Historically, our nation has not treated broadband as a form of essential infrastructure, but NLC is looking to change that. Cities, towns and villages with fast, affordable broadband in every neighborhood and home are better able to attract employers and new residents, invest in more efficient connected utility and transportation infrastructure, and maintain property values. The lack of universal connectivity in America’s communities holds our nation back from economic recovery and growth. Multiple pre-pandemic studies showed that broadband access consistently improves a home’s value – a feature that has become even more appealing in a post-COVID world. But without significant and targeted federal investments in broadband, the digital divide and its economic impacts will only continue to widen.
Legislation and Regulation
Resources
Supporting Full Access to Public Infrastructure and Broadband
COVID-19 is exacerbating the problems created by insufficient critical infrastructure and a lack of broadband access in communities across the country.
This COVID-19 principle Response Brief provides guidance and outlines specific actions cities can take to address connectivity in communities during this pandemic.
About the Federal Action Agenda
The NLC Advocacy Center takes a proactive approach to the decisions and policies coming out of Washington, D.C. In response to those decisions, we have created the Federal Action Agenda as a resource for the latest information and to provide recommendations on how member cities could best respond and implement. Find our up-to-date recommendations and priorities in the Federal Action Agenda.