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Transportation and Infrastructure
Month: May 2021
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Digital Divide
What is the Digital Divide? Rural communities lack WIFI, what can be done? Students lack WIFI for education!
Digital Divide
| As Stanford students, we are in the heart of Silicon Valley — site of the largest and fastest creation of wealth ever recorded. By pursuing degrees in Computer Science, we are expressing our belief that technology will guide society and business into the 21st century. Why do we believe so strongly in computers when, for the vast majority of society, computer access is not a reality? Many communities throughout the United States and the world lack adequate technological knowledge and equipment. Even in close proximity to Stanford University, East Palo Alto lacks the quality of teaching and resources that many of the surrounding communities enjoy. | Definition Factors Solutions Goals Programs |
| To combat this, an organization entitled Plugged In began giving the community access to the future. Through their computer cluster and teaching programs, they are turning people on to the importance of technology. Our project will explore the current state of the “Digital Divide” and its related causes. We will focus specifically on the East Palo Alto community by examining its technical literacy, identifying the areas of greatest need and implementing a program to aide the community’s development. Our hope is that this project will further Plugged In’s tremendous success and help spread the benefits of technological change throughout the community. Defining the “Digital Divide” Interaction between human and computers has greatly increased as we embark on the twenty-first century. The ability to access computers and the internet has become increasingly important to completely immerse oneself in the economic, political, and social aspects of not just America, but of the world. However, not everyone has access to this technology. The idea of the “digital divide” refers to the growing gap between the underprivileged members of society, especially the poor, rural, elderly, and handicapped portion of the population who do not have access to computers or the internet; and the wealthy, middle-class, and young Americans living in urban and suburban areas who have access. Factors Attributing to the Digital Divide Although the number of Americans with access to computers and the Internet continues to soar on a yearly basis, the digital divide also continues to grow at an alarming rate. On the one hand, sections of society already connected – such as higher income, educated White and Asian Pacific Islander households – are adopting newer technologies faster and are connecting even more. On the other, groups with traditionally lower rates for Internet and computer usage continue to lag far behind. Unfortunately, according to a study conducted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), entitled Falling Through the Net: Defining the Digital Divide, the gap is widening along already strained economic and racial lines. Education Widening levels of education seem to magnify the digital divide; households with higher levels of education are increasingly more likely to use computers and the Internet. It has been observed that those with college degrees or higher are 10 times more likely to have internet access at work as than those with only a high school education. A study conducted by the NTIA from 1997 to 1998 determined that the gap in computer usage and Internet access widened 7.8% and 25% respectively, between those with the most and the least education. Income Not surprisingly, and in direct correlation to education, the levels of household income also play a significant role in the widening gap. Again, the study by the NTIA stated, “In the last year, the divide between the highest and lowest income groups grew 29%” (NTIA Falling through the Net 99). It has been observed that households earning incomes over $75,000 are 20 times more likely to have home internet access than those at lowest income levels and 10 times more likely to have a computer if living in the city or suburban area than in the rural area. Due to lower income levels, poor neighborhoods lack the infrastructure available in affluent areas. Telecommunication facilities are more readily available for wealthier communities and are more attractive for developing companies to establish themselves. As a result, poverty in less fortunate neighborhoods make it less appealing for investments by outside companies, further aggravating the divide. Race At the same time, the digital divide continues to widen along very specific racial lines. The difference in computer usage grew by 39.2% between White and Black households and by 42.6% between White and Hispanic households in the period between 1994 and 1998. Hispanic households are roughly half as likely to own computers as White households. Interestingly, race affects the amount of computers in the school. Schools with a higher percentage of minorities have fewer computers whereas those with a lower percentage of minorities have a greater number of computers. As would be expected, the gaps between racial groups narrow at higher income levels, but widens among households at lower economic levels. With regard to Internet access, Black and Hispanic households are falling even further behind: access by White households grew by 37.6% between 1997 and 1998. Hispanic households are nearly 2.5 times less likely to use the internet than White households. The NTIA study also demonstrated the racial disparities in Internet access exist irrespective of income. In a cultural study to determine reasons for the divide other than income, the Hispanic, African-American, and Asian-American communities were studied. In the Hispanic community, it was observed that computers were a luxury, not a need; computer activities isolated individuals and took away valuable time from family activities. In the African-American community, it was observed that African-Americans, historically, have had negative encounters with technological innovations. Asian-Americans, on the other hand, generally emphasize education, resulting in a larger number embracing rising technological advances. Percent of U.S. Households Using the Internet by Race/Origin Something Must Be Done With the technology continually advancing, the issue of the “digital divide” cannot be ignored. In our society, where the distribution of wealth is already heavily unbalanced, access to computers and the Internet is unbalancing the situation even more. Those with computers and access to the Internet are becoming even richer through the power of information, while those without them are becoming even poorer in comparison. According to William Kennard, the Chair of the FCC, “In a society where increasingly we are defined by access to information and what we earn is what we learn, if