HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 02 US Ignite Grand and City-Wide Fiber Update AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: 9/21/2020
Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
Staff Contact/Dept.: Courtney Griesel, CMO
Staff Phone No: 541-726-3700
Estimated Time: 20 Minutes
S P R I N G F I E L D
C I T Y C O U N C I L
Council Goals: Encourage Economic
Development and
Revitalization through
Community Partnerships
ITEM TITLE: US IGNITE GRANT AND CITY-WIDE FIBER UPDATE
ACTION
REQUESTED:
Staff is requesting Council direction on Council participation in a joint Springfield
Utility Board (SUB) City Fiber Task Force in addition to general feedback and
guidance related to current progress of the Downtown US Ignite Fiber project and
general Council priority for citywide fiber initiatives.
ISSUE
STATEMENT:
Framed within the Springfield Economic Development Strategy, and with financial
investment of US Ignite, the City and SUB have been working toward expansion of
Springfield fiber infrastructure. This presentation seeks to provide an update on the
US Ignite Grant and request Council feedback on the City’s long-term, community
wide, role and areas for priority investment in expansion.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. 2018 City of Springfield Economic Development Fiber Strategy Summary
2. US Ignite Grant for Downtown Fiber Expansion Overview
3. Regular Session Presentation
DISCUSSION/
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
The City Council adopted Springfield Economic Development Strategy (2018)
included a focused initiative to leverage public fiber assets to facilitate private
competition and increase community access to high quality, high speed, affordable
broadband (Attachment 1). Strategic tactics included engagement with private
service providers, marketing of efforts and early wins, and work to identify and
invest in an internet exchange and public infrastructure needed to expand fiber
opportunities community-wide.
Late in 2019, the City of Springfield received a small grant from US Ignite and the
National Science Foundation to expand fiber in Downtown, piloting connectivity to
the regional fiber hub in Downtown Eugene (Attachment 2). The value of the grant
includes $99,500 in funds to study and construct interconnectivity and a
contribution of internet exchange equipment. All funds must be expended by
December 31, 2020 (this timeline may be expended due to COVID). The City,
SUB, LCOG, and regional private internet service providers have been working
over the past months to outline strategies and tasks for construction and ‘lighting’
of Downtown fiber, which include a need to locate a critical connectivity point on
City Hall property.
As the City and SUB work to pursue the Downtown pilot project, understanding
around a citywide strategy and City Council priorities to drive that strategy is
needed. Staff is requesting Council;
• Review and discussion of recommendation to site a fiber interconnectivity
facility on City Hall property;
• Feedback on preferred priorities and role of the City related to investment in
fiber connectivity buildout throughout the City;
• Guidance on priorities for fiber to areas of the community; commercial,
residential, industrial; and
• Direction on SUB request for designated Councilor participation on a joint
technical task force to include staff and elected leadership from both agencies.
Springfield Economic Look – Fiber Initiative (March 2018)
I. SPRINGFIELD ECONOMIC PLAN PURPOSE
The purpose of the City of Springfield’s Economic Development Strategy is to define a clear plan of action for
City staff to make the greatest impact on influencing Springfield’s economic growth. This strategic plan
intentionally focuses efforts on traded-sectors and factors of importance to traded-sectors because they yield
the largest economic impact for our community. By growing traded-sectors, external money flows into our
community to residents and small businesses.
WHY THIS WORK IS IMPORTANT TO SPRINGFIELD
The “why” of this work is a compelling motivator to stay on track for implementation. The goal of the Springfield
Look Plan is to improve the lives of Springfield’s citizens by increasing the per capita income and the number of
family wage jobs in Springfield while providing the tools to reduce poverty in our community. We are motivated
by the understanding that the economic vitality of Springfield and the financial health of its public agencies are
linked to healthy population growth and the number of quality jobs available in our community.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
Using a strategic plan as a tool, we recognize that it provides us clarity on a shared vision for what we set out
to do. This enables us to empower staff to do impactful work; prioritize funding resources; and build trust and
stronger relationships within City Hall and with partners. Together we can have the courage to be bold with
creative solutions. Our buy-in, by building this plan together, ultimately shapes City culture and becomes what,
how and why we serve our business customers. Although we seek results as soon as possible, we understand
successful economic development involves commitment to the long term, a.k.a. “stay the course”.
SPRINGFIELD ASSETS
Many factors for competitively addressing the needs of traded-sectors are outside the direct control of City
Hall. Although not in direct control, it is important to influence the improvement of critical factors in order to
strengthen Springfield’s value proposition for companies to locate and grow here.
