News

2024 Q3 Status Update

Posted on May 6, 2024

Summary Activities continue to implement the Strategic Plan’s goals and strategies. Since the last project update the following activities occurred. See Notable Accomplishments and Updates for detailed information. The County and City of San Rafael continued activities from the work plans of their Local Area Technical Assistance (LATA) Grants. Work must be completed by October...

2023 Q3 Status Update

Posted on May 6, 2024

Summary Activities continue to implement the Strategic Plan. Since the last project update, the County and City of San Rafael continue activities in the work plans of their Local Area Technical Assistance (LATA) Grants. Last week, Marin County, in partnership with EntryPoint Networks, applied for $11 million to build fiber infrastructure in coastal Marin. IST...

Save the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Letter to Congress from the Marin County Board of Supervisors

Posted on March 20, 2024

Press Release: Save the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Letter to Congress from the Marin County Board of Supervisors Dennis Rodoni, President, Marin County Board of Supervisors, sent a Letter to Congressional Leaders to re-authorize funding to prevent the closure of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

FCC announces the winding down of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

Posted on March 19, 2024

Press Release: FCC announces the winding down of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on January 8, 2024, the eventual winding down of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), due to lack of funds. Unless Congress passes a Bill soon, the ACP is expected to end in April 2024. The value...

2023 Q2 Status Update

Posted on September 30, 2023

Activities continue to implement the Strategic Plan, set up an operational entity, and seek funding. Since the last project update, the County and City of San Rafael began activities in the work plans of their Local Area Technical Assistance (LATA) Grants. Marin County also brought on an intern, Andrew Popov, a rising Junior at Terra...

2023 Q1 Status Update

Posted on March 31, 2023

Activities continue to implement the Strategic Plan, set up an operational entity, and seek funding. Since the last status update, the County and City of San Rafael entered into contracts with a consultant to implement the work plans in their Local Area Technical Assistance (LATA) Grants. Notable Accomplishments and Updates Goal 1: High-quality broadband...

2022 Q4 Status Update

Posted on December 31, 2022

Work continues to implement the Strategic Plan, set up an operational entity, and seek funding. Since the last status update, grants totally nearly $900,000 were awarded to better define broadband expansion projects across Marin. Notable Accomplishments and Updates Goal 1: High-quality broadband is available to everyone in Marin Strategy 1: Assist with the deployment of...

Library offers online computer literacy classes

Posted on November 18, 2022

It’s tough to keep up with technology. Advances seem to be rolled out every few seconds. How does one keep up? One way is through free classes offered by the Marin County Free Library (MCFL). All sessions are held via videoconference – a participation skill developed by many during the COVID-19 pandemic. The classes are led by...

2022 Q3 Status Update

Posted on September 30, 2022

Work continues to implement the Strategic Plan, set up an operational entity, and seek funding. Sincethe last project update, the Digital Marin Strategic Plan was adopted by the City of San Rafael, bringing the total to six adoptions by Marin’s local government entities. Notable Accomplishments & Updates Goal 1: High-quality broadband is available to...

2022 Q2 Status Update

Posted on June 30, 2022

Work continues to implement the Strategic Plan, set up an operational entity, and seek funding. Since the last status update, the Digital Marin Strategic Plan was adopted by the Mill Valley City Council and the Town of Tiburon, making five adoptions by Marin’s local government entities. Notable Accomplishments Adoption and Letters of Support: In...

New report details the impact of digital inequities on remote court and government proceedings

Posted on May 12, 2022

Following a year-long partnership, the Samuelson Law, Technology & Public Policy Clinic at the University of California, Berkeley, and Next Century Cities released Cut Off from the Courthouse: How the Digital Divide Impacts Access to Justice and Civic Engagement. The report features interviews with 27 professionals who have grappled with the transition to remote court...