you don’t have access to technology, you’re going to be left in the digital dark ages. That’s what the digital divide is all about.” The digital divide will not close unless there is an initiative to seal the gap. With socio-economic divisions already present in today’s society, the digital divide is compounding the effects. It is not just the cost of computers that results in the digital divide, but also the presence of widespread illiteracy among overlooked populations. One out of four adults in the U.S. is illiterate or has limited literacy skill. Technological literacy cannot be promoted if basic literacy skills are lacking. Rectifying the digital divide, according to President Bill Clinton, “is the greatest opportunity the U.S. has ever had to lift its people out of poverty and ignorance.” As statistics have shown in the past few years, the gap is continuously expanding. Overcoming the Digital Divide: What Needs to Happen? The digital divide, as a whole, remains an enormous and complicated issue – heavily interwoven with the issues of race, education, and poverty. The obstacle, however, is by no means insurmountable if broken down into specific tasks that must be accomplished. Aside from the obvious financial barriers, the following would help narrow the gap: Universal Access As the use of computers and the Internet increases, so does the necessity for access. In the public sector, policy makers and community members must recognize the importance of such resources and take measures to ensure access for all. While increased competition among PC manufacturers and Internet Service Providers has substantially reduced the costs associated with owning a computer and maintaining a home connection, for many households the costs remain prohibitive. Like basic phone service, the government should subsidize Internet access for low-income households. At the same time, the private sector must commit to providing equal service and networks to rural and underserved communities so that all individuals can participate. More Community Access Centers, Continued Support of Those Already Existing Community access centers (CACs) are a critical resource for those without access to computers and the Internet at school or work; such programs should continue to receive funding in order to expand and strengthen. According to data collected in 1998, minorities, individuals earning lower incomes, individuals with lower educations, and the unemployed – the exact groups affected most by the digital divide – are the primary users of CACs. In fact, those using the CACs “are also using the internet more often than other groups to find jobs or for educational purposes” (NTIA Falling through the Net 99). Community access centers, therefore, are clearly worthwhile investments. Additional, Well-Trained Technical Staff Computers and other technologies alone are not enough. Communities and schools must train and preserve additional, and more qualified staff, alongside new technologies to promote the best application of resources. In addition to understanding the new technologies, the staff must be able to teach others. Change of Public Attitude Regarding Technology At the same time, much of society needs to change its attitude concerning technology. Rather than perceiving computers and the Internet as a superfluous luxury, the public should view them as crucial necessities. The public must come to realize the incredible power of new technologies and embrace them as tools for their future and the future of their children. Current Programs Given the wide scope of the still expanding digital divide, help of any kind truly makes a positive impact. Fortunately, the government, nonprofit groups, and private foundations have started programs aimed at narrowing the gap. While the following list of programs and sites by no means covers all the programs in existence, it provides a mixed sampling of the types of initiatives currently underway. Government The Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) Enables schools, libraries, and rural health care providers – that could normally not afford them – with network wiring and access to both telecommunications and Internet services. Otherwise known as the “E-rate” program, requires telecommunications companies to provide services to those eligible at rates discounted from 20 to 90 percent. The highest priority and discounts are given to the most economically or geographically disadvantaged schools and libraries, based on the household incomes of student’s families. Congress and the FCC approved $2.25 billion in annual funding. In the first year of funding, the program helped connect 80,000 schools and 38 million children. The Community Technology Center’s program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education Promotes the development of programs aimed at increasing and demonstrating the value of technology in “urban and rural areas and economically distressed communities.” The program awards three-year grants on a competitive basis to fund Community Technology Centers. The Neighboorhood Networks Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As a community based initiative, encourages the development of resource and computer learning centers in privately owned HUD-assisted and HUD-insured housing in order to make technology more accessible. Each community independently plans, manages, and funds their Neighborhood Networks center, but HUD often provides grants, loans, and volunteer service. The centers mainly offer computer access, computer assistance and training, GED certification, health and social services. The program currently contains 608 active centers, and plans on establishing 705 more with the help of business and community partners. |
This affects all cities to upgrade roads and bridges. Should cities apply?
Transportation and Infrastructure: League analysis of the 2020-21 Proposed State Budget
League of California Cities announces.
Why does this matter to residents? What is transportation and infrastructure? How does this affect cities?
The Governor’s 2020-21 State Budget proposal outlines a $53 billion five-year infrastructure plan, which includes $45 billion for transportation and high-speed rail from ongoing revenue sources such as the Road Repair and Accountability Act, general obligation bonds, and Cap-and-Trade funds. The plan includes $22 billion for maintenance and $3 billion for capital improvements to the state highway system, $5 billion for public transit and rail infrastructure, and $1 billion for active transportation projects, not including the ongoing investments in local streets and roads funded primarily through the Highway Users Tax Account (HUTA) and the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program (RMRP).
Revised city transportation funding estimates for the remainder of the current 2019-20 fiscal year and the following 2020-21 fiscal year from HUTA and RMRP revenue sources will be available online later in January.
