BROADCASTS.com

As an increasing number of communities begin seriously exploring options for a community broadband network, it seems municipal bonds are once again\xa0being considered as a serious funding\xa0option. This year's survey of economic development pros reveals that just over half feel their communities could successfully launch a bond measure, or that their chances for success are 50/50. \xa0\xa0\n\nThree factors lead to the success of issuing muni bonds to fund community broadband networks:\xa0\nthe political willsuccessful navigation of the legal processesassembling the right financial resources\xa0\xa0\nDavid Shaw, Chief of the Government & Utilities industry section of Kirton-McConkie law firm and Laura Lewis, Principal at\xa0municipal financial advisory firm\xa0Lewis, Young, Robertson & Burningham, Inc., walks listeners through these three criteria in layperson's language to help stakeholders navigate these tricky waters. Both have experience working with bond efforts for\xa0cities across the U.S.\xa0\n\nHelping Iowa and Colorado communities better assess all of their funding options for network projects, including a bond strategy, is a main component of the special 5-week broadband strategy Webinar series led by Gigabit Nation host Craig Settles.