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A resolution accepting a Broadband Ready Communities grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TDECD) to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Information Technology Services Department (ITS), to provide resources and facilitate programs for the community to increase digital adoption to ensure all Tennesseans have access to affordable and reliable internet service, dependable technology, and digital literacy skills.
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WHEREAS, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TDECD) has awarded a grant in an amount not to exceed $100,0000 with no cash match required to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Information Technology Services Department (ITS), to provide resources and facilitate programs for the community to increase digital adoption to ensure all Tennesseans have access to affordable and reliable internet service, dependable technology, and digital literacy skills; and,
WHEREAS, it is to the benefit of the citizens of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County that this grant be accepted.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the grant by and between the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TDECD), in an amount not to exceed $100,000, to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Information Technology Services Department (ITS), to provide resources and facilitate programs for the community to increase digital adoption to ensure all Tennesseans have access to affordable and reliable internet service, dependable technology, and digital literacy skills, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein, is hereby approved, and the Metropolitan Mayor is authorized to execute the same.
Section 2. That the amount of this grant be appropriated to the Information Technology Services Department (ITS) based on the revenues estimated to be received and any match to be applied.
Section 3. That this resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Agenda Analysis
Analysis
This resolution approves a Broadband Ready Communities grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to the Information Services Technology Department (“ITS”).
This grant provides resources and facilitates programs for the community to increase digital adoption to ensure all Tennesseans have access to affordable and reliable internet service, dependable technology, and digital literacy skills. As part of the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act of 2017, the State of Tennessee established the Broadband Ready Communities Program to foster county engagement in securing broadband infrastructure and community access.
Through the grant, ITS will leverage the Digital Navigator Network model to ensure that multiple community organizations work in concert to provide wraparound support, including technical audits and training for small businesses, targeted, individually focused training for entrepreneurs, and digital certifications and career advancement programs for individuals.
The grant award is an amount not to exceed $100,000 with no required cash match. The grant term is effective on February 2, 2026, and ends on October 31, 2026.