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.
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.
This guide describes PPPs for developing transportation and transit projects. It looks at the common structures used for financing and development, the benefits and risks, strategies for effective implementation, and real-life examples.
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Transportation is critical to the economy and central to a community’s quality of life. A strong transportation system must enable the convenient mobility of people and the efficient movement of goods. Local elected officials can adopt transportation planning and financing strategies that equitably serve a diversity of travel modes, such as bus, rail, pedestrian, bicycle and automobile, that promote development around existing infrastructure, reduce environmental effects, promote economic prosperity and improve the community’s quality of life.
Broadband and other telecommunications services should be as accessible and affordable as possible. Universal broadband access promotes economic development, enhances public health and safety and increases educational opportunity for millions of Americans. But having access to broadband without the tools on how to educate people for its use is a sunk cost. There are numerous technological applications that local governments are using to help improve governance, increase efficiency and promote economic development.
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.
