Harris County Commissioners Court Unanimously Approves Creation of Harris County Broadband Task Force
Currently, over 171,000 Harris County households lack a broadband connection, underscoring the urgent need for action.
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'The creation of the Harris County Broadband Task Force marks an important step in our efforts to close the digital divide,' said Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. 'The task force members will bring a diverse mix of perspective and commitment needed to expand digital access in Harris County. I'm eager to witness how this task force will turn bold ideas into action.'
The Harris County Broadband Roadmap will be a pivotal tool for the broadband task force because it provides a county-wide strategic blueprint for expanding Internet access and affordability by strengthening broadband infrastructure and increasing coordination efforts across departments, communities, and external partners. The tool also addresses the digital literacy demands in the region. The document presents a flexible plan that reflects local stakeholders' priorities, opinions, and insights.
US Ignite, a national nonprofit with technical expertise in broadband connectivity, technology innovation, and city planning, led the creation of the Harris County Broadband Roadmap. Building on over a decade of experience, US Ignite supported Harris County Universal Services (HCUS) through a tailored process that involved interviews with over 30 county staff representing over 10 departments, county data analysis, workshops, and examination of multiple national models. The results of these efforts, along with valuable input and insight from HCUS shaped the recommended action steps to address the connectivity gaps identified by stakeholders.
'This is not a one-time strategy or static to-do list,' said Domenick Lasorsa, US Ignite Community Innovation Manager. 'It is a living, working roadmap designed to spur system-wide improvements in Harris County that lead to more people connected to the Internet.'
Currently, over 171,000 Harris County households lack a broadband connection, underscoring the urgent need for action. The Harris County Broadband Roadmap categorizes its recommendations for expanding access to these households under three pillars: Partnerships, Infrastructure, and Digital Opportunity. Together, these pillars create a system-wide approach to expanding broadband connectivity.
'We look forward to spearheading the development of the Harris County Broadband Task Force and its important work of addressing the unique needs of underserved communities across the county. The solution is not a one size fits all, there are unique needs in each precinct,' said Sindhu Menon, Chief Information Officer and Executive Director of Harris County Universal Services. 'With the creation of this task force, which brings together diverse sectors and expertise, a strong first step has been taken in creating sustainable digital opportunities in our communities.'
The executive summary of the Harris County Broadband Roadmap can be downloaded at us-ignite.org/tools/playbooks/harris-county-broadband-roadmap.
US Ignite is committed to helping communities harness technology to improve the quality of life of residents. It can customize its services to fit any community's size, scope, and budget. If your community is looking to complete broadband, smart city, or infrastructure planning, start by reaching out to communities@us-ignite.org.
About Harris County Universal Services: Harris County Universal Services (HCUS) is the solutions partner for Harris County residents, departments, and offices of Harris County, Texas. HCUS designs, implements, and maintains high-quality, innovative, cost-effective products and services for its customers. The department provides comprehensive support through seven business services divisions and three supporting divisions. HCUS delivers a wide array of services ranging from 311 to disaster planning, telecommunications, and much more.
About US Ignite: US Ignite works closely with communities, military bases, startups, and researchers to solve their toughest economic development and technology innovation challenges. Operating like a high-tech startup, our nonprofit organization delivers customized results through stakeholder engagement, technical expertise, and targeted tools. Collaborating with our partners, we provide project outcomes that include breakthrough technologies while creating innovative new jobs, startups, and services. Learn more at us-ignite.org.
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(Image Source Internet) These are predictions based on SunSign. To get your personalised prediction, as per your birth chart, Talk To Our Expert Astrologer. Click ( 21st March to 20th April ) : As the week begins, Mars may make you impatient and assertive. This kind of an attitude will not take your far in maintaining a healthy professional relationship. If you are in business, you need to make an intelligent move to make progress as desired by you and to aim big to build the business. Do not be bogged down by the challenges. Problems shall fade away soon. Pay equal attention to your long term financial goals as you pursue your short term goals. Falling in love with someone is quite likely for you, indicates Venus. You will always have good support from your family and friends during this week and that may raise the level of intimacy and affection. This can be an important phase for your education. Implement your planning and thought processes in such a way that your grasping power increases significantly. Jupiter during this week will be favourable for you and it will be a delightful phase for health ( 21st April to 21st May ) : As the week begins, it will be best to direct negativity to something positive and relaxing. Detach yourself from controversies, and re-focus your interests to some creative work. The impact of Mars around the middle of this week is marked for disturbances in your work routine. Refrain from making any new investments at this time. Take time to review decisions taken earlier. There may be better opportunities as well as clarity about how to proceed further during the latter part of this week. The week may remain opportune for you to begin a fresh relationship, but the impact of the North Node will be highly complex. So, refrain from new relations as well as new social associations in haste. Things look set to be bit a challenging in your studies during this week. You may face delays and difficulties in majority of your work. A good health status is foreseen for you. Now you may be able to lead a healthy ( 22nd May to 21st June ) : This week may remain positive for your career. There may be some disruptions due to the impact of North Node but gradually you will be able to manage your work more efficiently and may also climb up the ladder of success. Business persons may be able to make some good deals. You are likely to get many opportunities for gain during this week. There will be steady improvement in