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News Release
Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability announces launch of Wi-Fi 6 and Fixed-Wireless Grant program for community-based organizations - 01/27/23

Community Technology group will host three informational sessions for interested organizations

Portland, Ore.— Beginning today, Friday, January 27, Portland’s community-based organizations can apply for up to $400,000 to build a neighborhood-managed, private Wi-Fi 6 or fixed-wireless network, part of the American-Rescue-Plan (ARPA) funded Digital Divide Response Project. Led by the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability’s (BPS) Community Technology group, this program helps Portlanders overcome barriers to getting online. Applications will remain open through Sunday, March 12, 2023.

When asked how the City of Portland could support dismantling the digital divide for priority populations, community members indicated access to a fast and affordable internet connection as essential to daily life. Using ARPA funds, this grant program will enable communities and neighborhoods to build secure, fast, community-owned Wi-Fi 6 and fixed-wireless networks. This funding opportunity is meant to meet an immediate need for capital investment in accessible high-speed internet access to stimulate community development.

“We are proud to launch another grant opportunity to help Portland’s most vulnerable community members get online,” said Chief Community Technology Officer Elisabeth Perez. “Portlanders told us exactly what they needed in order to have reliable and affordable online access, and this is one of many ways we’re making that happen.” 

Funding and applications

Applicants can apply for awards up to $400,000 to build a secure, private, neighbor-based, and community-managed Wi-Fi 6 or fixed-wireless network.  

To be eligible for funding, applicants must:

  • Be a non-profit 501(c)(3),
  • Serve people who live, work, worship, or access social services in Portland and are part of a priority community,
  • Commit to meeting project-reporting requirements and a project-completion date no later than June 30, 2024, and,
  • Apply here with a signature from a duly authorized representative of the applicant organization.

Information Sessions

Interested organizations can attend an information session hosted by the BPS Community Technology group by registering here:

  • Feb. 9, 2023, 12 to 1 p.m.
  • Feb. 24, 2023, 4 to 5 p.m.
  • March 6, 2023, 1 to 2 p.m.

Interested organizations who have questions and are unable to attend a listening session can contact the Community Technology group directly by emailing connectingportland@portlandoregon.gov.

Future opportunities

The BPS Community Technology group has plans to launch a similar program that individuals can apply for in the first quarter of 2023.

About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability

The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) develops creative and practical solutions to enhance Portland’s livability, preserve distinctive places and plan for a resilient future. BPS collaborates with community partners to provide comprehensive land use, neighborhood, district, economic, historic, and environmental planning, and urban design; research, policy and technical services to advance green building, energy efficiency and the use of solar and renewable energy, waste prevention, composting and recycling, and a sustainable food system; and policy and actions to address climate change. 

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