washington business
equity considerations
Lisa Brown , director of the state Department of Commerce , is increasingly focused on equity issues associated with the recovery , noting the disparate impact on racial minorities and women , as well as on different regions of the state . She sees a role for public policy .
“ We need affordable , accessible high-speed broadband ,” she says , citing its importance to families for telehealth and education , as well as for business so entrepreneurs can operate anywhere without connectivity challenges .
In addition , the pandemic exposed shortfalls in access to computers for education in rural and urban centers , coverage gaps in some communities , and a lack of familiarity with the technology required to realize its benefits .
With advances in AI and automation changing workforce requirements , training and education should also be an element in any equity initiative .
Commerce has established an Economic Recovery Dashboard to monitor changes in economic activity county-by-county and give people the information they need to help the recovery .
Download Speed High > 500 mbps
“ We need affordable , accessible high-speed broadband .”
— Lisa Brown , director , Washington state Department of Commerce a post-covid boom ?
A century ago , at the end of World War I , the 1918 flu pandemic claimed 50 million lives worldwide , including 675,000 Americans . Yet , the years of wartime deprivation and pandemic soon gave way to the Roaring Twenties . People wanted to socialize , to dance and drink , to go to the movies and baseball games .
Much is different today , including home entertainment options . But the desire to gather for sporting events and concerts , to celebrate with a night out , or hang out with friends ( and some strangers ) hasn ’ t changed .
A pent-up demand for consumption , higher household savings ( a combination of fewer opportunities to spend and the income support provided by federal stimulus money ), and the reopening of businesses may have set the stage for a Roaring 2021 . It may still be a few months away , but don ’ t bet against it .
Medium 25 - 500 mbps Low 10 - 25 mbps Very Low 0 - 10 mbps No Service
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