2022 Q1 Status Update

Posted on March 31, 2022

The last three months were busy for Digital Marin as it moved from being a project to create a Strategic Plan to implementation of the Plan, beginning with setting up an operational entity and seeking funding. Since the last status update, the Digital Marin Strategic Plan was adopted by the Marin County Board of Supervisors,...

Marin County Board of Supervisors adopts strategic plan

Posted on February 2, 2022

The Marin County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the Digital Marin Strategic Plan on Tuesday, February 1st. Here is the link to the recording of the Board meeting. Scroll to Agenda Item 6 to view the presentation, as well as comments and questions from the Supervisors and public. We are not stopping with one adoption. We are seeking...

2021 Q4 Status Update

Posted on December 31, 2021

What a year! We began 2021 with a brand-new Executive Steering Committee (ESC) and our consulting firm, Magellan Advisors, was still doing initial interviews with stakeholders. Our ESC reached out in their communities to pull in more people with diverse perspectives. That effort eventually added more than 500 registered stakeholders and thousands of survey, focus...

Draft Strategic Plan community forum

Posted on December 14, 2021

The Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee held a Community Forum on December 9, 2021 to present the Strategic Plan to the public for comments. Watch the meeting Read the meeting notes and slides Draft strategic plan community forum

Strategic Plan reviewed by executive steering committee

Posted on November 23, 2021

The Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee held a meeting on November 18, 2021 to review the Strategic Plan. A meeting will be held in December for public comments. Watch the meeting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_TtRV-5n-8&t=11s Read the meeting notes and slides Executive Steering Committee meeting – Nov 18, 2021

Digital Marin Strategic Plan overview meeting

Posted on September 30, 2021

The Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee and members of the various working groups held a strategic planning overview meeting on September 16, 2021. In this meeting, the first draft of the strategic plan was presented and reviewed. Additional next steps were identified. Watch the meeting Read the meeting notes and slides Digital Marin Strategic Plan...

2021 Q3 Status Update

Posted on September 30, 2021

Another milestone reached. We were concerned we wouldn’t have much to report, but on the contrary, we have shifted into high gear. We received the Needs and Options Report from Magellan Advisors and are mining it for insights. Combined with completion of the draft Needs Assessment Report, we are exiting the fact finding and analysis...

Digital Marin Needs Assessment Report Cover

Needs Assessment Report finalized

Posted on August 31, 2021

Based on months of outreach to residents, government officials, schools, businesses, healthcare, and community-based organizations, the Digital Marin Needs Assessment Report was compiled to show the needs within Marin’s communities. The outreach process uncovered gaps that many people didn't know existed and opened the door for collaboration between multiple entities. The Needs Assessment Report was...

Document screen shot of Middle Mile Network proposition

Digital Marin tech providers meet to discuss “middle mile” network

Posted on August 20, 2021

The Digital Marin Tech Team met to discuss SB156 and any comments that should be submitted by Digital Marin in the call for comments by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The CPUC is asking for information on: Existing infrastructure Priority areas Network end users Affordability of the middle mile network Leasing existing infrastructure Interconnection...

Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee meeting – August 5, 2021

Posted on August 6, 2021

The Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee held a meeting on August 5, 2021. In this meeting, the Needs Assessment Report was presented and reviewed. Additional needs were identified and a timeline for the next steps were laid out. Watch the meeting

Needs Assessment Report open for public comment

Posted on August 3, 2021

Digital Marin is pleased to post the Needs Assessment Final Draft for public comment. The report is the culmination of extensive community outreach and leadership from the project’s Executive Steering Committee and Community Work Groups. It will serve as a foundation for development of the strategic plan. The report includes Marin’s overall digital need statements,...

Digital Marin communication and tech committee kicks off

Posted on August 2, 2021

On July 23, 2021 the Internet Communication and Technology work group broadened its membership to include more representatives from towns, cities, and education realms. This is in anticipation of the Digital Marin initiative initiating more network related projects which need further analysis and planning. Read the meeting notes The notes document is in PDF format. ...

