Montrose, CO Talks Broadband Financing Options

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 planning
• developing partnerships with state agencies
• the role of local businesses in broadband fundraising efforts
• enlisting co-ops to enable region wide broadband funding
• local 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 expensive. Now is the time for creative communities that believe in thinking outside of the box.

This newest Community Broadban Snapshot Report is sponsored by Corning and SiFi Network. Some of the tips and advice presented in this broadcast are you just in more detail in Settles' new book, Building the Gigabit City, Vol 2.