AN ORDINANCE relating to the Technology Matching Fund Program; making allocations and authorizing implementation of certain Technology Matching Fund projects in 2015; providing that 2015 appropriations for the Technology Matching Fund from the Cable Television Franchise Subfund and from the Information Technology Fund shall automatically carry forward into the 2016 fiscal year; allowing that any unspent funds from an individual project may be applied to another Technology Matching Fund project; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts.
The report of the Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee Agenda Item two Council Bill 118439. Relating to the Technology Matching Fund program, making allocations and authorizing implementation of certain technology matching fund projects in 2015. Providing that 2015 appropriations for the Technology Matching Fund from the cable to television franchise sub fund and from the Information Technology Fund shall automatically carry forward into the 2016 fiscal year, allowing that any unspent funds from an individual project may be applied to another technology matching fund project and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts. The committee recommends a council bill pass. Thank you, Councilmember Harrell. Thank you very much. It doesn't feel very good. I'm getting ready. Present three piece of legislation in a room clears. But this is very important. What we're getting ready to do. This council bill 118439 basically authorizes the disbursement of $470,000 to 22 organizations for the purpose of increasing technology, access and literacy, encouraging broadband adoption, civic engagement through technology and supporting education, workforce skills and training. And what basically this means is that we are now investing in underrepresented communities to make sure that they become digital literate and they are able to work with we're able to work with children, seniors, underrepresented communities, and we are investing in our technology matching fund program. This particular year was exciting because we had an additional $150,000 that was enabled through the receipt of grant funds providing from the Washington State Department of Commerce in 2014. So we'd like to thank that department for assisting us. This particular project, this particular year will assist over 15,000 residents and help further digital inclusion for all. And half of this year's projects are new provider organizations, meaning that the other half have been doing work with us and we're successful in another grant. So very excited about these projects. A little more context. Seven projects are located in low income or traditional transitional housing facilities, helping residents gain life skills and self-sufficiency. Ten projects will provide technology training for youth through science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM programs and digital media programs. Again, these projects will serve more than 1350 immigrants and refugees. Shannon described just a couple of projects if I can cherry pick a few. One is called the big Brained Superheroes Club. I like that because they had the coolest name, the Big Brain Superheroes Club. And this one provides a science, technology and engineering math program for youth from yes, for carers from the ages eight and up. And they'll will introduce big brain binary counter to people throughout the city. So that's a really a cool program. Another one is a coalition for refugees from Burma. And in this program we're purchasing new laptops and providing basic computer literacy courses for newly arrived refugee adults and conducting trainings for parents of school age youth to support their children's education. Another one is the East African Community Services, where we're establishing a computer lab at the youth building and the new Harley campus to offer robotics in college and career readiness. And so so again, between 1998 and 2014, this technology matching fund that this council and the executive have worked together through our franchise fees has awarded close to 3.5 million for 270 projects. So I want to thank the great members of the Community Technology Advisory Board for doing this. And these are all volunteers doing such a robust job on making sure they're reviewing all of the applications and really making sure that we have fairness in the process. And we're touching all communities. We ask the full council to support the passage of this great bill. Thank you very much. Thank you. Questions or comments? Please call the role on the passage of the Bill O'Brien. Hi. Okamoto. Hi. Rasmussen. Hi, Sergeant. I beg your pardon? I Harrill All. Right. Lakota and President Ferguson. Nine in favor. Nine opposed. The bill passes and the chair will sign it. I know that many of you are here for the Select Committee on Affordable Housing. That committee will meet when this council meeting is over. Please read item three.