4 SHAKERONLINE.COM | SPRING 2016 Living in a Dynamic City Shaker Online Broadband: Making the Connection There is a constant buzz these days about broadband technology, high speed Internet, gigabits, and big data. Perhaps you are most aware of it (or the lack of it) when you can’t quickly and easily stream Hulu or Netflix. For Shaker Heights Development Corporation, it goes way beyond that and into the heart of generating economic development activity in key areas of the City. The ability to offer costeffective broadband is critical to SHDC’s Strategic Plan and its mission to attract knowledge-based economy firms, light industry, and professional service firms to the Chagrin-Lee corridor, and all of the City’s commercial districts. What is broadband? Put simply, it is the technology that enables high-speed transfer of data. Broadband connections are the railroads of the 21st century – essential infrastructure required to transmit products (these days in the form of information). Without affordable access to this infrastructure, it is difficult for businesses and residents to compete in global markets. Study after study confirms that world-class broadband infrastructure is necessary to maintain a city’s attractiveness as a great place to work and live. Last fall, the City of Shaker Heights hired the firm Design Nine, Inc. to conduct a broadband needs assessment. The study report is posted at: shakeronline.com/downloads/ neighborhood-revitalization-programs. SHDC’s Executive Director Nick Fedor says, “The competitive advantage of cities that offer affordable access to broadband technology can’t be overstated.” Affordability is the key, as aerial broadband fiber is already in place within portions of the Chagrin-Lee corridor but isn’t being fully utilized because it is currently costprohibitive for many businesses. The SHDC is exploring various funding sources that could potentially offset the cost to businesses who wish to leverage this critical 21st century infrastructure. The work is in its earliest stages. As Shaker’s history suggests, we’re good at thinking creatively about the challenges we face, especially when we face them together. To support the work of the SHDC, please consider making a donation online at shakerdevcorp.com. For more information, contact Nick Fedor, nick.fedor@shakerdevcorp.com.
Spring_ShakerLife_2016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above