AUTHORS Urenna Onyewuchi, PhD, Paulette Blanc, MPH, Reyda Taylor,PhD REFERENCES See page 2 REDLINING DE-SEGREGATION OF SCHOOLS SILICON HILLS DIGITIAL INCLUSION PROGRAMS COVID-19 PANDEMIC DIGITAL INEQUITY IN AUSTIN, TEXAS UNPACKING THE HISTORY OF INJUSTICE 1928 MASTER PLAN CREATED The 1928 Master Plan created a "Negro District" which required all Black Austinites to move to East Austin. This plan evolved into the segregation of the Hispanic/Latino community as well (2). Public policies like the National Housing Act of 1934, which established and reinforced housing segregation (also known as "redlining"), have contributed to unequal opportunities and have marginalized certain groups of people (3). The echoes of this policy still influence our cityscapes. With educational funding tied to property. taxes, and in extension the value of the housing in a neighborhood, redlining still contributes to the systematic denial of resources to Black and poor neighborhoods. 1934 FREEDMAN COMMUNITIES Juneteenth, June 19, 1865 marked Black emancipation from slavery. An 1865 City Council meeting called for extreme policing and punishing of “idle” Black people (1).; anti-Black violence was praised. During this time Freedman communities in Austin were established (1). 1865 2000s SOCIAL MEDIA Modern social media emerges and quickly becomes a means for sharing information, making connections, and news updates. (11). Notably during the 2021 Winter Storm Uri many resources were being shared via social media and people without digital access were at a disadvantage. 1953 UNDER-REPRESENTATION 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS In 1953, Austin adopted a model for city council based on "at large" positions, limiting place-based representation (4). In subsequent years "The Gentlemen's Agreement" was adopted. These systems prevented non-White groups from being able to win elections to the City Council. The Civil Rights Act was the second to the last act that threw out Jim Crow laws. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 dealt a crucial blow to discrimination in the workforce by making it illegal for any business, private or public, to practice discriminatory hiring (and firing) practices (9). Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 decision in Brown vs. Board of Education, the AISD Board of Trustees originally adopted a policy of integration (5). Austin started as a high-tech hub in the '80s, and was known as “Silicon Hills.” The initial tech industries hosted in Austin included semiconductor (AMD, Samsung, Motorola/Freescale/NXP, Applied Materials), enterprise software (IBM, Trilogy, Tivoli, National Instruments) and computer hardware (Dell, IBM, Apple) (10). The Clinton administration began plans for …
a c c e s s i s p o w e r 2022 updates agenda 01 02 03 04 05 06 Overview Digital Literacy Training New Programs Current State of Affairs Future Planning Closing overview UNDERSTANDING THE LEGACY 26+ years of history in Austin Pioneering women in leadership roles A trusted resource for the community A champion for underserved populations Ana Sisnett on the cover of Austin Chronicle for Austin Free-Net, 2003 "Part of why we do what we do is to teach people about the pervasiveness of the technology, how it's in their lives whether they want it or not." - Ana Sisnett "Looking To The Future" Austin Chronicle, 2001 Partners and sponsors overview TURNING A NEW LEAF Update the organization, honor the legacy Evolve with technology and the needs of our community Focus on our strengths Reach 3,000 community members digital literacy training Community needs during Pandemic Device acquisition Access Remote Learning AFN services through Pandemic Over 300 devices donated to AISD Senior Tech Program Remote learning Computer Lab Access . . Staff member, John Fierro, gets devices ready for AISD Digital Inclusion week 2021 Assisted COA with the DIW Art Poster Contest Created Digital Inclusion PSAs in partnership with Austin Public . Digital Inclusion week 2021 Hosted two panels with popular digital inclusion topics and panelist . Digital Inclusion week 2021 Hosted two panels with popular digital inclusion topics and panelist . digital literacy training Post Pandemic Planning Transition into remote, onsite and hybrid instruction Updated classes and workshops to reflect community interest and needs New programs to meet community needs and incentivize participation Return to Community Partner sites Add new partner sites New and Updated Classes and Workshops 2022 first quarter Google Suite Class - An introduction to Google Suite web applications like Gmail, Google Docs, and the Google Drive. Organize it, Online! - Fundamentals of digital productivity tools including digital calendars, Google tasks, Microsoft tasks, and more. Microsoft Office Class - An