Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Information Technology

TO:	Diane Stoddard, City Manager
CC:	Casey Toomay, Assistant City Manager Brandon McGuire, Assistant to the City Manager
FROM:	James Wisdom, Director of Information Technology
DATE:	October 30, 2015
RE:	Next Century Cities Membership

Background

The City of Lawrence has continued to work on fiber projects to improve our capabilities in providing city services to the citizens of Lawrence.  Recently Brandon McGuire and I attended a presentation by Deb Socia, Executive Director of Next Century Cities, held at the Mid-American Regional Council Offices in Kansas City as she presented information about Next Century Cities and the benefits that membership offer city governments.

Next Century Cities

Next Century Cities (http://nextcenturycities.org/) is an organization that offers a platform for local governments to engage on broadband and digital inclusion issues, offering a variety of resources and assistance to cities. 

Membership is free, and members must agree to the six principles that Next Century Cities has been founded on, which are:

• High-Speed Internet is Necessary Infrastructure
• The Internet is Nonpartisan
• Communities Must Enjoy Self-Determination
• High-Speed Internet is a Community-Wide Endeavor
• Meaningful Competition Drives Progress
• Collaboration Benefits All

These six principles are aligned with principles that the City of Lawrence has practiced and with recommendations and strategies promoted by the City’s fiber consultant, Joanne Hovis of CTC Technology and Energy.  Ms. Socia has testified at the Federal level regarding broadband and is at the national forefront in broadband issues as they relate to cities.  Kansas City, KS and Kansas City, MO have both recently joined. 

As a member of Next Century Cities the City of Lawrence would be connected with other communities dealing with many of the same issues around fiber, right-of-way, federal requirements and others.  The City of Lawrence would be able to access their expertise in developing and reviewing policies, best practices, and the ability to identify and connect with other local governments that have faced the same questions and challenges in provided improved connectivity options and services to their citizens.

Staff Recommendation

The Information Technology Department recommends becoming a member of Next Century Cities.

Action

The Information Technology Department recommends that Mayor Amyx be authorized to sign a letter requesting membership to Next Century Cities.