Attachment C: DRAFT Broadband and Digital Equity Work Plan 2025–2030
1. Ensure Universal Broadband Availability and Future-Ready Connectivity Key Actions: Timeframe Priority
Adopt Broadband Definitions: 2025-2026
Consider City Council adopt the FCC’s broadband speed
minimum of 100/20 Mbps for current availability.
2025 1
Set an aspirational goal of 1 Gbps/500 Mbps for future-ready connectivity.
2025 2
Leverage Public-Private Partnerships to Close Gaps: 2025-2030 Priority Engage with internet service providers (ISPs) to: 2025
Assess and improve the resilience of broadband
infrastructure during emergencies.
2027 1
Expand fiber and home wireless broadband through
private investment.
2030 2
Achieve citywide choice between two or more service
providers.
2030 3
Achieve universal access to broadband exceeding 1
Gbps by 2030.
2030 4
Upgrade City Network Infrastructure: 2030-2035 Priority Secure $6.9 million to upgrade the City’s outdated copper networks to fiber to support City operations.
2028 1
Secure $26 million for citywide deployment of smart
streetlight controllers.
2030 2
2. Provide Best-in-Class Broadband Permit Processes and Enablement Structures
Key Actions: Timeframe Priority
Improve Permitting Processes and Regulatory
Alignment:
2025-2027
Evaluate and streamline broadband permitting and City
regulations to:
Simplify and automate broadband permit processes
where possible, by 2027.
2027 1
Clarify traffic control regulations for broadband permit applications.
2026 2
Implement expedited emergency permitting protocols. 2026 3 Update the San José Municipal Code to align with federal broadband regulations.
2026 4
Develop a broadband permit dashboard to track
applications, review timelines, inspections, and
construction.
2027 5
Optimize City Asset Utilization for Broadband
Deployment:
2025-2028 Priority
Inventory all City-owned broadband infrastructure assets by 2025 to:
2025 1
Assess suitability for broadband deployments. 2026 2
Pre-certify City properties for wireless lease potential. 2026 3 Explore broadband coverage expansion in parks and
trails using City assets.
2027 4
Integrate assets into Broadband Opportunity Zones to
attract private investment.
2028 5
Develop Infrastructure Policy and Coordination
Initiatives:
2025-2028 Priority
Advocate for local control over broadband policies. Ongoing 1 Assess the feasibility of:
Integrating broadband deployment and digital equity
goals into City planning documents (e.g., General Plan, Housing Element, Children & Youth Master Plan).
2028 2
Requiring conduit/dark fiber installation for City use in excavation permits.
2026 3
Implementing a "pave-once" policy to coordinate fiber
installation during City-led excavation projects.
2026 4
Developing a City-led broadband workforce program to
address shortages in structural, electrical, and mechanical engineering skilled-trade workers.
2027 5
3. Close the Digital Divide Through Digital Empowerment Key Actions: Timeframe Priority
Expand Digital Empowerment and Community-Based
Partnerships:
2025-2030
Host digital empowerment workshops at libraries,
community centers, and schools.
Ongoing 1
Expand and promote Tech Hubs as community digital
skill-building centers offering internet access, devices, and training.
Ongoing 2
Advocate for open internet principles, digital rights, and privacy protections.
Ongoing 3
Promote digital literacy programs aligned with the City’s Digital Literacy Quality Standards.
Ongoing 4
Develop a standardized digital training framework for all City and Tech Hub programs.
2027 5
Enhance digital skills and technology training
programs to support workforce development and social
engagement.
2027 6
Strengthen community and regional partnerships to
advance digital equity goals.
2028 7
Explore sponsorships from corporations and sports
teams to fund digital equity programs.
2030 8
Advocate for Affordable Internet and Devices: 2025-2027 Priority Work with ISPs and the City’s Intergovernmental Relations team to:
Secure corporate partnerships for donating used
computing devices for digital equity programs.
2026 1
Advocate for low-cost internet plans (100/20 Mbps at
$10/month and 1 Gbps/500 Mbps at $50/month for
eligible households).
2027 2
Engage ISPs, manufacturers, and refurbishers to
encourage availability of low-cost quality computing
devices.
2027 3
Advance Workforce Development and Economic
Empowerment:
2025-2030 Priority
Expand the Resilience Corps IT and Computer Science
Pathway to train more participants.
2026 1
Establish training programs in:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) 2025 2
Cybersecurity 2026 3
Cloud Computing 2027 4
Digital Transformation 2028 5
Develop skilled-trades training partnerships with ISPs
for broadband deployment roles, such as engineering, fiber optics, telecommunications technicians.
2030 6
Explore the feasibility of City-led apprenticeship
programs in broadband and digital technology fields.
2030 7