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Rural Community Action Assembly: Broadband Deployment and Community Readiness
July 19, 2023 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am EDT
A historic amount of federal funding for broadband infrastructure is on the way to each state across the country. Rural communities in our region are starting to assess their readiness to get and absorb this capital. Local leaders must make sure they’re prepared to make the most of this funding for their communities.
This event is for rural economic or workforce development corporations, nonprofits working with low- and moderate-income communities, and other rural or countywide decision makers who are looking to obtain — or want to know more about — this funding. Attendees will gain insights on the forthcoming Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Act and the Digital Equity Act and how to weave them into a comprehensive economic development strategy. Presentations will include recent data on access in rural Pennsylvania and how to increase capacity for applying for grants. Additionally, we’ll dive into the roles of small internet service providers, and others in community efforts toward digital inclusion. Participation is free for this virtual event but registration is required.
Speakers include
- Christopher Ali, Pioneers Chair in Telecommunications, Penn State University
- Roberto Gallardo, Director, Purdue Center for Regional Development
- LaShawn Williamson, Founder and CEO, Wave 7 Communications, LLC
- Marty Qually, County Commissioner, Adams County (PA)
Event details
This virtual meeting is a continuation of the Rural Community Action Assemblies. Launched in 2020, the series focuses on actionable research and programmatic models to promote strong and equitable community, economic, and workforce development in rural Pennsylvania. This year’s series is cohosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and Penn State’s Center for Economic and Community Development.
A video recording and presentations will be shared publicly afterward. Please share this invitation with colleagues, friends, or others who might be interested in this event. Participants will have opportunities to engage with their peers, and all attendees will be encouraged to contribute to the conversation.
We hope you will join us. For questions about this series, please contact Philip Jones at philip.jones@phil.frb.org.
Visit the Philadelphia Fed to access recordings and presentations from past Rural Community Action Assemblies events.