Why Broadband Matters
NLC’s new white paper looks at strategies from cities to improve access to broadband, and how cities can work with citizens to take advantage of broadband networks through innovative technologies.
Infrastructure
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Closing the Digital Divide
The National League of Cities has partnered with experts at ICF International to produce this white paper which examines the challenges and benefits of broadband adoption. It also summarizes current efforts to address these challenges at the U.S. federal, state, and local levels and in the private sector.
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Gig City, U.S.A.: Bringing Google Fiber to Kansas City
This case study explores Google’s initiative to bring ultra-fast internet connection speeds to the Kansas City area. It is part two of a three-part series in partnership with Next American City exploring how cities are developing models for tackling complex urban issues and strengthening their economies.
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Using Technology to Enhance Engagement with Public Safety
Mobile technology and broadband networks provide opportunities to connect citizens with providers of public services. In the fields of grassroots community building and public safety, technology tools are important for building safer streets and stronger neighborhoods.
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Technology and Communications
The National League of Cities believes that technoloyg and other communications services should be as accessible and affordable as possible. Universal broadband access promotes economic development, improves environmental sustainability, enhances public health and safety, and increases educational opportunities for millions of Americans. But having access to broadband without the tools on how to effectively use it can have serious implications for a local government’s ability efficiently govern, deliver services and engage with their constituents.
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Transportation
As cities look for ways to finance their transportation initiatives, transportation development must be coupled with employing innovative practices that don't solely rely on investment. Linking land use changes to transportation is one option that has proven to increase economic development, improve livability, reduce congestion, and improve environmental sustainability.
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Water
While some regions face serious obstacles to the future of their water supply and others do not, this nation’s aging water infrastructure system requires all communities to look at the state of their water supply and explore ways to address it. Investing in water infrastructure and ensuring the safety of water are two of the main priorities local governments are facing. NLC is working with its partners to identify ways to be a resource for its member on water infrastructure issues. Visit NLC’s Sustainable Cities Institute for more resources on how cities can manage their municipal water systems.
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