Mexico is also doing a good job.
Want to know more about what Paul Bunyan Communications is doing.
State workforce development is important.
MTA has been able to work with almost everyone in the last 16 years. Except RS Fiber.
Q: Has MN provided communities with AI policies that can work? Such as Open AI or ChatGTP.
Last Leg Sessions, we realized we could not have onerous AI laws and get BEAD funding. But still waiting for definition of “onerous.”
We had 9 AI bills introduced last session and they were ready-aim-fire bills. We need meaningful policy but we need to be mindful and purposeful. We need a Task Force with stakeholders.
There are lots of experts in the room.
Last words:
Keep tribal communities engaged.
Advocacy is important
Just Released: NTIA Funding Opportunities/Regulatory Update with Chris
Q: It can be difficult, especially going straight through FCC instead of a State Office buffer.
Q: What about reporting?
Main thing is reporting to FCC broadband data collection, which involves a lot of things.
ETC designation for tribes is important – making small steps
Sustainability funding
Broadband: A Look at the Minnesota Model
Q: How is EHP (Environmental and Historic Preservation) complex in tribal areas?
The challenge comes where you wait and aren’t sure what you might be disturbing with environmental concerns – for example prehistoric grounds that have not been previously disturbed.
Q: Is there a state support for a middle mile to step in and help with rights-of-way?
OBD can help convene potential partners.
Q: Are you looking to change the state speed goals?
It was aggressive when it was set. The goal is 100/20 by 2026 and we won’t make it. There is an appetite to raise the speed goals and it’s up to associations to encourage the legislature.
Nuts and Bolts of Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP)
Panel: Advanced Business Models for Sustainable Tribal Networks
Panel: Third Parties Can Ruin a Day
Tribal Broadband Partnership Success Story: Shakopee Mdewakaton Sioux Community and Nuvera
Q: Large providers can be difficult. Glad to hear a story of a good partnership? How long are your contracts?
3 year auto-renewal
Q: Have you worked with 2.5 spectrum?
We do have spectrum – and we’ll use it while we can’t get fiber to a location
Q: Have you thought about working with other tribes? (Branching out from Shakopee)
Currently we are not planning that – bt maybe in next 20 years.
Join the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society on July 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET for a webinar about how affordable, reliable high-speed internet is a foundational prerequisite for participation in modern-day life.
A new paper entitled The Blueprint for Equitable Digital Participation by Public Knowledge, UnidosUS, and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)—the culmination of a multi-year research effort to ensure that the voices of community members are prominently elevated in critical broadband policy debates—centers the lived experiences of those directly impacted by digital inequities.
This webinar, featuring the authors of The Blueprint for Equitable Digital Participation and leading experts in the digital equity field, will offer ideas for how policymakers can ensure low- to middle-income households across America can gain and sustain access to high-speed, reliable internet, connected devices, and digital skills.
Join us for a fast-paced, hands-on innovation sprint where you’ll learn how to combine AI, design thinking, visual communication, and rapid prototyping to transform ideas into actionable solutions—in just two hours.
Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, educator, professional, or simply someone who loves solving problems, this workshop will help you move from inspiration to implementation faster than you thought possible.
During this interactive session, you’ll:
✅ Identify meaningful problems worth solving
✅ Use AI to accelerate brainstorming and idea generation
✅ Apply design thinking techniques to refine solutions
✅ Create visual concepts and prototypes without coding
✅ Test and improve your ideas through rapid feedback
✅ Leave with a tangible concept you can continue developing
This isn’t a lecture. It’s a workshop designed to get you building.
No technical background is required. No coding experience is needed. Just bring your curiosity, creativity, and willingness to experiment.
By the end of the session, you’ll have a better understanding of how AI can serve as a creative partner in innovation—and you’ll walk away with a prototype, action plan, or concept ready for the next step.
Who Should Attend?
Entrepreneurs and startup founders
Small business owners
Nonprofit leaders and staff
Community builders
Educators and students
Innovators and problem-solvers
Anyone curious about practical uses of AI
What to Bring
A challenge, problem, or idea you’d like to explore
A laptop (recommended)
An open mind
The future belongs to people who can identify problems, leverage technology, and turn ideas into action. Come build something!
