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Local Technology Planning Teams and Toolkit Overview The state of Florida recognizes the need for the expansion of broadband infrastructure to bridge the digital divide in communities throughout the state. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for Florida counties to develop effective and comprehensive strategic broadband initiatives at the local level that take advantage of federal, state, and other grant opportunities The most critical component of this comprehensive effort is coordination between Florida's Local Technology Planning Teams and the Department of Economic Opportunity's Office of Broadband. This Broadband Planning Toolkit provides fundamental resources and guidance needed to help the Local Technology Planning Team increase the accessibility and availability of broadband services in their county or region. To create a Local Technology Planning Team and to fully utilize the Broadband Planning Toolkit: • It is imperative that representatives from each of Florida's 67 counties actively participate in the establishment of their team and encourage the implementation of the toolkit. • Coordination between Florida's Local Technology Planning Teams and the Department of Economic Opportunity's Office of Broadband is crucial to the successful implementation of the toolkit. • Partnering to comprise a Local Technology Planning Team is encouraged at a regional level with neighboring counties, their Rural Area of Opportunity, or another regional organization. • Local Technology Planning Teams are a vital part of Florida's broadband expansion, and adoption efforts are critical to the state's future success in an increasingly technology dependent global economy. The practice of broadband planning has shown it can have a significant, positive impact on accessibility and availability of broadband for municipalities, counties, regions, and the state. As your Local Technology Planning Team develops a greater understanding of the accessibility and availability of broadband in your county or region and begins to develop and implement strategies to bridge the digital divide, it impacts not only other counties, but also the region and the entire state. Municipalities interested in participating on the Local Technology Planning Team facilitated by their county or region may contact the Department of Economic Opportunity's Office of Broadband at Broad band(a-)DEO.MyFlorida.com.