The Springfield Telecommunications Enhancement Project (STEP) is one of many strategic initiatives identified for
implementation which focuses on priority areas for competitiveness improvement outside of City Hall. Details of
the initiative are included on the following page(s).
Attachment 1, Page 1 of 3
Springfield Economic Look – Fiber Initiative (March 2018)
S PRINGFIELD T ELECOMMUNICATIONS E NHANCEMENT P ROJECT (STEP)
G OAL
Leverage public assets to facilitate private competition. Public assets can include publicly-owned infrastructure
and publicly-controlled space (e.g. right of way and public utility easement management, development
standards, communication space on utility and city poles, etc.).
W HY IMPORTANT?
Expanding existing fiber infrastructure in a community can establish a competitive advantage for businesses
and community access, thus reducing cost to access. With more access, businesses can expand operations.
Manufacturing, including tech companies, rely heavily on high-speed, quality telecommunication access. The "gig
economy" (individuals or small business contracted for parts of a larger project) creates local opportunities to
connect to the global market and telecommunications can be at the heart of that connection. Expansion of fiber
can contribute to a smarter community, as access decreases “digital divide” inequalities.
T ACTICS
1. Enhance Foundation for Political Support
Potential joint session with SUB Board and City Council to discover understanding of opportunity and
political will to move forward with initiative.
Engage users/public about value and opportunity.
2 Current Situation
Where are we now with providers, community, SUB Board, City leadership?
Conduct proactive research by engaging with providers.
Provide update on existing telecommunications services provided by SUB and SUB Board buy in on the
mission (or Board changes to mission) and general dedication of resources to this project.
Explain what SUB is doing and what we are not doing with this project.
Develop landing page on SUB’s website to communicate SUB’s efforts in the context of the larger group.
Place status updates on SUB’s landing page.
Potential migration of this material to the web site developed by the larger group.
Review of SUB’s telecommunication service policies.
Provide recommendation to Team Lead.
Review of SUB’s telecommunication IRU contract – pull out language that will reside in any updated
telecom policies which an updated contract.
Potential creation of transitioning telecommunication department to a telecommunications utility in the
budget process.
Review of City’s telecommunication service policies/ordinances share findings with City to ensure that City
policies/ordinances and SUB polices work together.
Understand what EugNet (eugnet.org) did in mapping out the business model.
Potential migration of this material to the web site developed by the larger group.
3 Task Force
Identify potential Task Force Members Near Term Infrastructure Coordination Roadmap of Roles and
Responsibilities.
4. Marketing
Brand initiative.
Define benefits into compelling message.
Build website.
City Economic Development and Chamber outreach to business; promote on website.
Attachment 1, Page 2 of 3
Springfield Economic Look – Fiber Initiative (March 2018)
I MPLEMENTATION T EAM
5. Engagement with Providers
What open access infrastructure do they need?
6. Identify Internet Exchange Options for Springfield
Identify Infrastructure Needs - includes physical location options of IPs as well as interconnection to data
hubs (SUB/?).
Evaluate funding options
Identify and potentially develop a strategic location that is publicly-owned or controlled to house a carrier
neutral facility.
Consider “Gang of 6” Fiber in assessment of exchange sites.
7. Track Innovation Hub Strategic Initiative
8. Engagement with Property Owners
9. Engagement with Community & Tenants
Chamber, City Club, Rotary.
10. Core Infrastructure Coordination
Evaluate options for long term management of:
Local Network (SUB).
Last Mile.
Internet Exchange Site Management.
Data hub agreements and backhaul management to connection at internet exchange.
11. Outreach and education elements
Testing concepts.
Examples of localized pricing data.
Value return-on-investment for land and building owners/residential land to illustrate advantages.
12. Six/Fiber Study Plan
Identify path back to internet from carrier neutral facility.
Options defined.
Placement of Springfield Innovation Hub or supercomputing facility.
Weighting for desired priorities.
13. Public Build-out Location
Proactively identify initial early opportunity for build-out location.
Collaboration space to increase accessibility and entrepreneurship – link into Springfield Innovation Hub
potentially.
