Regular-General Government # 38.
Board of Supervisors
Innovation and Technology Services
- Meeting Date:
- 06/07/2022
- Brief Title
- Broadband Update
From:
Lee Gerney, Chief Technology Officer, Innovation and Technology Services
Staff Contact:
Lee Gerney, Chief Technology Officer, Innovation and Technology Services, x5030
Supervisorial District Impact:
Subject
Receive presentation on federal, state, and local broadband infrastructure policies, objectives, and funding opportunities. (No general fund impact) (Gerney)
Recommended Action
Receive presentation on federal, state, and local broadband infrastructure policies, objectives, and funding opportunities.
Strategic Plan Goal(s)
 |
Thriving Residents |
 |
Robust Economy |
Reason for Recommended Action/Background
BACKGROUND
STATE EFFORTS
In August 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed executive order N-73-20. This order put many mandates into action:
- Established a broadband speed goal of 100 megabits per second download speed to guide infrastructure investments
- Development of a new State Broadband Action Plan by the California Broadband Council, due by December 31st, 2020
- California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to lead data aggregation and mapping efforts to help identify priority areas
- Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) to identify funding opportunities
- Called for many state departments to work collaboratively to identify available assets and coordinate on the deployment of Broadband infrastructure
In July 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB156 to advance the statewide broadband plan. The legislation included:
- $3.25 billion to build, operate and maintain and open access, state-owned middle mile network
- $2 billion to be used for last-mile broadband connections
- $750 million loan-loss reserve fund to assist agencies in securing financing for broadband infrastructure
- $50 million technical assistance fund to assist agencies with broadband readiness
In October 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB4 and AB14 which guarantee future funding for the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) and extended the CASF funding through 2032.
NEXT STEPS
While Yolo has seen much progress in Broadband deployment, there is much left to be done and we must work together to increase digital equity and inclusion throughout the State and here in Yolo County.
In 2015 the Board of Supervisors adopted the Yolo Broadband Strategic Plan. Development of this plan was a collaborative effort between the county and the four incorporated cities, led by LAFCo. Detailed in the strategic plan were many recommended actions for each of the jurisdictions as well as the identification of unserved/underserved communities. Since that initial plan development many of the recommended actions outlined in the plan have been put into practice and several of the unserved/underserved areas have seen considerable improvements in their broadband infrastructure. However there is much more to be done in closing the digital divide. Lack of funding from the state and federal level severely hampered the counties' ability to fully address the needs of our residents. An unprecedented, possibly once in a lifetime opportunity is before us as a result of the broadband equity issues that were exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. In response to this problem, the State of California, through the use of the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, have made a significant commitment to close the digital divide.
STATE EFFORTS
In August 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed executive order N-73-20. This order put many mandates into action:
- Established a broadband speed goal of 100 megabits per second download speed to guide infrastructure investments
- Development of a new State Broadband Action Plan by the California Broadband Council, due by December 31st, 2020
- California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to lead data aggregation and mapping efforts to help identify priority areas
- Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) to identify funding opportunities
- Called for many state departments to work collaboratively to identify available assets and coordinate on the deployment of Broadband infrastructure
In July 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB156 to advance the statewide broadband plan. The legislation included:
- $3.25 billion to build, operate and maintain and open access, state-owned middle mile network
- $2 billion to be used for last-mile broadband connections
- $750 million loan-loss reserve fund to assist agencies in securing financing for broadband infrastructure
- $50 million technical assistance fund to assist agencies with broadband readiness
In October 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB4 and AB14 which guarantee future funding for the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) and extended the CASF funding through 2032.
NEXT STEPS
Building on the foundation outlined in the Yolo County Broadband Strategic Plan, staff have refocused and prioritized efforts in preparation for the funding opportunities that lie before us. Earlier this year, a YED (Yolo, Education and Discovery) Leaders Summit was held to re-invigorate broadband planning efforts and coordination among our local cities, school districts and the county. The Broadband Task Force working group is reconvening to focus on next steps. Entities, including the county, are working with our partners at Valley Vision and RCRC to understand the opportunities and how to best prepare.
While Yolo has seen much progress in Broadband deployment, there is much left to be done and we must work together to increase digital equity and inclusion throughout the State and here in Yolo County.
Collaborations (including Board advisory groups and external partner agencies)
Innovation & Technology Services, County Administrators Office, LAFCo, Valley Vision, Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC)
Fiscal Impact
No Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact (Expenditure)
- Total cost of recommended action:
- $ 0
- Amount budgeted for expenditure:
- $
- Additional expenditure authority needed:
- $
- On-going commitment (annual cost):
- $
Source of Funds for this Expenditure
- General Fund
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Lee Gerney (Originator) | Lee Gerney | 05/26/2022 07:58 PM |
| Phil Pogledich | Phil Pogledich | 06/01/2022 07:12 AM |
- Form Started By:
- Lee Gerney
- Started On:
- 04/18/2022 01:16 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 06/01/2022