HomeMy WebLinkAboutOut-of-State Trvl - 2019 Broadband Communities ConfSTAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MEETING DATE: September 26, 2019
PREPARED BY: Martin Alvarez, Director of Economic Development
REQUEST: Request for approval of out-of-state travel for Director of Economic
Development to attend the 2019 Broadband Communities
Conference from October 30 — 31, 2019 in Washington, DC.
Recommendation
By Minute Motion, approve the out-of-state travel for Director of Economic
Development to attend the 2019 Broadband Communities Conference from
October 30 — 31, 2019 in Washington, DC.
Funds are available in Account no. 1104430-4312000.
Discussion
One of the City's 2019 Goals is to prepare a Broadband/Fiber Master Plan for the City.
The broadband/fiber master plan would assist with the establishment of a comprehensive
fiber infrastructure plan that would allow the City to efficiently plan for the installation of
future conduit and fiber to create a "conduit rich" and "fiber ready" community.
The goal would be to utilize this plan to improve communication services for residents
and businesses. The planning for broadband throughout the community will serve as an
incentive to attract new residents and entrepreneurial businesses to locate in Palm
Desert. The fiber master plan will also facilitate the creation of a future technology -based
industry cluster consistent with the City's Economic Development Strategic Plan. This
initiative would focus on positioning Palm Desert as a prime location to live, work and visit
with an emphasis on technology -oriented startups having high wage-earning jobs.
Staff is in the process of developing a Request for Proposal from qualified consultants to
assist with this goal. The Broadband Communities Conference will provide valuable
updates on broadband technology, federal legislation, best practices, grant funding,
public/private financing partnerships as well as insights on community broadband arena.
September 26, 2019 — Staff Report
Out -of -State Travel, Washington, DC
Page 2 of 2
Fiscal Analvsis:
The estimated cost for the conference, lodging, travel, and per diem is $1,900. Funds for
this conference and travel request are available in the FY 2019/20 budget in Account No.
1104430-4312000.
LEGAL REVIEW DEPT. REVIEW FINANCIAL REVIEW ASSISTANT CITY
Approved as to Form MANAGER
I�
Robert W. Hargreaves Martin Alvarez ?net Moore Andy it stine
City Attorney Economic Development Director of Finance Assi t City Manager
Director
City Manager Lauri Aylaian: