On this page

• California Local Jurisdiction Permitting Playbook
• Resources and toolkits
• Broadband planning and implementation
• Digital inclusion
• Digital skills training tools

Broadband planning resources

We face complex and deep-rooted challenges to delivering Broadband for All. It will require partnerships with and support from the broadband industry and federal, local, and tribal governments. You may be developing a plan, carrying out that plan, or in the many stages in between. To help, we’ve gathered some tools as you work to expand broadband access and narrow the digital divide in your community.

Included here are:

• Resources and toolkits specific to broadband planning and implementation
• Digital inclusion plans, initiatives, and best practices
• Digital skills training tools

This collection is designed to help you plan for broadband deployment and all the other essential aspects of digital equity and inclusion. It will continue to evolve and grow. We invite you to browse and use these resources and encourage you to share yours.

Complete the contact form on the contact us page to share your plan.

California Local Jurisdiction Permitting Playbook

• California Local Jurisdiction Permitting Playbook
  California’s Broadband for All Action Plan directs the California Department of Technology (CDT) to explore actions to enhance permitting processes at all levels of government to support broadband deployment in the State. As part of this effort, CDT and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) created the Permitting Playbook to share best-practices, example policies and a checklist to streamline the process for deploying broadband regionally.

Resources and toolkits

• CPUC Resources for Broadband Projects
  The following resources may be useful for broadband projects, particularly those in the post-engineered construction phase including utility poles, permitting and right-of-way, and environmental compliance.
• NTIA: Local Permitting Importance, Challenges, and Strategies
  Local permitting for broadband deployments may include approvals, authorizations, easements, and right-of-way permits from towns, counties, and other municipal entities.  NTIA explains the importance of local permitting and offers strategies and examples of how project teams and local governments can address challenges and increase processing efficiency. 
• NTIA Technical Assistance Hub
  The NTIA technical assistance hub is designed as a one-stop shop for resources and tools in support of NTIA’s grant programs. The site allows you to filter programs by Technical Assistance Type and Funding.
• NTIA Best Management Practices (BMP) and Mitigation Measures
  This guide provides examples of best management (BMPs) and mitigation measures to help grant recipients (grantees) avoid or minimize potential impacts during construction, deployment, and operation of NTIA funded broadband projects.
• Permitting Best Practices: Case Studies
  Case studies and examples of streamlining permitting including Broadband Ready Communities, E-Permitting, and Rights-of-Way (ROW).
• Permitting Needs Assessment
  Checklist for four major permitting categories including ROW, Pole Attachments, Conduit Access, and Environment Planning/Historic Preservation.
• NEPA Review: Categorical Exclusions
  Guidance on NEPA analysis as it relates to categorical exclusions (CATEXs) including the definition, the CATEX review process, CATEX qualifications, and a link to the DOC CATEX list.
• National Environmental Policy Act Procedures and Categorical Exclusions
  Updated with 30 new categorical exclusions to take effect as of April 2, 2024.
• NEPA Review: Environmental Assessments
  Guidance on NEPA analysis as it relates to environmental assessments including the definition, preparation steps, best practices, and the review process.
• Permitting Resources and Environmental Information Application Mapping Tool
  NTIA permitting and environmental mapping tool to help grant recipients and others deploying infrastructure identify permit requirements and avoid potential environmental impact when connecting a particular location to high-speed internet service.
• Getting Connected: A Resource Guide for Local and Regional Government Leaders
  Accelerating the deployment and adoption of broadband.
• Local Government Check List for Digital Equity
  Checklist for local government leaders to achieve digital equity
• Planning a Community Broadband Roadmap: A Toolkit for Local and Tribal Governments
  Digital inclusion and broadband adoption research, toolkits, and guides from NTIA and other Federal entities.
• NTIA Tribal Broadband Planning Toolkit
  Toolkit offers insights, interactive tools, and links to technical assistance resources for every stage of the broadband planning journey. 
• NDIA Digital Navigators
  The Digital Navigator Model guides community members in the digital inclusion process.
• Handbook on Infrastructure Deployment on Tribal Lands
  Handbook created by Native Nations Communications Take Force intended to bring awareness of the various steps involved in broadband deployment, whether wireless or wireline, including developing networks, forming partnerships, establishing sound regulatory policies and practices, and creating sustainable business models.
• The Digital Navigator Playbook
  Playbook by Digital US to ensure communities have technology skills and digital resilience to thrive in work and life
• The Lewis Latimer Plan for digital equity & inclusion
  National Urban League’s plan to close the digital divide – identifying five digital gaps that disproportionately affect communities of color and four goals to close those gaps.

Broadband planning and implementation

• City of Moorpark Broadband Strategic Plan
  Strategic plan to ensuring abundant broadband connectivity for municipal operations.
• City of Ventura Broadband and Fiber Master Plan
  Master Plan for a city-wide broadband network.
• County of El Dorado Broadband Planning and Roadmap Report
  Roadmap for improving broadband services within El Dorado County.
• County of Sonoma Broadband Strategic Plan
  Opportunities and recommendations to enhance public and private investment in broadband infrastructure.
• Access Sonoma Broadband Action Plan
  Exploring the Creation of a Public Broadband Entity to Close Sonoma County’s Digital Divide.
• San Diego Association of Governments Regional Digital Equity Strategy and Action Plan
  Helping to enable the San Diego region to expand access to broadband to everyone.
• San Diego Region Broadband Planning, Permitting, and Implementation
  Identifies existing conditions, best practices, opportunities for expanding broadband infrastructure.

Digital inclusion

• County of Marin Strategic Plan
  Roadmap for a better digital future by creating leadership, governance, collaboration, and actions that advance broadband deployment and digital adoption.
• City of Chula Vista Digital Equity and Inclusion Plan
  Plan to ensure that all community members can participate fully in digital society.
• City of San Francisco Digital Equity Strategic Plan
  Plan that defines goals, strategies, and commitment for advancing digital equity over the next five years.
• City of San Francisco Digital Equity Playbook
  Aimed at agencies who serve vulnerable populations most at-risk of being digitally excluded.
• City of Long Beach Digital Inclusion Roadmap
  Vision statement, goals, objectives, and strategies to ensure that everyone in Long Beach has equitable access and computer literacy training.
• County of Los Angeles Free Broadband for the Residents
  Outlines options for closing the digital divide for thousands of LA County households by developing County-sponsored community wireless networks.

Digital skills training tools

• Digital Literacy Framework and Self-assessment Tool
  Developed by the California Emerging Technology Fund and based on UNESCO’s six elements of Digital Literacy. 
• California State Library’s CAreer Pathways
  Offers free access to public library cardholders to online learning platforms to support digital equity, skill building, and job training. Includes access to the Northstar digital literacy assessments and courses for learners new to technology.
• Fresno State Parent University
  Fresno State’s Parent University provides comprehensive courses and workshops to parents and community members throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Classes include Digital Literacy I and Digital Literacy II to equip parents to help their children succeed academically.