Board adopts Johnson County Broadband and Digital Access Plan to treat broadband as a utility

Johnson County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt the Johnson County Broadband and Digital Access Plan, a strategy that frames broadband as a utility and directs staff to assemble countywide data, provide a single point of contact for providers, and pursue short‑, medium‑ and long‑term actions to expand access and affordability.

Jay Leipzig, planning and community development director, and consultant representatives from Casey Digital Drive presented the plan, saying it emphasizes data collection, a central staff contact to help internet service providers and developers, and low‑cost implementation steps such as encouraging broadband planning in subdivision reviews.

Leipzig told the board the plan highlights underserved pockets of the county where affordability or infrastructure limit access and recommends a staff lead in the county manager’s office to handle inquiries, implementation coordination and developer/provider engagement.

Commissioners praised the plan’s multi‑year approach. Commissioner Allen Brand noted work in unincorporated areas and urged continued outreach to residents without reliable internet; Commissioner Ashcraft asked for a 30‑second synopsis of the plan’s practical long‑term applications, to which Leipzig said the plan centralizes data and provides a single public contact for providers and developers.

Commissioner Allen Brand moved adoption of Resolution 028‑25 accepting the plan; Commissioner Brewer seconded. The roll call vote was 7–0 in favor.

Ending: Staff will begin implementation steps immediately, update the board as projects move forward, and maintain the county dashboard for provider and public data access, per the adopted plan.