Santa Fe County presents draft broadband strategic plan; staff to pursue funding and partnerships

The Santa Fe County economic development office and contractor Motiva presented a draft broadband strategic plan on Oct. 14 that maps unserved locations, summarizes technology options and recommends a phased approach to expanding access, promoting digital equity and leveraging public assets.

Consultant overview and findings Motiva representatives said the county’s broadband survey and federal datasets show large swaths of the county remain unserved or underserved. The draft recommends the county prioritize middle- and last-mile projects that can be leveraged by private internet service providers (ISPs), create a county-level broadband coordinating function or office, and develop pilot programs for community Wi‑Fi, digital navigators and broadband business centers.

Staff emphasized partnerships and funding: County staff said Motiva shifted some work sequence to identify near-term projects for federal grant opportunities (BEAD/OBI/NTIA) and that staff will pursue state and federal funding and consider including infrastructure in the county ICIP. Commissioner questions focused on whether the county should act as an ISP (staff said this is capital intensive and generally not recommended), how to coordinate with RediNet and regional partners, and how to convert planning into projects that attract private investment. Motiva noted that satellite options and fixed wireless have improved but stressed fiber-in-ground remains the long-term infrastructure asset for economic development.

Community outreach and equity Commissioners asked for more granular outreach beyond the countywide survey and for targeted engagement in Spanish-speaking, low-income and South-Side neighborhoods. Motiva and county staff said the draft plan could incorporate additional qualitative findings, community focus groups and mapping of provider footprints so the plan can better identify “where to build next.” Commissioners proposed mapping three use-cases separately: (1) county facility/routine operations needs, (2) community resident/service needs, and (3) anchor-institution needs (hospitals, schools).

Next steps County staff said Motiva’s draft will be revised to incorporate today’s feedback. Staff intends to pursue additional grant opportunities, including OBAE/OBI and other NTIA/BEAD-aligned programs, to implement early projects. The board did not vote on the plan; staff will return with a revised plan, technical review inputs and proposed project priorities for funding applications.

Ending County staff asked commissioners for written comments to shape the next draft; Motiva asked for additional provider footprint data and suggested formalizing a county broadband committee to help evaluate projects and funding opportunities.