CAPCOG and Connected Nation – Texas are holding a broadband roundtable to discuss regional and local broadband initiatives and to explain how coordinating and sharing information can improve broadband expansion opportunities for local jurisdictions. The roundtable will be held at 9:30 a.m. October 14 at CAPCOG, 6800 Burleson Road, building 310, suite 155 in Austin.
“Communities around the region are working to expand reliable broadband services and often face the same planning and implementation issues,” said Shelly Hargrove, CAPCOG community and economic development director. “The roundtable is about not having to reinvent the wheel and encouraging communities to share information and collaborate with one another, so they can create some regional synergy and strengthen local opportunities for expanding services.” CAPCOG and Connected Nation will lead discussions about broadband demographics, data, and maps. They will partner with the Lower Colorado River Authority, the Economic Development Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to address topics such as a state legislative broadband recap, federal and state funding opportunities, using funds wisely, and broadband expansion planning.
CAPCOG has invited county judges, the Capital Area Economic Development District board members, school superintendents, and state legislators to participate, and while CAPCOG targeted key groups to attend, other stakeholders such as those in the broadband planning and economic development fields are welcome to join the roundtable if room is available.