overview of all things Microsoft Office, like Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint. City of Austin Resources - An introduction to resources provided by the City of Austin for Austin residents. You've Got Mail! Digital Dating 101 - Learn all about love online. Online dating, dating applications, and navigating online dating world safely. Rapid Retrain Guide for Veterans - A brief introduction to veteran benefit applications, veteran employment opportunities and the Veteran's Rapid …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATON NUMBER: 20220309-3a1 REGARDING: Increasing City Support of Digital Literacy Training with Austin Free-Net WHEREAS, digital literacy training is a necessary City service to ensure members of the public can equitably access online City resources; WHEREAS, COVID-19 has closed many in-person service options and made in-person contact inherently more risky; WHEREAS, the current labor market is particularly challenging for non-profit organizations; WHEREAS, the current City contractor for provision of digital literacy training services has requested an increase in the City funding in order to be able to hire qualified staff and support robust service delivery; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission recommends that the City contract with Austin Free-Net providing digital literacy training services be increased from $198,000 annually to $298,000 annually. Date of Approval: March 9, 2022 Record of the vote: Motion to recommend $100,000 in additional funding for Austin Free-Net made by Commissioner Dasgupta, seconded by Chair Pitts, passed on a vote of 7-0. ATTEST: ___________________________________ Jesse Rodriguez City of Austin Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATON NUMBER: 20220309-3a2 REGARDING: Producer Workforce Development WHEREAS, investment in producer training for underserved segments of the community is needed to ensure equitable access to the creative economy; WHEREAS, Austin Film Society won the contract with the City to provide producer workforce development training, distribution of local content over public cable channels, and maintenance of the public access television facility; WHEREAS, Austin Film Society’s final best offer was for $925,000 annually, but the City was only able to offer $875,000 annually (leaving a $50,000 gap in year one); WHEREAS, $400,000 of that $875,000 was only secured with federal grant funds for one year, leaving a $450,000 gap for year two; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission recommends that the City allocate $450,000 to support producer workforce training by Austin Film Society. Date of Approval: March 9, 2022 Record of the vote: Motion to recommend $450,000 to support the Austin Film Society’s Producer Workforce development program made by Commissioner Apodaca, seconded by Commissioner DasGupta, passed on a vote of 7-0 ATTEST: ___________________________________ Jesse Rodriguez City of Austin Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATON NUMBER: 20220309-3a3 REGARDING: Community Technology Interns WHEREAS, the City began, in late 2019, a pilot program to refurbish retired City computers and make them available for public benefit via distribution to community non-profits; WHEREAS, that pilot program is now established as formal service offered by the City named The Community PC Program and has deployed over 1,743 devices since inception; WHEREAS, the Community PC Program processes over 500 devices annually, on average; WHEREAS, the Community PC Program is poised to increase the number of devices made available to the community every year by seeking private sector device donations, which would proportionally increase the amount of staff needed to refurbish the devices and administratively support the program; WHEREAS, administrative and technology interns would allow the Community PC Program to provide more IT support to device recipients; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission recommends that the City allocate sufficient funds to support a technical intern and an administrative intern to support the Community Technology division of Financial Services Department. Date of Approval: March 9, 2022 Record of the vote: Motion to recommend funding for two interns at $15 and $20 dollars per hour to support the Community Technology unit of Financial Services Department made by Chair Pitts, seconded by Commissioner Eiland passed on a vote of 7-0. ATTEST: ___________________________________ Jesse Rodriguez City of Austin Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs
COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION http://www.austintexas.gov/cttc MINUTES Regular Meeting Wednesday – March 9, 2022 – 6:30 PM City Hall – Boards and Commissions ‐ Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street ‐ Austin, TX 78701 Please go to http://www.austintexas.gov/cityclerk/boards_commissions/meetings/10_1.htm for backup material associated with this agenda. All ATXN (City Channel 6) programming is cablecast on Spectrum, Grande Communications, and Google Fiber on their cable channel 6, on AT&T U‐ Verse Channel 99 and webcast online. Over 20 meetings per month, including this commission meeting, are available on demand online, typically within a few hours of the cablecast. Schedules and video can be found at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/atxn-video-archive. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Sophie Gairo ‐ Mayor Steve Adler Nehemiah Pitts III ‐ Council Member Natasha Harper‐Madison, District 1 Steven Apodaca – Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, District 2 Malcolm Yeatts ‐ Council Member Sabino “Pio” Renteria, District 3 Vacant ‐ Council Member Gregorio Casar, District 4 Dave Floyd ‐ Council Member Ann Kitchen, District 5 Vacant ‐ Council Member Mackenzie Kelly, District 6 Maxine Eiland ‐ Council Member Leslie Pool, District 7 Jennifer Ramos ‐ Council Member Paige Ellis, District 8 Nicole Thompson – Council Member Kathie Tovo, District 9 Sumit DasGupta ‐ Council Member Alison Alter, District 10 Commission Members Present Nehemiah Pitts III Commission Members Attending Remotely Steven Apodaca Malcolm Yeatts Dave Floyd Maxine Eiland Nicole Thompson Sumit DasGupta Unexcused Absence Jennifer Ramos Sophie Gairo CALL TO ORDER Meeting Called to order at 6:38 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. No members of the public signed up to speak. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February 9, 2022 Motion to approve the February 9th meeting minutes made by Commissioner DasGupta, seconded by Commissioner Thompson passed on a vote of 8-0. 2. STAFF AND COMMUNITY BRIEFINGS (A member of the public may not address a board at a meeting on an item posted as a briefing) a. FY 2021 Residential Technology Study: Qualitative Analysis of the Digital Divide in Austin by MEASURE Austin (Paulette Blanc, Meme Styles, and Reyda Taylor) The Presentation by MEASURE Austin can be viewed here: https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=378693 The draft report by MEASURE can be viewed here: https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=378696 The timeline of historical inequities by MEASURE can be viewed here: https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=378694 b. Update …
COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Wednesday – February 9, 2022 – 6:30 PM City Hall – Boards and Commissions - Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street - Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, contact Jesse Rodriguez at jesse.rodriguez@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Nehemiah Pitts III, Chair Steven Apodaca Dave Floyd Maxine Eiland Nicole Thompson Sophie Gairo Malcolm Yeatts Illiya Svirsky Jennifer Ramos Sumit DasGupta AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 12, 2022 2. STAFF AND COMMUNITY BRIEFINGS (A member of the public may not address a board at a meeting on an item posted as a briefing) a. Presentation on Digital Access Research (Susan Millea and Dan Brown, Children’s Optimal Health) b. Presentation on Public Producer Workforce Development Programming (Rakeda Ervin and Rebecca Campbell, Austin Film Society – Austin Public) 3. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action) a. Selection of the 2022 GTOPs Core Review Panel (Commission Discussion and b. Commission Discussion on FY 2023 Budget Priorities (Commission discussion and Action) possible action) 4. COMMISSION UPDATES (Discussion and Possible Action) a. Digital Inclusion, Civic Engagement, and Strategic Technology and Telecom Policy Working Group b. Knowledge, Information, and Data Stewardship Working Group c. Technology, Infrastructure, and Innovation Working Group FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jesse Rodriguez at the Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs Department, at jesse.rodriguez@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Community …
