Going big on broadband
||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE |||
As the United States rebuilds its way out of a pandemic that crushed sectors of the economy and exposed deep-rooted inequities in the workplace and within communities of color, President Joe Biden unveiled his American Jobs Plan that includes $100 billion to build out broadband infrastructure and make internet service more affordable to more people. In Washington state, the Legislature just passed historic new broadband and digital equity investments in its most recent session.
The Washington State Broadband Office housed within the state Department of Commerce launched in 2019 to meet an audacious legislative mandate that all Washingtonians have access to high speed internet by 2024. In the office’s first report to the Legislature, WSBO is laser-focused on preparing local communities and Tribes to compete for historic new levels of broadband funding and expanding digital equity efforts that make sure lower-income and older populations aren’t left behind.
Read the full story on Commerce’s Medium site here.
About Commerce
Commerce works with local governments, businesses, community-based organizations and tribes to strengthen communities. The department’s diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and effective public and private partnerships promote sustainable community and economic development to help all Washingtonians thrive. For more information, visit www.commerce.wa.gov. For information on locating or expanding a business in Washington, visit choosewashingtonstate.com.