Thumbnail of Meeting Slide Deck from Youtube Video

Emergency Connectivity Fund meeting

Posted on July 13, 2021

On July 8, 2021 people from the education community met with Library staff to discuss what plans and ideas everyone had regarding the Emergency Connectivity Fund. The Digital Marin team in partnership with Marin Promise Partnership covered details about the Emergency Connectivity Fund, informed the group on important deadlines, and lead a discussion on ways...

Magellan Advisors holds Digital Marin briefing

Posted on July 1, 2021

On June 24, 2021 Magellan Advisors presented their findings to the Digital Marin project team and workgroup members. The report covered their findings and recommendations for consideration in creating the Digital Marin plan. Topics included: Marin's current internet infrastructure and services An ongoing business model Governance structure to move the Strategic Plan forward to project...

2021 Q2 Status Update

Posted on June 30, 2021

We have reached the end of the beginning. Magellan delivered their Technical Memo, the first in a series of products they handed off to us through May. The Government and Emergency Management work group was the first to submit their findings. The other groups will follow with their analysis and findings in the next few...

Marin Information Security Collaboration (MISC)

Posted on June 25, 2021

Cybersecurity attacks such as ransomware against government agencies, businesses, and individuals have become the norm. Cybercriminals launch their attacks in an attempt to disrupt operations, obtain unauthorized access to information, and extort money for their own financial gain. To combat these threats, the County formed the Marin Information Security Collaboration (MISC) to share information security...

Digital Marin holds workshop for all communities

Posted on June 15, 2021

On June 10, 2021, the Digital Marin project held a workshop for all communities together. Liza Massey, CIO of Marin County led the meeting with help from Rebecca Woodbury, formerly from the City of San Rafael and current Digital Marin Volunteer. The group did two interactive polls and used Jamboard as a landing place for...

Digital Marin talks Emergency Broadband Benefit on KWMR’s Epicenter

Posted on June 11, 2021

On June 10, 2021 County of Marin CIO and Digital Marin founder Liza Massey was interviewed on Epicenter about the Federal Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). In Marin County 82% of residents rate their internet as only fair or poor. During the pandemic shelter at home 41% of parents polled understood how to help their children...

Education Working Group reviews findings

Posted on June 9, 2021

On June 3, 2021, the Education Work Group met to review the findings of their outreach efforts. Highlights include: Increasing digital literacy training for parents and teachers Removing barriers to connectivity and digital access, at home and at school Student Information Systems - Need for proactive data infrastructure + capacity for tracking digital needs of student...

Person on roadside with bike overlooking the bay

Planning, Transportation and Public Works working group reviews findings

Posted on June 8, 2021

On June 2, 2021, the Planning, Transportation, and Public Works Work Group met to review the findings of their outreach efforts. Highlights include: Supporting countywide permitting system Monitor rollout of bikeshare (to be reworded) Virtual public engagement How to get information in an emergency Watch the meeting Read the meeting notes and slides Planning, Transportation...

person typing on laptop with stethoscope on side.

Healthcare and Community Based Organizations working group reviews findings

Posted on June 8, 2021

On June 4, 2021, the Healthcare and Community Based Organizations Work Group met to review the findings of their outreach efforts. Highlights include: Improving digital apps and supporting processes Increasing digital literacy training Removing barriers to digital access Meeting recipients’ capabilities & comfort levels Addressing privacy and security concerns Watch the meeting Read the meeting...

Residents working group reviews findings

Posted on June 8, 2021

On June 4, 2021, the Residents' Work Group met to review the findings of their outreach efforts. Significant needs discussed include: Digital equity Digital literacy Privacy and security Safety Watch the meeting Read the meeting notes and slides Residents Working Group meeting – June 14, 2021

fire fighters outside during fire with fire trucks

Government and Emergency Management working group reviews findings

Posted on June 8, 2021

On April 27, 2021, the Government and Emergency Management working group held a meeting to review the findings of their outreach efforts. The core needs identified were: 6 Most Significant Needs (draft) High Speed Internet Everywhere! Digital Interconnectivity Leadership and Collaboration Digital Training More Resources Resiliency Watch the meeting https://youtu.be/lgIo1TM26cE Read the meeting notes and...

