Lee Davenport

Regional innovation competitiveness relies not only on research, but on the effective deployment of technologies, proving that ideas can work beyond the lab. But in order to deploy technologies and scale economic growth, coalitions must tell a compelling story to funders about why investment in their communities is worthwhile. In this research paper, US Ignite, through the Supporting U.S.

A blueprint for cities and counties to expand Internet access by leveraging a municipally-enabled, middle-mile fiber backbone without bearing the full burden of infrastructure costs. The approach could help bridge the persistent digital divide affecting numerous communities nationwide. Drawing on case studies from Fort Worth and Lake Cities (TX), and Joplin (MO) Middle Mile as a Catalyst highlights the efficacy of following this approach.

US Ignite invited Gigi Sohn, Distinguished Fellow at the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy and a Benton Senior Fellow & Public Advocate, to brief leaders of US Ignite Communities on the Infrastructure Bill.