LEAD Jeff Nelson, Director of Resource Management, Springfield Utility Board
Tracy Richardson, Utility Planner, Springfield Utility Board
TEAM Core: Collaborator:
Springfield Utility Board Springfield Chamber
City of Springfield Lane Council of Governments (may be Core)
Economic Development Department Technology Association of Oregon (may be Core)
Planning Department
Attachment 1, Page 3 of 3
SPRINGFIELD T ELECOMMUNICATIONS E NHANCEMENT P ROJECT (STEP ) U PDATE ; 2/11 /20 L EAD : SUB/T RACY R ICHARDSON
- D OWNTOWN F IBER P ILOT P ROJECT T ASK D ETAIL U PDATE CITY/C OURTNEY G RIESEL
As part of the City of Springfield economic development plan, the Springfield Utility Board and City of Springfield began efforts to explore and invest
in the build-out of fiber assets to the Springfield community.
S HARED C ITY /SUB G OAL
Leverage public assets to facilitate private competition, including publicly-owned infrastructure and publicly-controlled space.
O VERARCHING STEP P ROJECT D ESCRIPTION :
Expand existing fiber infrastructure to establish a competitive advantage for businesses and community ac cess, thus reducing cost to access. With
more access, businesses can expand operations. Manufacturing, including tech companies, rely heavily on high -speed, quality telecommunication
access. The "gig economy" (individuals or small business contracted for parts of a larger project) creates local opportunities to connect to the global
market. Expansion of fiber can contribute to a smarter community, as access decreases “digital divide” inequalities.
STEP P ROJECT V ARIABLES :
SUB Board and SEDA Board/Council Support and Coordination
Voltage Conversion Project Impacts and Drivers
Willamette Internet Exchange Connectivity
Carrier Hotel/Build-Out Planning and Resources
Ambleside Neighborhood Pilot Project Progress
Inclusion of PAN and other regional partners
D OWNTOWN S PRINGFIELD P ILOT P ROJECT F UNDING :
Following a November 2019 project team meeting between SUB and City staff, a funding opportunity through the expansion of the US Ignite grant,
administered by the City of Springfield, was identified as a potential
resource to support initial stages of fiber planning and build-out specific
to Downtown. Following a brief discussion with US Ignite leadership and
an expedited submittal of project elements, US Ignite increased grant
funding to the City of Springfield in an amount of $99,500. Details of the
funding requirements are summarized below.
W HAT : Fund the planning and implementation of fiber build out in Downtown Springfield. The project should maximize the interconnection
capacity between the cities of Springfield and Eugene by partnering to establish a Digital Town Square/Micro Carrier Hotel (DTS) in Springfield
WIX I-5 PATH ? PATH
KNOWN
MICRO
CARRIER
HOTEL
DOWNTOWN
LOOP
Attachment 2, Page 1 of 3
connecting to the Digital Town Square/Willamette Internet Exchange (WIX) in Eugene, allowing for access to high speed afforda ble internet
connectivity to Springfield residents, businesses and visitors.
H OW: $99,500 has been awarded to the City of Springfield as the US Ignite grant administrator to fund. Funds may be moved between
project tasks/funded activities as needed through email communication with Ignite:
F UNDED A CTIVITY F UNDING
A MOUNT
Project Administration and Working Group Team Convening $2,500
Regional Fiber Optic Infrastructure Connectivity Plan Development; WIX to Springfield Carrier Hotel/DTS $10,000
SUB/SEDA/CITY Governing Body Decision Point
Carrier Hotel Site Construction/Retrofit to House DTS $15,000
DTS Build-Out $63,000
Take to Market: Education, Marketing, Coordination $9,000
S TEPS /TIMELINE : All funds must be expended and providers ‘online’ by August 31st, 2020. August 31st, 2020 for expending funds is based on
the conclusion of the underlying NSF fund available and cannot be extended:
updated 1/24/2020
Tactic Lead Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec % complete
Springfield Assets: STEP Downtown Springfield Fiber
Tracy Richardson
(Courtney G)
1 Project Kick-Off/Coordination CG 100%
2 Regional Partner Coordination and Project Meeting TR, CG
3 Springfield Carrier Hotel/DTS Site Selected NA, TR
4 Carrier Hotel/DTS Site Agreements for Access in Place TR, CG, BM
5 Regional Fiber Cross-Connect Plan and Technical Spec from Eugene WIX/DTS to Springfield DTS SUB, City
6 Springfield Site Plan and Technical Spec Complete SUB, City
7 Purchase Springfield DTS Equipment/Assets SUB, City
8 Construct Facility/Rack SUB, City
9 Promote/Market Asset SUB, City
10 DTS Hosting ISPs SUB
2020
Attachment 2, Page 2 of 3
A DDITIONAL N OTES : City/SUB may jointly elect to terminate the project or grant utilization at any time without penalty should it be determined
as infeasible at that time.
