May 22, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Development: (COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik today announced the next cohort of an impactful program designed to help communities create localized broadband expansion plans.
Five teams are participating in the third cohort of the BroadbandOhio Community Accelerator Program, which is a collaboration between the Department of Development’s BroadbandOhio office and Ohio State University Extension.
Participants will receive support to help their communities prepare for funding opportunities at the state and federal levels by identifying broadband goals, understanding available funding options, targeting capital dollars to support implementation, and expanding workforce development.
“Our commitment to providing every Ohioan with high-speed internet access starts with partnerships at the local level,” said Governor DeWine. “Over the past two years, the Accelerator program has proven to be an important tool in helping communities leverage available funding and launch projects crucial to closing the digital divide across the state.”
Participating in the third round of the program is a team representing the City of Canton in Stark County, as well as teams from Cuyahoga, Guernsey, Hancock, and Summit counties.
More than 30 hours of no-cost counseling is provided to each team.
“We know that having access to high-speed internet is essential to participating in the modern economy,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “By supporting broadband projects through this program, we are able to help our local partners turn their challenges into successes so they can provide high-speed internet for their communities, giving them the tools they need to live their version of the American dream.”
“The Broadband Community Accelerator Program is another significant step in providing all Ohioans with high-speed internet access—something that’s essential to take care of needs like telehealth, working from home, or catching up with loved ones,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development.
Four teams, made up of 50 representatives from 11 counties across the state, participated in the inaugural cohort of the Accelerator program in 2022. Another seven teams from nine counties participated in the second cohort announced last August.
“Having the opportunity to work with state experts and learn from other communities is truly invaluable,” said Lucas Camuso-Stall, who is the Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for the Toledo Lucas County Public Library and led the Lucas County team during the second cohort of the program. “Being a county that is both urban and rural, we were able to discuss how we could better engage our rural residents and obtain their input on the digital inequities they are facing.”
The third round of the Accelerator program runs through June 27.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.
