Establish partnerships to advance and undertake broadband construction projects.

Highlights from the final quarter of 2022:

• At their October 11, 2022 meeting, the board of supervisors approved the adoption of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) Joint Powers Authority. GSCA proposes to finance, construct, own, and operate an open access broadband internet access service network, in the same manner as a municipal utility. A portion of the proposed network will be located within the unincorporated area of Nevada County. This MOU will provide GSCA a license to construct, improve, operate, and maintain fiber-optic lines and other broadband infrastructure in Nevada County. Specific project details, areas and funding details will be brought to the board in the future as this project moves forward.
• Later that month, the County was awarded just under $500,000 through the Local Agency Technical Assistance (LATA) grant, which it will use to begin to assess the feasbility of broadband expansion in unincorporated Nevada County. The grant funds were subsequently accepted via board resolution.
• Established a process by which internet service providers (ISPs) may gain access to some of the household-level data obtained in the County's 'Need for Speed' survey. This will help ISPs assess market opportunities for broadband expansion within the county.