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Date Adopted:
Date Approved:
Effective Date:
City Attorney Approval: ______ Resolution No. ____________ RESOLUTION NO. ____________
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FRESNO, CALIFORNIA, TO BRING FOCUSED ATTENTION
TO AN AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM TO
BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE FOR RESIDENTS WHO
LACK INTERNET ACCESS
WHEREAS, access to affordable and reliable internet connectivity is critical to the City of Fresno, which would allow for full participation in society and the modern economy; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) estimates that approximately 14% of households in Fresno County lack access to broadband internet; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fresno is committed to helping families and children be healthy, productive and self -sufficient and realizes that the use of broadband can save both time and money for residents while helping them bridge the economic divide; and WHEREAS, the City of Fresno is committed to helping students obtain the highest quality education possible incorporating digital literacy and understands that high- speed internet connectivity and availability of computing devices at school and at home are critical teaching and learning tools for academic achievement; and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously impacted the urgency for internet access in households, as online presences are need ed for remote work and asynchronous courses, which require internet stability; and WHEREAS, in July 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed historic broadband legislation into law to help bridge the digital divide and provide reliable and affordable
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internet access to all Californians. Senate Bill 156 (Chapter 112, Statutes of 2021) expands the state’s broadband fiber infrastructure and increases internet connectivity for families and businesses; and
WHEREAS, an Affordable Connectivity Program would produce an abundance of benefits for the City of Fresno, including digital tools for students and job seekers; and WHEREAS, the Council desires to bring focused attention to an Affordable Connectivity Program in the City of Fresno for its residents, resulting in a blooming community from easily accessible broadband internet.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Fresno as follows:
1. The Council hereby desires to bring focused attention to the need for an Affordable Connectivity Program to foster equality for Fresno residents and bolster resources for upward mobility.
2. This resolution shall be effective upon final approval.
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF FRESNO ) ss.
CITY OF FRESNO )
I, TODD STERMER, City Clerk of the City of Fresno, certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted by the Council of the City of Fresno, at a regular meeting held on the day of 2023.
AYES :
NOES :
ABSENT :
ABSTAIN :
TODD STERMER, CMC
City Clerk
By:
Deputy Date
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ANDREW JANZ
City Attorney
By:
Angela M. Karst Date
Senior Deputy City Attorney