BEAD Program Toolkit for Counties

Counties have a critical role to play in ensuring their communities have access to affordable and reliable high-speed Internet. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment and Digital Equity Programs, authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, are groundbreaking programs that will not only connect all Americans to the Internet but also give them the tools and skills to use it. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is offering this webinar to help local government leaders understand these programs and their role in them. This webinar will provide program overviews and action steps on how local leaders can help shape the state of broadband in their communities.

NOTE: This webinar is invite-only for NACo members and is sponsored in conjunction with the National League of Cities (NLC), the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), and other local government associations. This is a third-party webinar hosted by the NTIA and questions regarding registration can be sent to internetforall@ntia.gov

Learn about the various technological solutions available for broadband deployment, and engage in a discussion on best practices for assessing technological solutions in your community.

The county role is pivotal to deploying high-speed internet. Join us for the second installment in the Broadband Boot Camp for Counties series to discover why counties play an essential role as partners, data aggregators, and organizers in the deployment of high-speed internet that is accessible and affordable for all.

This Boot Camp webinar series is provided free of charge. Registration is reserved exclusively for NACo members. To learn more about a NACo membership, please click here. To register for Broadband Boot Camp for Counties Part One or Three, click here.

There are a myriad of ways in which counties can get involved in broadband deployment and adoption efforts. Hear from local government experts for our third and final webinar in the Broadband Boot Camp for Counties series on the top strategies for forming strong partnerships, assessing various financial costs, and ensuring local government interests are preserved in all broadband deployment projects.

This Boot Camp webinar series is provided free of charge. Registration is reserved exclusively for NACo members. To learn more about a NACo membership, please click here. To register for Broadband Boot Camp for Counties Part One or Two, click here. 

On June 6, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a Policy Notice modifying the requirements outlined in the Broadband Equity Access Deployment (BEAD) Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. This week features sanctuary jurisdictions, the TAKE IT DOWN Act and more.

The TAKE IT DOWN Act establishes federal authorities at the Federal Trade Commission to remove non-consensual intimate images from digital platforms 

Counties support the full local flexibility of the E-Rate program and a continuation of funding to meet community needs for digital adoption and to close the homework gap.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) sent termination of funding letters to recipients of grants authorized under the Digital Equity Act.

The Rural Broadband Assistance Act strengthens local access to federal broadband programs by codifying USDA’s Broadband Technical Assistance Program and ensuring continued support for broadband deployment in rural communities.

As AI becomes an integral part of business operations, the imperative for responsible integration with existing county technology grows. This webinar will explore the critical considerations and frameworks necessary for implementing AI ethically and effectively. By exploring the core themes of transparency, accountability, reliability, safety, privacy, security, fairness, and human oversight, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide for harnessing AI's potential responsibly.

Our county guest speakers will share their experiences with AI deployments, providing valuable insights into overcoming challenges like reducing fears, addressing bias, and enhancing constituent trust. They'll share practical strategies for ensuring AI initiatives are both effective and efficient, delivering tangible benefits to communities. 

Key Takeaways:

• Strategies for incorporating geospatial technology in disaster planning and response.
• Techniques for using identity verification tools to balance security and accessibility.
• Best practices for building public-private partnerships in times of crisis.

Join Leah Bezanson, Patient Revenue Supervisor at Minnesota Department of Human Services and Erica Gregory, SVP & GM, Revenue Cycle Management at Netsmart, for insights on how automation can help protect collection rates, enhance accuracy and improve data visibility.

The NACo AI Regional Forum series is convening local government elected officials, appointed officers, department heads, and staff across different geographical regions to provide an educational, hands-on symposium on the landscape of artificial intelligence.

This training will focus on the current operating environment and emphasize core partnerships to identify opportunities and strengthen infrastructure security and resilience. Comprehensive partnerships and diverse perspectives can solidify and fortify operations during uncertain times. 

The NACo AI Regional Forum series is convening local government elected officials, appointed officers, department heads, and staff across different geographical regions to provide an educational, hands-on symposium on the landscape of artificial intelligence.