Digital Access: An Opportunity to Improve Equity in Central Texas City of Austin Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission February 9, 2022 Susan Millea, Ph.D. smillea@cohtx.org Dan Brown dbrown@cohtx.org www.cohtx.org Digital Inclusion and our Priority Populations “Digital inclusion is achieved through affordable, robust internet services, digital literacy skills, quality technical support, access to hardware and software, and opportunities for resources and services that augment inclusion efforts.” Texas State Libraries and Archives Commission Goals for Today: • Demonstrate how to access and navigate the website • Describe our Digital Inclusion project and findings • Demonstrate our interactive mapping tools (Live demo if time allows) • Discuss a call to action to advance digital equity Goals for Today: • Demonstrate how to access and navigate the website • Describe our Digital Inclusion project and findings • Demonstrate our interactive mapping tools • Discuss a call to action to advance digital equity COH Digital Inclusion Project • May 2020: disparities in digital tech access impeding student learning • Good Measure Grant • 5 County Metro Area • Food security, Health/Mental health, Social Services • Scope expanded: health providers, those serving aging populations • Work across sectors • GTOPS grants • Many, many partners involved! www.cohtx.org www.cohtx.org www.cohtx.org www.cohtx.org www.cohtx.org COVID-19, SDOH, Digital Access, and Equity y t i l i i b a n a t s u S Adapted from Toronto, Canada What we are learning from Priority Populations: DIVERSITY What is your race or origin? What is your ZIP Code? Has your household struggled to meet basic needs in SY 2020-21? What we are learning from Priority Populations: ACCESS Has a lack of good internet access or devices in your home caused problems obtaining any of the following? Same question, analyzed by Race/Ethnicity What we are learning from Priority Populations: DEVICES Devices used in household, by Count of Respondents Devices used in household, by Count of Devices What we are learning from Priority Populations: CONNECTIVITY How important is high-speed internet access at home? If low-cost high-speed internet were available at home, realistically what is the most per month you could afford to pay? How do you access the internet from home? Using Interactive Maps: Overview Using Interactive Maps: Poverty Concentration by Council District Income and Poverty: % Below the Poverty Level Using Interactive Maps: Computing Devices by Council District Households with one or more computing devices Households with ONLY a smartphone Using …
O P E R AT E D B Y T H E A U S T I N F I L M S O C I E T Y 1 VISION Austin Film Society We envision a culture in which art and industry work together to feed innovation, creativity and economic opportunity; in order to build a more equitable, artistic and prosperous world. City of Austin Austin is a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its community members; and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all. CREATIVITY AND CAREERS OBJECTIVE 1 of 9 AFS is a beacon for creativity, artistic practice and self-expression, providing creators with equitable access and opportunities for enrichment, advancement and creative community building. C R E A T I V I T Y A N D C A R E E R S OBJECTIVE 2 of 9 AFS has catalyzed the Austin and Texas moving image industry into a career-long home for creatives. EXHIBITION AND ENGAGEMENT OBJECTIVE 4 of 9 AFS has established an institution-wide commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and fostered an organizational culture that prioritizes community access, ownership and engagement. R E G U L A R H E A D E R AFS CREATIVE CAREERS AFS CREATIVE CAREERS A B O U T T H E P R O G R A M It’s no secret that the film industry is highly competitive and tends to offer opportunities for insiders. For those who are outside of this elite industry, this may feel like an unattainable dream. AFS Creative Careers helps new creators make their dreams a working reality in three ways. Internship Pathway Job Placement Pathway • • • Community Media Education Pathway Lizbeth, Jen, Kayla, Quincie, AFS CREATIVE CAREERS I N T E R N S H I P P A T H W A Y R O A D M A P • PHASE 1 (Nov-Jan)- Office basics, workshops, and courses at Austin Public • PHASE 2 (Jan-April)- Department Internship • PHASE 3 (May-June) Professional Development, Offboarding, Reflections, Final Assessment, Portfolio presentation, Celebration AFS CREATIVE CAREERS C R E A T I V E C O N V E R S A T I O N S W I T H K A T C A …
COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION http://www.austintexas.gov/cttc MINUTES Regular Meeting Wednesday – February 9, 2022 – 6:30 PM City Hall – Boards and Commissions - Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street - Austin, TX 78701 Please go to http://www.austintexas.gov/cityclerk/boards_commissions/meetings/10_1.htm for backup material associated with this agenda. All ATXN (City Channel 6) programming is cablecast on Spectrum, Grande Communications, and Google Fiber on their cable channel 6, on AT&T U- Verse Channel 99 and webcast online. Over 20 meetings per month, including this commission meeting, are available on demand online, typically within a few hours of the cablecast. Schedules and video can be found at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/atxn-video-archive. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Sophie Gairo - Mayor Steve Adler Nehemiah Pitts III - Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison, District 1 Steven Apodaca – Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, District 2 Malcolm Yeatts - Council Member Sabino “Pio” Renteria, District 3 Vacant - Council Member Gregorio Casar, District 4 Dave Floyd - Council Member Ann Kitchen, District 5 Iliya Svirsky - Council Member Mackenzie Kelly, District 6 Maxine Eiland - Council Member Leslie Pool, District 7 Jennifer Ramos - Council Member Paige Ellis, District 8 Nicole Thompson – Council Member Kathie Tovo, District 9 Sumit DasGupta - Council Member Alison Alter, District 10 Commission Members Present Sophie Gairo Nehemiah Pitts III Steven Apodaca Malcolm Yeatts Dave Floyd Nicole Thompson Commission Members Attending Remotely Maxine Eiland Sumit DasGupta Unexcused Absence Iliya Svirsky Jennifer Ramos CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 6:33 pm PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. No members of the public were signed up to speak. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 12, 2022 Motion to amend the January 12 minutes and approve them as amended made by Chair Pitts, seconded by commissioner DasGupta, passed on a vote of 7-0-1. 2. STAFF AND COMMUNITY BRIEFINGS (A member of the public may not address a board at a meeting on an item posted as a briefing) a. Presentation on Digital Access Research (Susan Millea and Dan Brown, Children’s Optimal Health) The resource presented can be viewed here: ACS Demographics & Internet Access Data | Digital Access: An Opportunity to Improve Equity in Central Texas (arcgis.com) The presentation can be viewed here: https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=377513 b. Presentation on Public …
COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Wednesday - January 12, 2022 - 6:30 PM City Hall - Boards and Commissions - Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street - Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Nehemiah Pitts IIL Chair Steven Apodaca Dave Floyd Maxine Eiland Nicole Thompson Sophie Gairo Malcolm Yeatts Illiya Svirsky Jennifer Ramos Sumit DasGupta CALL TO ORDER AGENDA CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - December 8, 2021 2. STAFF AND COMMUNITY BRIEFINGS (A member of the public may not address a board at a meeting on an item posted as a briefing) a. Office of Innovation Briefing (Alba Sereno, Chief Research & Strategic Initiatives Officer, Innovation Office) b. Update on the Grant for Technology Opportunity Program Letter of Interest Process ( Jesse Rodriguez, Interim Program Manager, Financial Services Department) 3. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action) a. Selection of the 2022 GTOPs Core Review Panel (Commission Discussion and Action) b. Digital Equity and Inclusion Town Hall Discussion 2- Chair Nehemiah Pitts III (Commission discussion and possible action) c. Election of Officers - Vice Chair (Commission discussion and action) 4. COMMISSION UPDATES (Discussion and Possible Action) a. Digital Inclusion, Civic Engagement, and Strategic Technology and Telecom Policy Working Group b. Knowledge, Information, and Data Stewardship Working Group c. Technology, Infrastructure, and Innovation Working Group FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jesse Rodriguez at the Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs Department, at jesse.rodriguez@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission, please contact Jesse Rodriguez at jesse.rodriguez@austintexas.gov
Innovation Office Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission January 2022 The City of Austin's Innovation Office works with City teams to Primary Strategic Direction 23 alignment: GTWFA Strategy 13: Establish a workplace culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and human-centered innovation that encourages employee growth and inclusive collaboration. In addition, embrace technology, rapidly prototype potential solutions, and improve business processes to increase efficiencies and reduce red tape. Who we are identify and test solutions to complex challenges facing Austin. We hold space for early-stage ideas and solutions. We facilitate teams, research problems, and design services to make progress toward Austin’s strategic goals We define innovation as any project that is new to you with an uncertain outcome, and we’re aimed at addressing pressing challenges that affect our community. We practice human-centered innovation, which is a new approach to exercising authority and decision-making that starts with the needs, behaviors, and experiences of our community, and continues through a process of questioning assumptions, engaging with empathy, stewarding