Business work group PowerPoint deck cover page

Business and Economic Development working group reviews findings

Posted on June 8, 2021

On June 3, 2021, the Business and Economic Development Work Group met to review the findings of their outreach efforts. Highlights include: Businesses are willing to provide free wi-fi around their business if they could get high quality broadband for a reasonable price Poor and spotty broadband availability is curtailing business growth in Marin Digital...

Marin Agencies meet to address digital divide

Bridging the digital divide in a post-pandemic Marin

Posted on June 3, 2021

Before the pandemic cities across the US and the world were successfully taking control of their digital futures. Building and ensuring community-wide access to the high-speed, low-cost broadband internet required for full access to community, opportunity, and resources in the twenty-first century. With the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel now in sight,...

Commission on Aging Annual Forum

Posted on May 28, 2021

In honor of Marin County’s older adults and in observance of national Older Americans Month, the Marin County Commission on Aging presented a free webinar addressing the power of connection in supporting older adults’ health and well-being. “Is There a Doctor in the House? Telehealth & Bridging the Digital Divide” was held on Thursday, May 27, 2021...

Person in white coat with stethoscope holding cell phone

Healthcare and Community Based Organizations working group kicks off

Posted on May 24, 2021

The Healthcare and Community Based Organizations Working Group held their kickoff on February 24, 2021. This meeting included participants from: County of Marin Marin Community Foundation EMF Safety Network Kaiser Permanente Parent Services Project In-home Services Public Authority Digital Marin Residents team Watch the meeting Read the meeting notes and slides Healthcare and Community Based...

Marin wrestles with broadband internet disconnect

Posted on May 10, 2021

Happy isn’t the word Marin residents would use to describe their internet service. Of the 671 people completing the survey that closes Friday, only 11% indicated they were satisfied with how fast and reliable their internet service is. When asked if they would pay if it were more reliable or faster, a quarter of those...

Thumbnail of Youtube Video from April ESC Meeting

Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee meeting – April 15, 2021

Posted on April 16, 2021

The Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee held a meeting on April 15, 2021. The committee shared updates from the Work Groups including: Government and Emergency Management Education Internet, communications, and technology providers Planning, Transportation, and Public Works. Michael Frank gave a presentation, included in the slide deck, about Government and Emergency Management data analysis. Watch...

2021 Q1 Status Update

Posted on March 31, 2021

An explosion of data is coming in now that the surveys, focus groups, and interviews are all going full speed. The outreach is working as we planned. We’ve uncovered more community connections and are finding additional allies. While the level of participation from business owners is less than we hoped, we understand that they are...

Thumbnail of Youtube Video from March ESC Meeting

Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee meeting – March 18, 2021

Posted on March 19, 2021

The Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee held a meeting on March 18, 2021. After announcements, each community gave an update. As of March 18, all community groups have held their kick-off meetings. New community emails and progress dashboards have been created for each group in the Teams application. Watch the meeting Read the meeting notes...

How’s business? Digital Marin surveys businesses on internet access

Posted on March 4, 2021

As part of robust outreach and data collection efforts, the Digital Marin project is seeking feedback from Marin’s Business Community via an online survey in English and Spanish. It includes questions about access, quality, use of the internet, and the ability to successfully run a business where communication and access to information are increasingly done via the internet, websites, applications, and...

