Rural Economic Development Summit: Broadband Infrastructure and Workforce Opportunities

Broadband infrastructure is crucial for rural communities in today's digital economy. Broadband connects people to education, jobs, healthcare, and other essential services. But a shortage of skilled workers to build and maintain broadband infrastructure poses a significant challenge, threatening to widen the digital divide in underserved and unserved regions and limiting opportunities for economic growth and innovation in rural communities. 

With an unprecedented level of federal broadband funding on its way to communities for infrastructure, there is a need to build community capacity and local labor forces to effectively leverage it. Strategically addressing the workforce shortage is essential for bridging this gap and ensuring equitable access to digital resources, empowering rural economies to compete in the global market.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and the Center for Rural Pennsylvania invite you to a rural economic development summit to explore this important topic.

Why Attend?

At this one-day convening, we’ll focus on innovative and equitable broadband infrastructure development strategies. You’ll learn about opportunities to strengthen workforce pipelines and foster greater coordination among partners, as well as proven solutions that have worked in communities across the country. 

Join panelists and your peers to share your insights, discuss policies and best practices, and learn ways to address the workforce shortage by investing in training programs and incentivizing workforce development. Add your voice to the conversation to unlock the full potential of broadband infrastructure to increase connectivity and drive prosperity in your area.

Who Should Attend?

This gathering is for rural economic and workforce development leaders, nonprofit leaders working in communities with limited broadband connectivity, government representatives, funders, and other rural decision-makers who want to know more about best practices and ways to deploy innovative and equitable economic development strategies.

Participation is free, but registration is required. In-person attendance is limited, so reserve your space now. There is also an option to attend virtually if you are unable to attend in person.

For questions about this event, please contact Philip Jones at philip.jones@phil.frb.org.