divergent thought, reflecting, and learning. Organizational orientation Chief of Staff Innovation capabilities Qualitative and quantitative research Community-based accelerators Systems design and mapping Data science Co-creation facilitation Design and prototyping Community organizing Evidence-based practices Grant applications Impact evaluations Networking and partnering with community, technology, and nonprofit orgs Theories of change in complex systems Proving things that haven’t been done, yet Business modeling, program design Office structure Chief Innovation Officer (Daniel Culotta, Acting) Research & Strategic Initiatives Alba Sereno, Chief Research & Strategic Initiatives Officer Design, Prototyping & De-risking Portfolio Manager Daniel Culotta Digital equity/community tech related projects (Recent Past) Lifefiles: Grant funded project to build distributed ledger to help residents control and share their identity documents facilitating their access to social and health services, especially those vital to ending homelessness such as housing, public benefits and access to medical care. Digitally certified and encrypted, LifeFiles allows for the decentralized distribution of certified documents, allowing for remote verification and secure shareability. Code is open source for those who wish to implement the solution. Contact: Daniel Culotta, OOI https://rwjflandingpage.webflo w.io/ Open Data Portal: This portal provides easy access to open data and information about your city government. We encourage the use of public data that the City of Austin has published to spark innovation, promote public collaboration, increase government transparency, and inform decision making. We are preparing a scope for a next phase of refinement to the portal & …
COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION http://www.austintexas.gov/cttc MINUTES Regular Meeting Wednesday – January 12, 2022 – 6:30 PM City Hall – Boards and Commissions - Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street - Austin, TX 78701 Please go to http://www.austintexas.gov/cityclerk/boards_commissions/meetings/10_1.htm for backup material associated with this agenda. All ATXN (City Channel 6) programming is cablecast on Spectrum, Grande Communications, and Google Fiber on their cable channel 6, on AT&T U- Verse Channel 99 and webcast online. Over 20 meetings per month, including this commission meeting, are available on demand online, typically within a few hours of the cablecast. Schedules and video can be found at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/atxn-video-archive. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Sophie Gairo - Mayor Steve Adler Nehemiah Pitts III - Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison, District 1 Steven Apodaca – Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, District 2 Malcolm Yeatts - Council Member Sabino “Pio” Renteria, District 3 Vacant - Council Member Gregorio Casar, District 4 Dave Floyd - Council Member Ann Kitchen, District 5 Iliya Svirsky - Council Member Mackenzie Kelly, District 6 Maxine Eiland - Council Member Leslie Pool, District 7 Jennifer Ramos - Council Member Paige Ellis, District 8 Nicole Thompson – Council Member Kathie Tovo, District 9 Sumit DasGupta - Council Member Alison Alter, District 10 Commission Members Present Nehemiah Pitts III Nicole Thompson Sophie Gairo Malcolm Yeatts Dave Floyd Jennifer Ramos Commission Members Attending Remotely Sumit DasGupta Steven Apodaca Unexcused Absence Iliya Svirsky Maxine Eiland CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 6:41 pm CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. No citizens were signed up to speak. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 8, 2021 Commissioner Gairo requested an amendment to the minutes adding the designation of Commissioner Floyd as chair of the Knowledge, Information, and Data Stewardship Working Group to the minutes. Motion to approve the minutes as amended made by Commissioner Thompson, seconded by Ramos, passed on a vote of 8-0. 2. STAFF AND COMMUNITY BRIEFINGS (A member of the public may not address a board at a meeting on an item posted as a briefing) a. Office of Innovation Briefing (Alba Sereno, Chief Research & Strategic Initiatives Officer, Innovation Office) Presentation by Alba Sereno can be viewed here. b. Update on the Grant for Technology Opportunity …
COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Wednesday – December 8, 2021 – 6:30 PM City Hall – Boards and Commissions - Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street - Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Nehemiah Pitts III, Chair Steven Apodaca Dave Floyd Maxine Eiland Nicole Thompson Sophie Gairo Malcolm Yeatts Illiya Svirsky Jennifer Ramos Sumit DasGupta AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 13, 2021 2. STAFF AND COMMUNITY BRIEFINGS (A member of the public may not address a board at a meeting on an item posted as a briefing) a. Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs update – Rondella Hawkins, TARA Officer, Financial Services Department b. HACA Mobile Hot Spot Speed & Connection Testing – Catherine Crago, Head of Strategic Initiatives, Housing Authority of the City of Austin & Austin Pathways, and Ashlee Johnson, ACC IT Intern c. Briefing on the Reliable and Affordable Broadband for All Project – Khotan Harmon, Leadership Austin Fellow 3. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action) a. Digital Inclusion Week Art Competition – Jesse Rodriguez, Interim Program Manager, Financial Services Department (discussion and possible action) b. Digital Equity and Inclusion Town Hall – Chair Nehemiah Pitts III (Commission discussion and possible action) c. Election of Officers – Vice Chair (Commission discussion and action) 4. COMMISSION UPDATES (Discussion and Possible Action) a. Digital Inclusion, Civic Engagement, and Strategic Technology and Telecom Policy Working Group b. Knowledge, Information, and Data Stewardship Working Group c. Technology, Infrastructure, and Innovation Working Group FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jesse Rodriguez at the Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs Department, at jesse.rodriguez@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission, please contact Jesse …
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS Legislative and Regulatory Update – December 2021 Congress ➢ Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684): Signed by Pres. Biden; the broadband provisions include includes $65 billion for broadband-related projects and cybersecurity grants: Broadband Highlights: • $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program - available to states that apply for funds. Allocated to states by formula. • Deployment to unserved and underserved areas first then connecting eligible community anchor institutions • Data collection, broadband mapping, and planning • Provision of affordable broadband to multi-family residential building in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. • Broadband adoption (including providing affordable internet-capable devices) • $2.75 billion under the Digital Inclusion Act, which includes two new grant programs, the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program and Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, focused on digital inclusion. • $14.2 billion for the Affordable Connectivity Benefit Households via providers (see FCC below regarding rulemaking) • This is an extension of the temp. Emergency Broadband Benefit Program ($50/month which expires December 31, 2021), though with lower monthly subsidies. • Permanent program - $30/month subsidy for internet service for households up to 200% of poverty that qualify for other federal benefits (Nutrition, SSI, Veteran’s Pension, etc.). • $1 billion for middle mile infrastructure. ➢ $2 billion for USDA rural broadband construction programs (primarily ReConnect). ➢ $1 billion for DHS-run grant program to address cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats to information systems owned or operated by, or on behalf of, State, local, or Tribal governments. ➢ Build Back Better Act (HR-5376): House-passed version includes $500 million for a new FTC data privacy and security bureau, $500 million for NTIA connected device vouchers, $490 million for next-generation 911 tech upgrades and $300 million for the FCC Emergency Connectivity Fund. ➢ Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility Act (E-BRIDGE Act) (H.R. 3193) (S. 1695) : Passed House Nov. 4th; authorizes the Commerce Dept. to award economic development grants for public-private partnerships and certain consortiums for projects to provide, extend, expand, or improve broadband service through (1) planning, technical assistance, or training; (2) land acquisition or development; or (3) acquisition, construction, or improvement of facilities. ➢ Next Generation Telecommunications Act (S. 3014): Would establish a Next Generation Telecommunications Council to advise Congress on 6G advancements and other advanced wireless communications technologies; allocates $10 million to the Council, which would submit a report to Congress within one year. …
