Thank you for your interest in attending! This event is now SOLD OUT.

If you would like to join the waitlist, please contact Erin McDuff at erin.mcduff@usda.gov or 503-414-3304.

Join us to learn about the planning process and resources available to help expand broadband infrastructure in your community.

This one-day workshop, designed to inform and engage civic leaders, businesses, and community champions, will feature local experts and provide:

A discussion of cutting-edge broadband applications that will reshape our communities and help drive rural prosperity
An overview of relevant USDA Rural Development grant and loan programs
An interactive session to support local teams as they evaluate and develop local broadband projects

View the full agenda.

Community broadband champions and those interested in improving rural broadband infrastructure, including education, library, healthcare, telecom, and internet representatives, will gain valuable information from these workshops.

This is a free event and open to the public.

Note: After registering, you may receive an email from Eventbrite inviting you to create an account. You do NOT need to complete this step. Your registration will be saved regardless of whether you have an Eventbrite account.

Telecommunication Programs

USDA offers a variety of loan and grant programs to finance the construction and expansion of broadband networks serving rural areas.

https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/all-programs/telecom-programs

ReConnect Program

USDA’s new ReConnect Program offers loans and grants to facilitate high-speed broadband deployment in rural areas that currently lack sufficient access.

https://www.usda.gov/reconnect

Sponsored by USDA Rural Development, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and Business Oregon.

With support from Link Oregon, Washington State University Extension, Jefferson County Economic Development of Central Oregon, and the City of Independence.

ReConnect Broadband Workshop in Independence