Smart Communities Polk Team

The Smart Communities LEAD Team continues its work in educating and building community consensus around the vital importance of a robust broadband network to support Polk County’s economic growth and prosperity. 

Affordable, accessible high-speed internet  facilitates many critical activities:

• Enables small business to compete in a  global marketplace
• Means safer streets and communities
• Supports research and training at  colleges and universities
• Greater opportunities for students
• Better, faster, more effective  healthcare

Sustainable economic development,  growth, opportunity, and innovation are dependent on affordable high-speed internet access. Having a shared vision among all of the Polk County communities helps to ensure the alignment of broadband infrastructure necessary to meet the growing demand. 

The Smart Communities Team aided by the Government Advisory Team drafted a  formal Resolution supporting broadband expansion. Introduced for discussion at the  Mayor’s Roundtable in the fall of 2016, the  Resolution has been adopted by :

• City of Haines City
• City of Lake Alfred
• City of Lakeland
• City of Winter Haven
• Polk County BoCC
• Town of Dundee