HACA & Austin Pathways Sneakernet Project June 7, 2021 - July 30, 2021 Presenter Catherine Crago Head of Strategic Initiatives HACA/Austin Pathways Authors Ashlee Johnson, ACC IT Intern Omar Tapia, ACC IT Intern Andrew Martinez, ACC IT Intern Spring-Fall 2020-2021 Team Members With Thanks to John Bratcher, T-Mobile James Mason, ACC IT Intern Khotan Harmon, ACC IT Intern Stan McClellan, Texas State University HACA & Austin Pathways Resident Smart City Ambassadors Background & Introduction ● HACA has 18 public subsidized housing properties spanning Austin from north to south across the eastern crescent. ● Is a single provider’s 4G hotspot the best product for all HACA properties and all parts of town? ● What are acceptable levels of service, using third-party definitions, for broadband speed in a HACA household, i.e. per multiple users using intensive applications simultaneously in a household? ● What is the cost of service both per household and per property for wireline vs. wireless broadband service? ● Does a resident at a given property get “$1 of wireless broadband” for a dollar spent? Our Scope ● One year 7-Week Project Staffed by co-lead by 2 and assisted by 4 part-time ACC IT Work Study Interns ● Three Phases. ○ Phase 1, July 30, Procurement Recommendation, Stakeholder Feedback ○ Phase 2 & 3, Vendor analysis ● Core activities, Phase 1: design of experiment, key map design and validation, data collection and validation, evaluation, stakeholder requirements feedback and synthesis ● Ten HACA Properties ○ 8 Central and North Properties with No In-Home Internet ○ 2 Central-Downtown Properties with Free Google Fiber Phase 1 Questions ● What is the right internet service to provide to each household at each property, given a conservative outdoor reading and better-than-average devices? ● Is a single provider’s 4G hotspot, is that product the best for all HACA properties and all parts of town? ● What are acceptable levels of service, using third-party definitions, for broadband speed in a HACA household, i.e. per multiple users using intensive applications simultaneously in a household? ● What is the cost of service both per household and per property for wireline vs. wireless broadband service? ● Does a resident at a given property get “$1 of broadband” for a dollar spent? On Location at North Loop ● Boots on the ground ● Outdoors only ● Hardware in hand Speedtesting Hardware MacBook Air: 1.6ghz, dual-core 8th-gen, intel core i5 2015, macOS …
Reliable and Affordable Broadband Internet for All Final Report: December 8, 2021 Khotan Harmon, 2021 Leadership Austin Digital Inclusion Fellow Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs (TARA) City of Austin What is digital equity “Digital inclusion is the ability of individuals and groups to equally access and use information and communication technologies affordably, efficiently, and reliably along with digital training, resources, and skills needed to fully participate in a digital society.” - Digital Empowerment Community of Austin (DECA) 2 ● Insights from Lived Experience of Results of inputs: How we got here Austin residents from CTTC Special Conversation ● Goal of the Community Technology & Telecommunications Commission Work Plan ● Experience from Previous City-supported projects & COA Digital Inclusion Strategic Plan ● Impact from COVID-19 Virtual Pivot ● Application to Leadership Austin and funded by St. David's Foundation (THANK YOU!) ● Khotan Harmon named LA Digital Inclusion Fellow ● Framed out the goals and inquiry areas for the project ● Aligned current City program staff to support Fellow and coordinated activities underway for project ● Identified initial stakeholders to engage in project 3 Project scope: Reliable and Affordable Broadband for All Project Goals: Deliverables: Our community needs a fellow to assess, identify and develop viable longer-term solutions to address the problem of digital equity to ensure reliable, affordable broadband for all. The availability of the internet is critical to participate in a growing digital society and to provide equitable, educational, job and economic opportunities and access to healthcare. Report #1: Community asset mapping and survey of existing data on the mapping and speed of private broadband infrastructure and reasons for barriers to broadband adoption. Report #2 - Feasibility Plan based on models and best practices nationally that could be offered as a possible solution in Austin for affordable reliable broadband for all in Austin. Stakeholder engagement - Reactivated, engaged and collaborating cross-sector of stakeholders in a wide-reaching and community-wide effort. 4 A 3-horizon view of the challenge and solutions HORIZON 1. ADDRESS IMMEDIATE NEEDS HORIZON 2. BRIDGE THE GAPS HORIZON 3. LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS Short term 1-3 years Medium term 3-5 years Long term 5-10 years 5 GAATN - Longer Term Collaboration ● The Fellowship was designed to evaluate and engage GAATN (Greater Austin Area Telecommunications Network) for possible digital equity solutions. That didn’t work out the way it was planned! “GAATN was created pursuant to Section 791.001 et seq. of the …
