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 everyone in Marin
- Strategy 1: Assist with the deployment of universally accessible public and public/private broadband services throughout Marin.
- Submitted a CASF Local Area Technical Assistance (LATA) grant application in August for four areas in unincorporated Marin County, requesting approximately $500,000 to define broadband expansion projects in these areas. Expect a response in October.
- Assisted the City of San Rafael with submission of a CASF LATA grant application in September for $258,000, focusing on the Canal area
- Assisting Tiburon with a CASF LATA grant application to begin implementation of their Town’s Broadband Plan, which supports Digital Marin’s Strategic Plan. Anticipate they will submit the application by mid-October.
- Continue to prepare to submit grant applications for additional funding for infrastructure, digital divide projects, Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) outreach, and cybersecurity.
- Strategy 3: Increase access to affordable broadband service.
- Transferred $100,000 from the County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support a collaborative effort of the Bolinas Stinson Union School District (BSUSD), nonprofits, community members, and the County to complete a project bringing critical internet access, devices, and training to families with school-aged children living fulltime in the BSUSD.
- Began work on the joint project between the Digital Marin Team (County), Marin County Free Library, Marin Housing Authority (MHA), and Comcast, funded by the County’s ARPA allocation, to provide broadband connectivity, free internet service, devices, training, and support at five MHA housing sites for older adults and people with disabilities.
- Strategy 1: Assist with the deployment of universally accessible public and public/private broadband services throughout Marin.
- Goal 4: Marin has a community driven organization with a mission to deliver broadband for all
- Strategy 1: Obtain funding and create an independent operating entity.
- Continue to work with a consultant to develop recommendations for a governance structure and operational model for a Digital Marin broadband organization.
- Strategy 1: Obtain funding and create an independent operating entity.
Upcoming Milestones
- Support submission of Tiburon’s LATA grant application in October.
- Hire project coordinator and officially launch the MHA digital divide project.
Key Issues, Risks, & Impediments
- Risk – Ability to secure transitional funding in a timely manner so that Digital Marin’s activities continue without disruption while sustainable funding is secured for ongoing operations.
Request for Action
- We continue to seek adoptions by every city and town in Marin. Sample staff reports and resolutions are available.
- Please contact LMassey@MarinCounty.org for more information, questions, and assistance.