To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Executive Office
Meeting Date: October 6, 2026
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Department Contact: |
Megan Shandel |
Phone: |
707-463-4441 |
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Department Contact: |
Sara Pierce |
Phone: |
707-463-4441 |
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Item Type: Consent Agenda |
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Time Allocated for Item: N/A |
Agenda Title:
title
Ratification of Letter of Support for WiConduit’s Broadband Infrastructure Applications in Mendocino County to the California Public Utilities Commission
Vote Requirement: Majority
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Ratify letter of support for WiConduit’s broadband infrastructure applications to the California Public Utilities Commission; and authorize the Chair to sign same.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
The Board regularly approves items in alignment with the approved Legislative Platform.
Summary of Request:
Expanding reliable and affordable broadband throughout Mendocino County remains one of our highest priorities. Improved connectivity is essential to advancing the County’s broader goals of equity, community well-being, public safety, and long-term economic resilience. Our coastline remains one of the most remote regions of the state and insufficient broadband continues to limit residents’ access to telehealth, online education, remote work, and the digital tools increasingly required for daily life. Seniors, disadvantaged households, and students are disproportionately affected by these gaps, and our broadband planning efforts have consistently identified these coastal communities as among the most unserved. Challenging terrain and long distances make network development costly, yet the need for dependable, high-quality service is urgent.
WiConduit’s proposal to bring fiber service to more than 1,000 currently unserved locations represents a significant opportunity to reduce long-standing disparities. Their commitment to community-accountable ownership and reinvesting network revenues into further expansion aligns with the County’s goal of supporting sustainable, community-centered infrastructure solutions.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Return to staff for alternative handling
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: A Safe and Healthy County
Supervisorial District: District 5
Supplemental Information Available Online At: California Public Utilities Commission <<https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-advanced-services-fund/casf-infrastructure-project-summaries>>
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: N/A |
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current f/y cost: N/A |
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budget clarification: N/A |
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annual recurring cost: N/A |
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budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): N/A |
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revenue agreement: N/A |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: N/A
CEO Liaison: Sara Pierce, Interim CEO
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Item Status |
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Date: Date Executed |
Executed Item Type: item |
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Number: |
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