Bonfire Infrastructure Group

Bridging the digital divide takes a combination of local partnerships, technical support, and long-term capacity building.

This article highlights how USDA Rural Development Oregon helped underserved rural communities unlock more than $40 million in broadband funding through an innovative support model that combined training, technical assistance, and trusted local collaboration. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/usda-reconnect-rural-broadband-oregon/

Strengthening capacity in underserved rural areas: USDA-RD Oregon’s approach for broadband deployment | Brookings P**a and Aley show how an initial $500,000 USDA investment helped rural Oregon communities secure over $40 million in broadband funding.