Fiscal Note
No additional City appropriation is required with the creation of the proposed task force.
Title
SUBSTITUTE - Creating the Task Force on Digital Inclusion Strategic Priorities.
Body
WHEREAS According to the most recent data, 30,000 homes in Dane County don’t have internet access at home; and,
WHEREAS the COVID-19 Pandemic has increased people’s reliance on the Internet, but further exposed the inequalities we have in our communities; and,
WHEREAS the Digital Technology Committee’s mission is to act in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and Common Council on the City’s deployment and use of digital technology consistent with industry and governmental standards including: making studies and recommendations relative to the facilitating the provision of internet access to all citizens with special attention to low income families, realizing additional benefits from and expand utilization of the Metropolitan Unified Fiber Network, exploring the technological needs of existing and startup businesses, assisting in the provision of digital infrastructure needs, facilitate communication with the local information technology community, assisting in providing high speed, no-cost access for travelers and commuters and exploring the feasibility of other public and private investments in 21st century telecommunication technologies, including fiber optics to the home; and,
WHEREAS the Education Committee’s mission is to serves as a formal channel of communication and policy recommendations regarding issues of shared concern between the City of Madison, the Madison Metropolitan School District, and Dane County; and,
WHEREAS the City of Madison provides funds for Digital Inclusion every year in its budget, and,
WHEREAS it is likely the City of Madison will see funds from COVID-19 relief money targeted at Digital Inclusion, and,
WHEREAS both the Digital Technology Committee and Education Committee wish to work together to develop digital inclusion strategic pri...
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