Tag Archive

Publisher: Austin Monitor  Austin’s reputation as one of the nation’s smartest cities went under the microscope Sunday, with policy and academic experts examining the technology, educational, housing and transportation components – and the city’s shifting needs as it grows – that combine to make it a magnet for creatives. The South by Southwest panel “What Is a Smart City?” was a typical SXSW mix of big ideas and analysis, though there was one bit of news for locals: The Austin CityUp public/private consortium is ... Read More

Publisher: Austin Women MagazineWe take an inside look at the innovative and ingenious ways in which two social entrepreneurs are continuing to bring the tech world to under-served women in Austin. The world is in the middle of the technology revolution, and the United States is at the forefront of its progressive developments and change. Yet, in some underserved communities, one may not even know or have heard of the incredible innovations shaping the tech scene today. In low-income neighborhoods ... Read More

Publisher: StateTechHow do you make your city a leader in the 21st century ­economy? Ensure that all ­residents have a fast internet ­connection and the freedom to innovate. That’s the reasoning behind New York City’s $10 million initiative to bring high-speed internet to the city’s poorest citizens, starting with those who reside at Queensbridge North and South, which together make up the largest public housing development in the nation. All told, Queensbridge houses more than 6,500 residents, spreading over six ... Read More

Publisher: Housing Works AustinThe Federal Reserve Bank is committed to ensuring that our community-based systems (including housing, education, health, jobs, transportation) are aligned to ensure better health outcomes. A major challenge is that funding for health is completely distinct from funding for housing and other systems. How can we better align these systems? Who is “doing it right”? Read More

Publisher: Federal Reserve Bank of DallasThe “Housing + Health: Building Blocks of Equity and Opportunity” summit brought together diverse audiences—including health care, community development and financial institutions—to better understand challenges and opportunities around creating and investing in vibrant, healthy, mixed-income communities. With the opening of the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin, the conversation around housing and health has never been more timely. Read More

Publisher: HUD   Highlights Austin’s Unlocking the Connection program promotes digital inclusion among the city’s public housing residents by providing free high-speed home Internet connections, training in digital literacy, and free refurbished computers. Digital education programs focused on training participants to use online public and social services, teaching parents to engage with their children’s education, and promoting career advancement are central to Connecting for Good’s mission in Kansas City. Tech Goes Home Chattanooga partners with more than 60 organizations to ... Read More

Publisher: Austin Business Journal  Austin is one of three winners of a $30,000 grant to fund efforts to expand access to high-speed internet. Next Century Cities' Charles Benton Next Generation Engagement Award aims to highlight cities with innovative approaches to broadening the reach and impact of their high-speed internet offerings. Read More

Publisher: Women's Funding NetworkWith the recent launch of ConnectHome, much attention has been directed at Austin, which was named a “mentor city” for this program. Join us for a conversation about Unlocking the Connection, an initiative underway in Austin aiming to bridge the digital divide for the more than 4,300 public housing residents, and learn about how the lessons learned can be applied elsewhere. Unlocking the Connection is a collaborative effort that was launched by the Housing Authority of the City of ... Read More

Publisher: Rivard Report  The San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) has begun work with President Barack Obama’s pilot initiative to help close the digital divide among local children and families living in federally funded public housing. ConnectHome is in 27 cities, including San Antonio, as well as in one tribal nation to speed up the implementation of broadband Internet access for residents assisted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Read More

Publisher: John Speirs, Office of Telecommunications & Regulatory AffairsThis memo provides an update on implementation of the Digital Inclusion Initiative Strategic Plan and supporting programs funded by the Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPs). The Digital Inclusion Steering Committee | Providing Direction for the Strategic Plan The community-wide effort to support digital inclusion in Austin, Texas is an engaging and collaborative initiative. The Austin City Council reaffirmed its support when it approved the Digital Inclusion Strategic Plan on November 20, ... Read More

Publisher:The National Housing Conference represents a diverse membership of housing stakeholders including tenant advocates, mortgage bankers, non-profit and for-profit home builders, property managers, policy practitioners, real estate professionals, equity investors, and more, all of whom share a commitment to safe, decent and affordable housing for all in America. We are the nation’s oldest housing advocacy organization, dedicated to the affordable housing mission since our founding in 1931. As a nonpartisan, 501(c) 3 nonprofit, we are a research and education resource ... Read More

Publisher:Earlier this month, President Barack Obama and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a new pilot program meant to close the gap between those online and those left out when it comes to Internet access, largely due to expense. The plan, called ConnectHome, attempts to deliver high-speed, affordable broadband to low-income public housing residents. Supported by corporations, nonprofits, and local governments, the initiative is slated to launch in 28 communities across the nation and reach 200,000 households. "Just because you don't have ... Read More