As more communities devise their own broadband solutions, leveraging the upcoming funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, what makes for successful efforts that are responsive to community needs? This is the fourth of six case studies that seek to understand the stories of broadband community champions and the factors that contributed to their success.
A final analysis will identify the characteristics of effective broadband leaders, and develop a taxonomy of those working to improve broadband access in their communities in official and unofficial capacities. This research is supported by the Marjorie & Charles Benton Opportunity Fund.
Barb Fuller, a former dental hygienist turned activist, and Gary Munce, a retired library manager and musician, dedicated a decade to ubiquitous fiber broadband in Washtenaw County, Michigan. Barb, as chair of the Broadband Task Force, built momentum and cemented county relationships, while Gary, drawing from Lyndon Township experience, provided crucial technical guidance. Their commitment to education and communication, backed by a comprehensive survey, contributed to the county’s decision to allocate $14.6 million in American Rescue Plan funds to build county-wide broadband infrastructure by early 2025.
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