Policies to promote high-speed Internet deployment and promote local investments in technology-based jobs are a key component of increasing local democratic participation, promoting local economic growth, creating “smart” communities that are healthier and more energy efficient, and closing the widening gap in economic opportunity.

 * Universal and Affordable Broadband:  The 2007 WA State Budget (Sec. 149) included budget language requiring a survey of broadband deployment and barriers to digital access.  Where many state “video franchise” bills had weak buildout requirements, New York’s A03980 required broadband buildout to all communities in the state. 

* Leveraging Broadband for Energy Savings:  After a successful pilot program in Chicago, the Illinois legislature passed SB 1705 to establish smart metering to allow consumers to use real-time online monitoring of energy use to adjust consumption and lower their energy bills. 

* Local Technology Investments: A number of states have created local venture capital funds to invest in local startups, including the Maryland Venture Fund and the Indiana Future Fund, while other states have used pension funds programs, such as the New Jersey Directed Investment Fund and CalPERS, to strengthen local technology-based companies.