| Community Leadership/IT
Planning
Community IT Planning
and Mini Grant Program
"The
KBR TechKnowledge Coalition Technology Plan identified the desire, not
just the need, for additional technology, training and support.
So far the action plan has resulted in more class offerings, two
community websites and a new technology retail store." --Patty
Barstow
“ We are profoundly
thankful to the Nebraska InformationTechnology Commission for their
support and 'seed money' for the planning that we want to do and must
do to maintain the viability of the Edgar community."
--Pam
Maynard
Technologies
Across Nebraska has worked with 21 communities or regional
groups from 2002 to 2005 to develop technology plans. The impact of the program has been significant. Two communities
received grants totaling over $400,000 to implement their plans. A new business has started in a third community. Several communities now have broadband services available. Other communities are focusing on the technology needs
of small businesses, offering e-commerce and technology training. One community has developed a video conferencing center
available to local businesses and residents.
One Community is exploring the creation of an online mall. Another focused on making the county Web site more accessible and user-friendly.
Lessons Learned
1. Community technology planning requires a substantial time commitment from technology committee members and facilitation by energetic, committed community leaders. The mini grant program provided an incentive for communities to focus on technology planning.
2. The Community IT Planning Workbook simplifies the planning process. Participants liked the workbook and appreciated not having to develop their own assessment and planning tools. Participants suggested that sample plans and a glossary of technology terms be included. These changes were made to the revised Community IT Planning Workbook. In addition, the facilitator's guide was revised and now includes tips gleaned from working with the participating communities as well as tips from community leaders. Additional worksheets to help committees plan supplemental assessment activities, build community support, develop a technology plan, and plan implementation activities were also developed.
3. Forming a technology committee can attract the attention of telecommunications providers, facilitating discussions between the community and providers on the availability and deployment of advanced services.
4. Documenting community needs through the assessment process can assist in the preparation of successful grant applications.
5. There is tremendous interest in computer training opportunities in many small communities. Several communities found that approximately 40%-50% of households were interested in participating in computer training sessions. Many businesses are also interested in computer training. Fillmore County, for example, found that 54% of local businesses were interested in computer training classes.
Most households have computers and Internet access. Relatively few households subscribe to broadband, however. Committees in Cheyenne County, Deuel County, and Seward County used similar surveys and methodologies, making it easier to compare their results. The Cheyenne and Deuel County surveys were conducted during the same time period in 2005. The Seward County data was obtained in 2004.
County |
% of households with computers |
% of computer households with Internet access |
% of Internet households with broadband |
% of broadband households |
Cheyenne (2005) |
72% |
90% |
43% |
28% |
Deuel (2005) |
69% |
88% |
23% |
14% |
Seward (2004) |
79% |
88% |
31% |
22% |
There is demand for basic computer training. Community surveys in Cheyenne County, Deuel County, and Seward County found that between one-quarter and one-half of households are interested in participating in computer training. The Seward Memorial Library had over 500 participants in computer training classes in just one year.
There is growing demand for online community and local government information and services. Surveys in Seward, Deuel, and Cheyenne Counties indicated strong interest in obtaining community and local government services and information online.
Most businesses have computers and have broadband access. In Cheyenne and Seward Counties, 985 of businesses have computers and at least 80% of businesses have broadband access. Deuel County has fewer businesses using computers (85%) and fewer with broadband access (58%).
County |
% of Businesses with Computers |
% of Businesses with Broadband |
Cheyenne (2005) |
98% |
80% |
Deuel (2005) |
85% |
58% |
Seward (2004) |
98% |
89% |
Many businesses have a Web presence and are experiencing benefits from the Internet. There is a wide range in the percentage of businesses with a Web presence. Just barely one-third of businesses in Deuel County have a Web presence. Over sixty-percent of businesses in Cheyenne and Seward Counties have Web sites. Using a different survey format, Buffalo County found that 72% of its businesses had a Web presence.
County |
% of Businesses with Web sites |
% of Web Businesses Gaining Customers |
% of Web Businesses Increasing Sales |
% of Web Businesses Increasing Sales Outside U.S. |
Cheyenne (2005) |
60% |
67% |
39% |
7% |
Deuel (2005) |
34% |
33% |
33% |
11% |
Seward (2004) |
67% |
72% |
35% |
28% |
Surveys, Plans, and Related Articles
2004-2005
Participants
Chappell, Cheyenne County, Cuming County, Hartington, Kearney, and
Nemaha County joined the IT Planning and Mini Grant in the fall of
2004.
Seward also joined the program in the spring of
2004
Final Report
Surveys and Plans
2003-2004 Participants
Dakota City, Hastings, Homer, Lexington, Maskell, and Valley
County are participating in the 2003-2004 IT Planning and Mini Grant
Program. .
Final Report
Surveys and Plans
2002-2003 Pilot Participants
Alliance (Box Butte County), Crawford-Harrison, Custer County, Edgar, Fillmore County, Keya Paha/Brown/Rock Counties, the West Point area, and York participated in the 2002-2003 pilot program.
Final Report
Surveys and Plans
Community IT Planning Workbook
The Community IT Planning Workbook simplifies the IT
planning process.
11/04/2004
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