Broadband 101 – Benefits of Broadband: Where do we go from here?

There is a strong positive relationship between internet access and economic growth and development. Studies that focus on more rural areas within the U.S. find that access to broadband is important in attracting new businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing farm profits, and even increasing the value of rural housing. It is clear that access to the internet and broadband in particular is no longer a luxury, but a necessary condition for regional economic growth and development. This article outlines the need for and the benefits of broadband.

Broadband 101 – How did we get here?

The reasons why broadband service has not reached all regions of the state and country are varied and complicated. Population density or rurality, infrastructure expense, data limitations, and legal structures all play a part, depending on the location. This article covers some explanations of why access remains low in some areas and among some populations.

Broadband 101: Broadband Defined

This article defines broadband, types of broadband infrastructure, technology and speed, internet for all (digital equity), and spells out organizational acronyms you may run across while learning about broadband.

Organizing for Community Broadband Planning

Building a strong broadband team is an important first step in your community’s broadband efforts. This part of the toolkit provides tips, processes, and actionable steps you can take to move your community’s broadband efforts forward.

Data and Community Engagement

This August 7, 2023 Lunch-n-Learn session highlighted data your community may need to collect and review for your broadband planning efforts.

Funding renewable energy and energy efficiency on your farm

Improving energy efficiency and generating renewable energy on the farm can significantly reduce energy expenses over the long term. Thanks to new and expanded funding, agricultural producers can now significantly reduce the upfront cost for clean energy projects on their farms. This article introduces three programs to fund renewable energy systems (RES) and energy efficiency improvements (EEI): Rural Energy for America Program (REAP); Focus on Energy; and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE).

Residential: Clean Energy Funding Series

On this Clean Energy Funding Webinar you will learn from our expert panel about the various paths to obtain federal funding for your home energy improvements statewide and when they might be available, state funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy that can help fund and supplement federal rebates, and about electrification options, especially heat pumps.

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