your financial conditions and you will attain financial strength. Due to various commitments you may not be able to enjoy your relationship though. But Venus indicates that there may be a feeling of warmth and harmony in the end. This week is going to be favourable for your education. This week may lead you to the success that you deserve. Your strong immune system may help you to remain healthy this week. Your vitality is likely to remain good but some stress may lead you to low ( 22nd June to 22nd July ) : It will be a good time for the beginning of new work. The co-workers may also assist you. Business persons will get success in the business and will also get a good chance to expand the base of business due to the support of Jupiter. It may bring some good earning opportunities and likely to empower your financial fortune. It will be equally a good time to clear your debt and attend to pending issues. Mars indicates that you may experience see-saw situations in you love life. Have little patience, avoid dual thoughts and let this time pass off. You may feel much better around the week end. Your mentors will be there in your support and hence there will good progress in your studies this week. Just keep your focus and you will perform well. To remain fit and fine this week, you need to relax so that stress level remains under control or disorder should not get better of you and make you feel ( 23rd July to 22nd August ) : The impact of Venus will continue to bring some good opportunities for growth in your career during this week but, despite that some uncertainty and dissatisfaction may continue to bother you as Saturn may demand extra efforts. Saturn also does not seem to support business person much to expand the horizon and increase sales. North Node may bring some pressure on your financial status. As the period advances, Venus may help you to get some pending dues back and hence you will be in better position financially. Mercury may bring clarity and hence you can expect to have better understanding about your relationship and personal environment. You may not be able to focus well enough while studying. You may at times get irritated and frustrated due to delays and difficulties caused by Saturn. You will maintain good health during the most of the part of this week. But, you need to keep check on your emotions and to find moments of relaxation out of busy schedules in order to maintain peace of ( 23rd August to 22nd September ) : The impact of North Node will be complex till midweek, with potential conflicts, but stability and happiness will return with support from beloved ones and friends. You'll be drawn to art and artistic areas, but remember to act with patience and allow your mate to express their views frankly. Mars indicates that challenges will arise in the beginning, but conditions will favor you from midweek, bringing profitable deals and opportunities. Long-term planning will help build for the future. Business owners will resolve pending issues, and ease of working will bring relief and contentment. Saturn indicates that students may face challenges in academic pursuits, but seeking guidance from mentors will help enhance knowledge and provide valuable advice. Physical fitness will remain good as Mercury will favour you, but be mindful of energy levels and avoid overexertion. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, prioritize self-care, and channel your energies positively to benefit your health and vitality. By being mindful of your limits, you'll navigate this week with ease and maintain your physical read your detailed weekly horoscope, Click ( 23rd September to 22nd October ) : During this week Venus brings a mix of harmony and challenges in love life, with new opportunities emerging, but beware of disruptions around the week end due to the malefic impact of North Node. Finances face initial challenges and with a mediocre period ahead, Saturn demands caution and patience. Career expects initial resistance due to impact of Mars, but focus and diligence will achieve results, with Mercury brings opportunities for growth and innovative solutions. Saturn also suggests that education poses challenges, particularly for arts and language students, requiring extra effort and perseverance. Health starts with lethargy and potential backache due to the impact of South Node, but improves steadily with balanced diet, regular exercise, and self-care. Throughout the week, navigate love's disruptions thoughtfully, make cautious financial decisions, stay focused and adaptable in career, persevere in education, and prioritize health and 23rd October to 22nd November ) : Mercury's influence may cause concerns about family matters during this week, affecting love relationships. Exercise caution and patience. Jupiter's warning advises against signing financial deals initially, as mistakes are likely. Professionally, Saturn's presence brings confusion and hurdles, requiring a pause before making vital decisions. Business owners should avoid over-ambitious expansion. Students will experience average progress, with a risk of over-confidence leading to complacency as a result of Mars 'impact. Health-wise, Saturn's influence will bring strong immunity, but potential digestion issues initially, with steady improvement expected. Overall, it's a week requiring caution, patience, and careful decision-making, with planetary influences presenting challenges and opportunities for ( 23rd November to 21st December ) : This week brings success in your job or business, with luck favoring you in professional matters. It's an ideal time to explore new career options. Your earning and saving potential will steadily improve, boosted by Venus' favorable influence on your finances. However, Mars' energy may cause relationship issues to feel overwhelming or unsettled at the week's start, with intense ideas emerging around the weekend. Prioritize self-care and attention to your health, as hectic schedules may impact energy levels. Take time to relax and recharge. In contrast, your intellectual pursuits will flourish, making this a great week to explore new knowledge areas, study new courses, and advance your beliefs and understanding. With a focused approach, you'll navigate relationship dynamics, prioritize health, and capitalize on professional opportunities, setting yourself up for long-term success and personal growth. Stay adaptable and committed to your ( 22nd December to 20th January ) : Saturn demands patience, dedication, thoroughness, and attention to detail this week, but as the week progresses, the expansive impact of planets brings motivation and inspiration. Venus blesses you with a golden opportunity, potentially leading to unexpected financial gains, gifts, or a windfall. Wisely invest this blessing, seeking expert advice to avoid risky speculation. Emotionally, this week may bring a reunion with a long-lost love or crush, fulfilling your silent hopes. Maintain a good fitness level by relaxing and avoiding undesirable habits. 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