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 .
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