Education and Workforce Training Recommendations | 2023 Update
3.1. A Increase internet availability.
3.1. B Increase free public Wi-Fi hot spots throughout Arlington.
City Facilitator: IT, Asset Management, Parks and Recreation and Library Services Timeframe: Medium term( 1-2 years) Actions:
• The Neighborhood Wi-Fi Program spans across 0.54 square miles in East Arlington, covering approximately 1,164 households. The services are powered by a City-owned fiber optic network and built on existing infrastructure. Since the launch in October 2021, the Wi-Fi services have been accessed by approximately 29,946 users. The City is preparing to expand the Neighborhood Wi-Fi Program network through the use of a HUD grant.- Complete(& Ongoing)
• In FY22 3rd quarter, the City Council approved four lease agreements with SiFi and an amendment to the Public Right-of-Way Permitting and Construction Manual to support construction of the citywide fiber optic network system.- Complete(& Ongoing)
• The Library Services and Parks and Recreation departments’ external Wi-Fi services have been installed across 19 facilities throughout the community.- Complete
• Library Services also has 400 internet hot spots available for check out for one month at a time with a library card.- Complete(& Ongoing)
3.2. A Create Community-Outreach Networking Empowerment Communication Tool( CONECT) – centralized location for resources and assistance.
City Facilitator: City Manager’ s Office and City Council Timeframe: Short term( 6-12 months)- In Progress Partners: ISDs Actions:
• The Mayor’ s Education Coalition has begun this work.
• The Chief Equity Officer convened a working group of K-12 institutions in September 2022 to explore this recommendation.
• The Chief Equity Officer continues to build collaborative relationship with Arlington ISD and Mansfield ISD.
Unity Council Report 2023 51