The Minnesota Broadband Task Force heard from local providers who are going through the BEAD process and from members of the Office of Broadband Development. It sounds like folks are ready and are (still) waiting for deployment to begin. The Task Force also heard an overview of the Mayo Clinic HOUSES Index, a tool developed to provide individual-level socioeconomic measure with relevancy to broadband and exploration of potential benefits. They have a database that tracks a large number of details based on location and patient (removing identifying info), which means you can get longitudinal information on individuals as well as access based on location. It is used for a number of applications from homelessness to healthcare and could be used to track broadband adoption.
10:00 a.m. – 10:05 a.m. – Welcome from Teddy Bekele, Chair, Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband and approval of minutes from May Task Force meeting.
10:05 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. – Presentation featuring BEAD updatesand overviews from Christopher Lord, Sr. Director, Government Partnership Opportunities, Mediacom and Kathy Lund, Vice President of Technical Services, Nuvera. Followed by additional updates from the Office of Broadband Development’s Jennifer Frost, State/Federal Programs and Compliance Manager, and Megan Messerole, Broadband Environmental/Land Use Coordinator. Office of Broadband Development overview and updates from Bree Maki (Executive Director, OBD).Continue reading →
Wednesday July 8 at 11 a.m. CT., a new session has been added for the Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems).
The session agenda will be posted on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage under the “Broadband Development Training series” toggle. No registration required and the Teams link to join the session will be included on the agenda.
The session will provide an overview of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Regulatory Program as it relates to broadband infrastructure deployment under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program in Minnesota.
· Meeting ID and Pass Code: Meeting ID: 212 899 378 597 44 and Passcode: mT99A99L
· Dial in by phone: +1 651-395-7448,,202303976# · Join on a video conferencing device: Tenant key: 5 Video ID 119 695 357 1
Meeting Agenda
10:00 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.
Welcome from Teddy Bekele, Chair, Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband and approval of minutes from May Task Force meeting.
10:05 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
Presentation featuring BEAD updates and overviews from Christopher Lord, Sr. Director, Government Partnership Opportunities, Mediacom and Kathy Lund, Vice President of Technical Services, Nuvera.
Followed by additional updates from the Office of Broadband Development’s Jennifer Frost, State/Federal Programs and Compliance Manager, and Megan Messerole, Broadband Environmental/Land Use Coordinator.
10:50 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Break
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Overview of HOUSES Index, a tool developed to provide individual-level socioeconomic measure with relevancy to broadband and exploration of potential benefits from:
· Young Juhn, MD, MPH, Mayo Clinic, Professor of Pediatrics | Research Chair of Mayo Clinic Health Systems | Director of the Artificial Intelligence Program of Mayo Clinic Children | Director of Precision Population Science Lab and HOUSES Program
· Chung Wi, MD, Mayo Clinic, Associate Professor of Pediatrics| Co-Director, AI Validation and Stewardship Program, Mayo Clinic Health System| Associate Director, Mayo Clinic Children’s AI
Program| Associate Director, Precision Population Science Lab and the HOUSES Program | Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
· Dale Shim, MBA, Mayo Clinic, Head of Commercialization & Strategic Partnerships
11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Office of Broadband Development overview and updates from Bree Maki (Executive Director, OBD).
12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Open the floor to other business, reminder on no meeting in July, and meeting wrap-up
Today I attended the online-based Technology Advisory Council (TAC) Full Council Meeting. The TAC is a permanent body to advise Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) and executive branch agencies on strategic information technology initiatives and service delivery. Meetings are open to the public. I took pretty loose notes but I feel like I soaked up a lot of information that would be valuable for policymakers and policy-followers. I suspect it would be handy if you had a business in any of the areas discussed too. Attendees are the folks on the frontlines and a lot of practical tips flow freely on how to plan and deploy enterprise technology projects.
This isn’t just another webinar — it’s a meeting with nonprofits from around the world coming together to learn, share, and explore how AI can support their missions. If your organization has used AI in any way (big or small), or if you’re just getting started, we want to hear from you.
AI Impact Hour is a practical, interactive conversation designed for executive directors, staff, board members, and volunteers who want to understand what AI can realistically do in a nonprofit setting. You’ll see simple demonstrations and real examples, and you’ll have a chance to share your experiences, challenges, and insights with the group.
What makes this different:
It’s for you — small to large nonprofits from around the world
We want to hear from you — how your nonprofit has been experimenting with AI
You’ll learn from each other — not just from the presentation
Who should attend:
Nonprofit leaders, staff, volunteers, and anyone curious about how AI can support their work, regardless of experience level.
Would you like to be a guest panelist to share your experience with AI?
Email Aretha Simons asimons@techsoup.org and put “panelist” in the subject line.