Planning, Transportation and Public Works Working Group February 26, 2021

Posted on March 1, 2021

On February 26, 2021, the Planning, Transportation, and Public Works Working Group met, facilitated by Elise Semonian, Planning Director in San Anselmo. Elise, along with Marin County Digital Marin volunteer Rebecca Woodbury, shared an overview of the Digital Marin project, the project’s goals, the role of the working group, and the approach for seeking outreach from stakeholders. ...

Digital Marin KWMR Interview

Posted on February 18, 2021

Executive Steering Committee member Liza Massey was interviewed on KWMR's Epicenter program on February 16, 2021. KWMR's Jeffrey Manson talks with Liza about the Digital Marin project and the recently released Residents' Survey. Listen to the segment

Thumbnail of Youtube Video from February ESC Meeting

Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee meeting – February 18, 2021

Posted on February 18, 2021

The Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee held a meeting on February 18, 2021. Each community gave an update on their progress while reminding the community leaders that we are looking for leads and issues, and will find solutions as the outreach wraps up. Government Emergency Management will be starting analysis soon and will share their...

Education Working Group launches

Posted on February 17, 2021

On February 17, 2021 the Education Working Group met, facilitated by Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee member Ross Millerick, and project sponsor Liza Massey. The Education working group includes members from Marin Promise Partnership, Marin County Office of Education, College of Marin, and city school districts. The agenda included introductions, an orientation to the project,...

picture of people setting up network communications equipment

Marin City Free Internet project

Posted on February 12, 2021

Collaboration continues to bridge the digital divide in Marin's most under-served communities. The Marin Community Foundation, County of Marin, and Sausalito Marin City School District (SMCSD) partnered to provide free Comcast Internet Essentials service to 300 households for two years. The partnership is also planning public outdoor Wi-Fi access at three locations in Marin City....

screenshot of the virtual work group meeting

Resident Working Group gets update on project, survey, and more

Posted on February 11, 2021

On February 10, 2021 the Residents Working Group met and received a status update on the project in terms of the other work groups, the asset inventory, and the community survey. Marin County CIO Liza Massey provided information about the outreach strategies being used for the different sectors. She shared that the asset inventory being...

Screenshot from video of virtual kick-off meeting

Government and Emergency Management Working Group provides feedback on outreach

Posted on February 11, 2021

On January 14, 2020 the Government and Emergency Management Working Group met, facilitated by Michael Frank of Marin General Services Authority. Michael, along with Marin County CIO Liza Massey and Digital Marin volunteer Rebecca Woodbury, shared an overview of the Digital Marin project, the project’s goals, the role of the working group, and the approach for seeking outreach...

Are you online? Digital Marin surveys public on internet access

Posted on February 8, 2021

Thousands enjoy strong internet access in Marin County, and thousands more don’t. Digital Marin, an effort to develop a countywide roadmap to achieve digital equity for all, seeks feedback from the community about internet access. Officially launched in December 2020, Digital Marin has set the following goals: Everyone in Marin has access to high quality,...

Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee meeting – January 21, 2021

Posted on January 22, 2021

The Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee held a meeting on January 21, 2021. The group discussed: Public outreach Surveys Transparency Draft table of contents Questions for Magellan Advisors about data collection Watch the meeting https://youtu.be/0ZUBrlkGY6M Read the meeting notes and slides Executive Steering Committee meeting – Jan 21, 2021 About The Executive Steering Committee was...

screenshot from the virtual kick-off meeting

Residents Working Group convenes to learn about Digital Marin

Posted on January 15, 2021

On December 22, 2020 the Residents Working Group met, facilitated by Bruce Vogen. Bruce, along with Marin County CIO Liza Massey shared an overview of the Digital Marin project, the project’s goals, the role of the working group, and the approach for seeking outreach from residents. The working group asked questions about the project and...

