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Is the planning profession interested in the Stimulus Funds, and I think, more importantly, will we as a profession work to create ethical, sustainable projects for that funding, rather than race to get something submitted in a political grab for the cash?

The NTIA only has 24 months to spend $4.7 Billion...I'm wondering if well thought projects that have long term impact are going to come from something that moves that fast?

And Lastly...Is the planning profession ...

Now that the NTIA stimulus money is approved, and ex parte meetings are being held to organize the administration and deployment of the grants, it's time for localities to begin thinking about the kind of projects they want to propose -- and there's a key issue here I'd like to address. Rather than having a run on the grant funds, in a raid-like fashion, can we develop project proposals that are ethical and sustainable in the long run, after the grant funds go away?

The NTIA funding ...

The ICMA's PM magazine picked up a story I wrote on what to expect from the wireless infrastructure industry over the next few years. There's some interesting thoughts that, given the NTIA stimulus funding, will even more likely materialize to impact rural and underserved communities. There's money out there to create positive impacts, but it's going to take work to create ethical and sustainable projects. Check out the article at http://anvilpartners.us/Images/anvil...%20Article.pdf ...

It's too long to post here, but I have blogged about some of the specifics that have emerged at Anvil Partners -- check the details there, and for other links to additional information. Basically, the broadband stimulus money has a time component -- it must be spent by Sept. 30, 2010 -- there's not much time to spend $7 Billion, and as small as NTIA currently is, this will be a big job for that agency. Although application guidelines and terminology haven't been fully determined yet, communities ...

Depending on which version you examine (House or Senate), there's going to be some $1Billion in cash, and a similar amount in tax credits made avialable to the carriers and tower industry to provide wireless facilities to unserved and underserved Rural areas.

Many smaller localities have stripped 20% or more from their budgets. Some have eliminated the planning position in their organization. Others are trying to find yet even more ways to cut costs and survive.

What ...