Los Angeles County Community Broadband Networks Program Design
Los Angeles County Internal Services Department
HR&A transformed digital access for over 400,000 Los Angeles County families by designing and implementing breakthrough solutions that turned the county’s digital divide challenge into a national model for affordable broadband. Working closely with the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department across multiple phases, our strategic planning, market analysis, and competitive solicitation process unlocked $56 million in federal funding and forged a groundbreaking public-private partnership that now delivers some of the nation’s most affordable high-speed internet to previously underserved communities.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Los Angeles County recognized the urgent need to bridge the digital divide affecting hundreds of thousands of residents. HR&A supported the County in developing two landmark initiatives: Community Broadband Networks and Digital Navigators. We conducted extensive market research with fiber and wireless broadband providers, drafted competitive solicitation documents, and evaluated vendor proposals to identify qualified partners. Simultaneously, we designed a Digital Navigator program through community engagement with over 30 organizations, developed implementation strategies, and identified diverse funding sources to advance countywide digital inclusion efforts.
Our work culminated in transformative results for Los Angeles County residents. The County secured $56 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding and announced a partnership with WeLink Communications in May 2024 that will serve over 300,000 households. This collaboration delivers one of the nation’s most competitive internet offerings—500/500 Mbps service for just $25 per month for low-income families—while catalyzing significant private investment in previously underserved communities. The initiative establishes new standards for affordable, accessible broadband and demonstrates how strategic public-private partnerships can effectively address persistent digital equity challenges.