Digital Marin on KWMR Epicenter

Posted on January 14, 2021

Executive Steering Committee members Liza Massey and Rebecca Woodbury were on air with Amanda Eichstaedt's Epicenter to talk about the Digital Marin project. Listen to the segment (KWMR website)

Digital Marin in the Marin IJ

Posted on January 8, 2021

On December 31, 2020 the Marin Independent Journal published an article by Will Houston where he interviews Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee members Liza Massey, Rebecca Woodbury, and Bruce Vogen. The article does a splendid job summarizing the Digital Marin objectives for their readers. Mr. Houston also described the digital divide and gave the Canal...

2020 Q4 Status Update

Posted on December 31, 2020

Digital Marin continues to have good momentum as 2020 draws to a close. The Executive Steering Committee (ESC) is working to establish teams to lead community outreach, the consultants, Magellan Advisors, are collecting data on current assets, and the GoDigitalMarin.org website is live. The project is about a month behind the original schedule, but we...

Installing equipment for the Canal WiFi Network

Collaboration to identify and eliminate gaps in ‘Digital Divide’

Posted on December 17, 2020

The County of Marin is part of a new cross-sector effort to develop a countywide strategic plan to address local internet access and digital equity gaps. The project, called Digital Marin, will look beyond infrastructure needs and identify opportunities for data sharing, efficiencies, resiliency, and digital service improvements. The plan will outline projects and initiatives...

Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee meeting – December 10, 2020

Posted on December 10, 2020

The Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee held a meeting on December 10. At this meeting members worked on the organizing the work groups. Watch the meeting Read the meeting notes and slides Executive Steering Committee meeting – Dec 10, 2020

Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee meeting – November 23, 2020

Posted on November 23, 2020

The Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee held a meeting on November 23, 2020. The committee shared updates on the work groups. They also discussed survey design and shared ideas on how to make it accessible and have transparency in the process. Watch the meeting Read the meeting notes and slides Executive Steering Committee meeting –...

Community Word Cloud - education, planning, economic development, residents, government, healthcare, public works

Communities begin forming in December 2020

Posted on November 20, 2020

Digital Marin is a community-driven planning process. Part of the outreach process is to establish "communities of interest" groups for these general focus areas: Business & Economic Development Education Government & Emergency Management Healthcare & Community Based Organizations Internet / Communication / Technology Providers Planning, Transportation, Public Works Residents These groups will reach out to...

Welcome to Digital Marin

Posted on November 20, 2020

Digital Marin is a planning effort to better understand the digital needs and vision of our residents, communities, schools, public agencies, and business sectors. The plan will outline projects and initiatives to help us reach these goals: Everyone has access to high speed internet and knows how to use it; Public agencies, non-profits, and non-governmental...

Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee meeting – November 12, 2020

Posted on November 12, 2020

At their November 12, 2020 meeting, the Executive Steering Committee reviewed: Overview of the Digital Marin project Project’s goals Role of the working group Approach for seeking outreach from stakeholders Watch the meeting https://youtu.be/IGG5XNphnfg Read the meeting notes and slides Executive Steering Committee meeting – Nov 12, 2020

Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee meeting – October 29, 2020

Posted on October 29, 2020

The Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee held a meeting on October 29. This was their third meeting. Magellan consultants made a presentation about the scope of the first phase of the work. They discussed survey design, the building of the work groups and strategies to reach out to communities and partners. Watch the meeting Read...

Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee meeting – October 15, 2020

Posted on October 15, 2020

The Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee held a meeting on October 15. At this meeting members of the committee worked on the charter language and the elevator pitch. Watch the meeting https://youtu.be/DjlYfxE6Sy0 Read the meeting notes and slides Executive Steering Committee meeting – Oct 16, 2020 About The committee was established to create an oversight...

Thumbnail of Youtube Video from the ESC Kick-Off Meeting

Digital Marin Executive Steering Committee kick-off

Posted on October 7, 2020

The Executive Steering Committee was established to create a oversight body that would work to bring all government and community groups together as peers working on a common vision. Members represent the variety or local government bodies and the varied needs of residents. The primary function of the committee is to expand our inclusion...