Attachment 2, Page 3 of 3
CITY-WIDE FIBER STRATEGY
& DOWNTOWN IGNITE UPDATE
COURTNEY GRIESEL, CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
City Council Regular Session
September 8, 2020
Attachment 3, Page 1 of 7
CITY
COMPETITIVENESS
WORLD-CLASS
DEVELOPMENT SERVICE
MINIMUM DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS
STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT
OF PRIORITY SITES
FORMALIZE BUSINESS
INCENTIVES
SPRINGFIELD ASSETS
INNOVATION HUB
SPRINGFIELD
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
REAL ESTATE PRODUCT
DEVELOPMENT
PARTNER ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT TEAM
BUSINESS
OUTREACH
BUSINESS RETENTION &
EXPANSION
INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
RECRUIT TARGET
INDUSTRIES
HOW DOES FIBER FIT IN THE ECONOMIC
STRATEGY?
Attachment 3, Page 2 of 7
SPRINGFIELD ASSETS
SPRINGFIELD TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
PRIORITY INITIATIVES LEAD Jeff Nelson, Springfield Utility Board
TEAM SUB, CMO, Economic Development Dept., DPW
What:
Invest in and Develop Publically Owned Fiber Assets
through STEP
Why:
Public Fiber Build-Out Facilitates Private Competition
Increases Access, Decreases Cost
‘Gig Economy’ Increases Competitive Recruitment &
Retention
How: 2-5 Year Special Project, $1M+ Resource Need (Planning & Capital)
Enhance Foundation for Political Support
Assess Current Situation
Assemble Task Force
Brand and Market the Initiative and Engage Providers
Capitalize Low Hanging Fruit into Early Wins Core
Infrastructure Coordination
SIX/Fiber Study Plan
Public Build-Out Location
Attachment 3, Page 3 of 7
EARLY WINS…
SPRINGFIELD TELECOMMUNICATIONS/FIBER
Fiber to the Home: Affordable, High Quality, Fiber to
Springfield Homes Provides Access to Community Members
and Springfield Workforce.
Accessible on Public Backbone -A Pilot Public Fiber
Expansion to the Home Project was Completed in the
Springfield Ambleside Neighborhood in June 2020
Increased Quality -Current Internet Service is Costly
and Often Low Quality or Metered
Increased Affordability and Competition -This Expanded, Affordable, High Quality Service is
Introducing Competition into a Previously Monopolized Market
Replicable –This Project Provides Springfield Area Providers with a Proof of Concept, Showcasing that
Adequate Take Rates Can be Met with the Utilization of Public, Affordable, Fiber Backbone
Attachment 3, Page 4 of 7
WIX I-5 PATH ? PATH
KNOWN
MICRO
CARRIER
HOTEL
DOWNTOWN
LOOP
Public Path Public Path859
Willamette Eugene Springfield
Public Backbone Fiber
Fiber to PDX
EARLY WINS…
SPRINGFIELD TELECOMMUNICATIONS/FIBER
US Ignite Downtown Replication:
December 2019, City of Springfield is Awarded a $99,500 grant from US Ignite to implement a fiber build-
out in Downtown Springfield, maximizing the interconnection between Springfield and Eugene
Downtown SpringfieldAttachment 3, Page 5 of 7
EARLY WINS…
SPRINGFIELD TELECOMMUNICATIONS/FIBER
US Ignite Downtown Replication:
What is a Micro Carrier Hotel,
or Interconnect Site?
& Why Locate at City Hall?
A Secure Interconnect
Between Public Fiber & Private
Brings Internet Service
Providers Closer to the
Customer
PUBLIC PATH
PRIVATE PATH
H
Attachment 3, Page 6 of 7
ULTIMATE GOALS AND NEXT STEPS…
SPRINGFIELD TELECOMMUNICATIONS/FIBER
Feedback on the Outcomes to Date?
What is the Council Desired City Role in the Work and Ownership of Fiber Infrastructure and
Community Wide Buildout?
Council Guidance on Priorities for Investing in Fiber to Areas of the Community?
Commercial, Residential, Industrial, etc.
Are there Opportunities for Expanded Team Springfield Partnerships as we Expand Micro
Connect Sites?
SUB Requests Designated Councilor Participation on a Joint Technical Task Force to Include
Staff and Elected Leadership from Both Agencies
Attachment 3, Page 7 of 7