Number
070962
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
050889
Sponsor
ALD. HAMILTON
Title
Substitute resolution relating to the creation of a Digital Inclusion Initiative.
Analysis
This resolution authorizes the Department of Administration to coordinate a Digital Inclusion Initiative to promote affordable Internet access and training to all citizens of Milwaukee, especially low-income and disadvantaged citizens. Additionally, the Department of Administration is authorized to coordinate creation of a Digital Inclusion Fund, managed by the Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) that will be used exclusively for digital inclusion activities. The Department of Administration is authorized to accept contributions of usable technological equipment for the Milwaukee Digital Inclusion Initiative. The Department of Administration will submit to the Common Council a biannual written report on the progress of the Digital Inclusion Initiative.
Body
Whereas, There is a crucial need in the City of Milwaukee to bridge the socio-economic difference between citizens in their access to computers and the Internet, also known as the digital divide; and
Whereas, Common Council File Number 050889, adopted January 18, 2006, directed the Director of the Department of Administration, acting on behalf of the City of Milwaukee, to negotiate and enter into a Facilities Use and License Agreement with Midwest Fiber Networks, LLC, relating to the construction of a citywide wireless network infrastructure; and
Whereas, Provisions of the term sheet attached to Common Council File Number 050889 provided for a total of 60 free websites to be accessed by all citizens of the City of Milwaukee and the creation of a Milwaukee digital divide fund with a contribution of $150,000 by Midwest Fiber Networks, LLC; and
Whereas, The Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), a non-profit entity, has agreed to provide fund management services for a Digital Inclusion Fund for the citizens of Milwaukee; and
Whereas, Many organizations are interested in contributing funding and associated technology resources to address the digital divide in Milwaukee; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Administration is authorized to coordinate a Digital Inclusion Initiative to promote affordable Internet access and training to all citizens of Milwaukee, especially low-income and disadvantaged citizens; and, be it
Further Resolved, The Department of Administration is authorized to coordinate creation of a Digital Inclusion Fund, managed by the Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) that will be used exclusively for digital inclusion activities; and, be it
Further Resolved, The Department of Administration, pursuant to s. 304-24 of the Milwaukee Code, is authorized to accept contributions of usable technological equipment for the Milwaukee Digital Inclusion Initiative; and, be it
Further Resolved, The Department of Administration, pursuant to s. 310-29 of the Milwaukee Code, shall, if deemed in the best interests of the City, donate usable obsolete technological equipment from City departments to support the activities of the Digital Inclusion Initiative; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City will work with One Economy Corporation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to digital inclusion, to create a Web portal specifically aimed at low-income and disadvantaged citizens of Milwaukee; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Administration shall submit to the Common Council a biannual written report on the progress of the Digital Inclusion Initiative.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB07306-2
AEH
11/14/2007