The $53 billion five-year plan includes:
- $45.2 billion for transportation and high-speed rail
- $2.6 billion for general government (state government facilities)
- $2 billion for judicial branch
- $1.4 billion for natural resources
- $1 billion for education (facilities upgrades, notwithstanding potential school bond funding)
- $1 billion for corrections
- $250 million for health and human services
The following represents the five-year funding forecast for the state’s key transportation programs:
- $22 billion for the State Highway Operations and Protection Program (SHOPP)
- $3.3 billion for the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
- $5 billion for public transit and rail infrastructure
- $1.1 billion for active transportation
- $1.1 billion for local projects in northern and southern California that benefit high-speed rail system projects
- $1 billion for the Local Partnership Program
The state anticipates approximately $18 billion in total funding for transportation in 2020-21 from the following sources:
- $10.5 billion from vehicle fees (including the Vehicle License Fee, Weight Fees, and SB 1 (Beall, Chapter 5, Statutes of 2017) Transportation Improvement Fee)
- $8.8 billion from fuel taxes (including diesel and gasoline)
Major program changes in this year’s transportation budget over previous years include:
- $31 million increase for litter abatement
- $5.4 million for Phase One of the transportation system network information technology project
- $5 million for ongoing Proposition 1B administrative support
- $2.5 million transfer from the local airport loan account to the Aeronautics Airport Improvement Program Grant
- $2 million for bicycle and pedestrian safety investigations
- $1.7 million for wildfire litigation
- $1 million for American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Caltrans infrastructure accessibility for pedestrians
- $95 million fund conversion from federal resources to the State Highway Account
Categories
AB 101
What is AB (Assembly Bill) 101? Do residents have a say in this building? When was this established?
A Brief Summary of AB 101
Housing Element
All residents must understand that there is a housing crisis in California. These housing laws were established years ago. Many Cities have ignored AB 101 and have not established a plan to address this crisis.
City councils have the authority and are obligated to make plans for affordable housing. People cannot afford buying and renting housing. This affects students, Seniors, single parents, veterans, and the homeless.
Without affordable housing, there will be an increase of homelessness from all walks of life.
Yes, and cities that do not comply with the mandated laws will be fined anywhere from $10,000 to $600,000 a month. With this fine, many cities will go bankrupt very quickly.
The old days of large lots are over, too costly. How many people can afford large lots?
AB 101 requires HCD to publish an annual list of cities that have failed to adopt a HCD certified housing element. If HCD puts a city on the list, the city has an opportunity for two meetings to discuss its housing element and HCD must provide city written findings supporting its determination. A city may also request de novo review of its last element. HCD must issue written findings in response to the de novo review. A city may challenge HCD’s findings in a court to determine whether a city’s housing element substantially complies with the law and that determination carries the same weight as HCD certification.
If the Attorney General sues a city, a court finds that its housing element does not substantially comply with state law, and the city fails to bring the housing element into compliance, a court may impose fines ranging from $10,000 to $600,000 per month with the generated revenue deposited into the Building Homes and Jobs Trust Fund. The State Controller may intercept state and local funds if the fines are not paid. Additionally, extra points and other preferences will be awarded for certain state funding programs for cities that have adopted undetermined “pro-housing” policies.
Local Government Planning Support Grants Program
AB 101 makes available $250 million to regions, cities, and counties for planning activities to accelerate housing production and facilitate implementation of Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). $125 million will be available to councils of governments and other regional entities, with the remaining $125 million available to cities and counties. These dollars may be used for:
- Rezoning and updating planning documents.
- Completing environmental clearance to eliminate need for project-specific review.
- Infrastructure planning; and
- Developing or improving accessory dwelling unit ordinance.
Infill Infrastructure Grant Program of 2019
AB 101 makes available $500 million for competitive funding for a “qualifying infill project” or “qualifying infill area.” A qualifying infill project is a residential or mixed-use project located in an urbanized area in a city with an HCD-compliant housing element. Grant funds can be used for “capital improvement projects” to facilitate the development of a qualifying infill project or area such as:
- Water, sewer, or other utility improvements.
- Streets, roads, transit.
- Project site preparation; and
- Sidewalk or streetscape improvement.
Homelessness: Funding and Programs
AB 101 makes $650 million available for one-time grants to cities, counties, and continuums of care to support regional coordination, expand or develop local capacity, and address immediate homelessness challenges. All awards will be based on the applicant’s proportionate share of the state’s total homeless population.
- $275 million will be available to cities or a city and county that has a population of more than 300,000.
$175 million will be available to counties.
- $190 million will be available to continuums of care.
Low Barrier Navigation Centers
AB 101 would require a low barrier navigation center be permitted as a “use by right” if it meets specified requirements. Within 30 days of receiving an application for a center, a city must notify the applicant whether the application is complete. Within 60 days of a completed application, the city must act on the application.
State Low Income Housing Tax Credit
AB 101 also increases the state low-income housing tax credit to $500 million for the 2020 calendar year.