WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new episode of the CitiesSpeak podcast from the National League of Cities (NLC) features Angelina Panettieri, Legislative Director for Information Technology and Communications at NLC, in conversation with NLC Senior Executive and Director of Federal Advocacy Irma Esparza Diggs. The episode explores two of the most pressing technology issues facing local governments today: expanding broadband access and implementing new federal web accessibility requirements.
Panettieri explains how federal broadband legislation and Department of Justice accessibility rules could affect local governments, while highlighting NLC’s advocacy to protect local decision-making and ensure cities have the time and resources needed to serve residents effectively. The conversation examines broadband infrastructure, local authority, digital accessibility and the growing importance of reliable technology in delivering public services.
Highlights from the Conversation
On why digital access matters for every community:
“Things like connectivity and the technology services that local governments use touch literally every single aspect of city government. And I think more and more cities realize that they have to have affordable, high-speed, reliable internet to attract and retain residents and businesses. And they have to be able to provide services digitally because that’s what their residents are expecting nowadays.”
— Angelina Panettieri, Legislative Director for Information Technology and Communications, National League of Cities
On the impact of the American Broadband Deployment Act:
“Almost every single part of it is focused on preempting local government oversight and authority related to communications infrastructure… It’s a pretty big handout to industry at a pretty significant cost to local governments. And the unfortunate thing is that it really would not make a major difference in closing the digital divide.”
— Angelina Panettieri, Legislative Director for Information Technology and Communications, National League of Cities
On the real barriers to expanding broadband access:
“Most broadband is built by private companies. It’s subject to market forces. So private companies are not going to invest in building infrastructure where they don’t think that they will get a return on that investment and a sufficient profit… This is one of the reasons that we’re starting to see more and more cities investing in broadband as a city utility or investing in public-private partnerships that let the city spend some of their own money to directly influence and create broadband infrastructure where it needs to go and not just where it’s profitable.”
— Angelina Panettieri, Legislative Director for Information Technology and Communications, National League of Cities
On preparing for new web accessibility requirements:
“Residents reasonably expect that they’re going to be able to engage with their local government the same way that they do their bank or retailers, and increasingly with federal and state government agencies. So I think local governments really need to spend this extra year that we have managed to get getting their houses in order.”
— Angelina Panettieri, Legislative Director for Information Technology and Communications, National League of Cities
The CitiesSpeak podcast features conversations with leaders and policy experts on the biggest issues facing America’s cities, towns and villages.
Listen to the full conversation, also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.
About CitiesSpeak
Each episode of NLC’s podcast, CitiesSpeak with Clarence Anthony, dives into a critical issue facing local leaders today, featuring conversations with elected leaders and policy experts from across the country. The podcast is a relaxed and entertaining resource for local policymakers looking for ideas and information to bring back to their communities. The podcast is hosted by NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence Anthony, who previously served as mayor of South Bay, Florida, for more than two decades.
New episodes of CitiesSpeak are available on all major podcasting platforms and on YouTube. If you have feedback for the show or ideas for future guests, email us. Happy listening!
CitiesSpeak Podcast: Closing the Digital Divide with Angelina Panettieri
CitiesSpeak Podcast: The Science of Arts & Health with Dr. Jill Sonke
CitiesSpeak Podcast: Dissecting Proposed Changes to Federal Assistance with Mayor Bianca Motley Broom
CitiesSpeak Podcast: Fatherhood & Public Service with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Council President Zeke Cohen
CitiesSpeak Podcast: Reimagining Local Government, Democracy and Trust with Julia Novak, CEO, ICMA
