Elected Officials Say Broadband Plan Must Give Role to States and Localities

Mayors and state elected officials emphasized the value and importance of local engagement in initiatives designed to promote high-speed Internet access at a Wednesday morning workshop at the Federal Communications Commission. Three Commissioners plus Chief Diversity Officer Mark Lloyd gathered to discuss the particular role that local and state governments have in promoting broadband for under-served communities. Commissioner Mignon Clyburn reminded the audience that that the local officials play a key role in recognizing where there are broadband gaps - and in bridging the disconnect in trust between the communities and the federal policy makers. Eugene Grant, mayor of Seat Pleasant (MD) and vice president of the National Conference of Black Mayors, echoed Clyburn's words. He said mayors and city governments are in the best positions to assess needs of their communities, and to be the most proactive.