Gigabit Nation

It's full steam ahead as dozens of Colorado communities prepare to pass referenda to take back their rights to build public broadband networks. Top of the planning list is determining how to finance these infrastructure projects. Virgil Turner, Director of Innovation and Citizen Engagement for the City of Montrose, joins us to discuss "Show Me the (Hidden) Money for Community Broadband." This new report from host Craig Settles instructs communities how to use different and effective ways to raise money that are triggered by the needs assessment process, a process that every community should be doing. Listeners will get great advice about: sound financial planningdeveloping partnerships with state agenciesthe role of local businesses in broadband fundraising effortsenlisting co-ops to enable region wide broadband fundinglocal bipartisanship's impact on raising funds While it is great to have a single source of funding, communities need financing options because broadband projects are complex and can be expen