Tools for Communities

New Mexico Local Broadband Guide
"This Guide provides a phased approach to support local communities in deploying broadband infrastructure that addresses communities’ connectivity challenges. Limitations This Guide is offered solely for informational purposes and is not intended to mandate the form, content or process of any broadband access or expansion plan, nor guaranty the efficacy or approval of any such plan. "
"Becoming Broadband Ready" Toolkit
Next Century Cities “Becoming Broadband Ready” toolkit (Toolkit) lists ten sets of actions communities should undertake to develop broadband solutions for their residents which include: establishing leadership, building a community movement, evaluating the current circumstances and assets, creating a digital inclusion master plan,
exploring connectivity and financing options. These actions are critical for communities to develop the needs assessments, connectivity surveys, internet service availability maps, feasibility studies, strategic broadband plans, network design or engineering plans and project management plans necessary to compete effectively for large-scale federal funding. Web Link.  Toolkit

National League of Cities Digital Equity Playbook

"City leaders across the U.S. are prioritizing attempts to bridge the digital divide. Their actions and solutions must adapt to communities’ needs, depending on the causes of the digital divide. Cities are undertaking various digital inclusion efforts to ensure digital equity in their communities."  Learn more, read the Digital Equity Playbook.

NDIA Digital Inclusion Coalition Guidebook

"The new Digital Inclusion Coalition Guidebook provides an in-depth look at successful models and  recurring themes across coalitions, accompanied by best practices, lessons learned, and specific recommendations from the field. Some of the key themes covered in the guidebook include:
  • how coalitions form and are structured 
  • keys to successful coalition operations
  • ways coalitions adapt over time to maintain effectiveness and sustainability    
The guidebook is intended for individuals and organizations who are committed to advancing digital equity in their community and who recognize the value of coalitions in achieving that goal. Whether you are exploring the possibility of forming a coalition in your community, or you are part of an established coalition looking to refine your approach, we encourage you to explore the guidebook and hope it will be a valuable resource in your digital inclusion work. "

Does Your Community Have a Broadband Coalition?

Formal and informal Community Broadband Coalitions are forming across the state to support Broadband connectivity in their area.
Click on the stars below to learn more about community efforts to support Broadband connectivity across the state.
If your community has a coalition that is not yet appearing on the map or if info needs updating, please complete the
Community Broadband Coalitions Form
Community Broadband Coalitions Map Link
Resources for Mapping Our Way to Digital Equity
Community resources for data gathering and mapping connectivity to help supplement strategic planning and applications for Internet funding.
ESRI Broadband Hub
ESRI Broadband Hub Gallery
NMDoIT Maps
Community Networks Map
Community Networks Map 
​https://muninetworks.org/communitymap
Community Networks https://muninetworks.org
​Institute for Local Self-Reliance https://ilsr.org​​
Digital Distress Map
Created by Purdue University - Read the article
​Four variables from the U.S. Census American Community Survey were used: 1) the percent of homes with no internet access, 2) using only cellular data, as well as 3) the percent of homes relying on mobile devices only, or 4) having no computing devices. Data was obtained for all U.S. census tracts and categorized into low, moderate, and high digital distress.
View the Map to see Digital Distress factors by census tract.
This website initially established in response to community needs by CommUNITY Learning Network (CLN) with support from the, National Science Foundation Smart and Connected Citie and the Broadband Program of the New Mexico Department of Information Technology (NM DoIT) as well as other collaborating agencies and advocates listed here.
Copyright ​© 2021