What is the Jackson County Broadband Plan? 

Jackson County is developing a coordinated strategy for expanding broadband access and strengthening digital opportunities across the County. KC Digital Drive is supporting development of a countywide Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan that will inform future infrastructure investments, digital inclusion initiatives, and partnerships with municipalities, service providers, and community organizations.

The work will be completed in two phases.

• Phase 1 will provide the analysis, stakeholder input, and preliminary project pipeline needed to inform broadband investment decisions and development of the Action Plan.
• Phase 2 will build on those findings and develop a final five-year Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan for Jackson County.

During the development of the County’s Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan, KC Digital Drive will:

• Assess existing broadband infrastructure across the County
• Identify service gaps and digital equity needs
• Engage municipalities, internet service providers, community organizations, anchor institutions, and residents
• Identify potential projects and funding opportunities to expand broadband access and strengthen digital inclusion

The final Action Plan will provide Jackson County with a practical roadmap for expanding broadband access and digital opportunity over the next five years.

This project aims to ensure that all residents—regardless of income or location—have access to affordable, reliable internet, necessary devices, and the digital skills required to participate in the modern world. The initiative includes a technical assessment of existing infrastructure, a market analysis of internet service providers (ISPs), and a deep dive into community needs regarding affordability and digital participation.

Click here to read the resolution passed by Jackson County that kicked off the project. 

Broadband and Digital Access Planning Support

This project continues KC Digital Drive’s work with local governments and regional partners across the Kansas City area to assess broadband infrastructure, analyze digital equity needs, and identify practical strategies for expanding access to affordable, reliable connectivity. In addition to the work with Jackson County, KC Digital Drive has worked with:

• KCMO Digital Equity Office to support strategy development and resource delivery.
• Johnson County, KS to develop the Johnson County Broadband and Digital Access Plan
• Miami County to establish and convene the Miami County Connectivity Council
• Advisory support, consulting, technical assistance, and implementation work for MARC’s Broadband Infrastrcutre Needs and Recommendations and Digital Equity Action Plan
• Ongoing support for both the Kansas and Missouri Offices of Broadband Development