BROADCASTS.com

b'Many people think broadband benefits local governments by making PCs, apps and systems run faster. But what happens when the process of governing accelerates into gig speed? In two months, Next Century Cities expects to find out.\\n\\nAt the Broadband Communities Summit, cities were offered a $30,000 prize as a reward for creative thinking on using broadband to tackle local challenges. Next Century Cities announced their \\u201cNext Generation Engagement Awards\\u201d for three cities (up to $30,000 each) that propose projects or partnerships that enhance government operations.\\n\\nNext Century Cities\\u2019 Executive Director Deb Socia and Deputy Director Todd O\\u2019Boyle joined us to explain their program and what they hope to achieve. Beside cash, winning communities will also receive hands-on technical assistance from Next Century Cities to implement their plans and peer-to-peer connections with other innovative municipalities.\\n\\nCommunities applying will be expected to demonstrate how, in addition to the award funding, they will contribute funds or use in-kind support, partner support, or a combination to ensure the project\\u2019s success. Applications will be accepted through June 15, 2016 and winners will be announced in late summer. Apply here.'