Engaging State-Level Offices

Previously, US Ignite provided an overview of funding opportunities and highlighted a sample of current state projects. Here we explain the role of state broadband offices, where to find them, and how to initiate a successful partnership. Here are four suggestions we think will guide you in engaging your state broadband officials:

1. Define your project needs. Every journey begins with a step. The first and most important step is to identify the existing challenges in your community and design responsive projects.
2. Contact your state office. Take the time to identify and reach out to your state’s broadband officials, learn more about their interests and their work. Use this NTIA resource as a starting point.
3. Contribute to the process. Reach out to your state broadband office and find out what opportunities exist for you to participate. Demonstrate your ability to deliver value by leveraging the list of the members of your local group, collaborative, or partnership.
4. Find your fit within the overall strategy. To identify project funding from the ecosystem in your state working with the broadband office, present your project as a concept note or summary paper* of around two pages of content.