A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency to provide wireless Internet access to residents of public housing facilities.

WHEREAS, according to information provided by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, low-income households in America are much less likely to have access to the Internet than middle and upper-income households; and

WHEREAS, the importance of the Internet continues to grow rapidly in all fields of human life, including research, education, marketing, trade, and entertainment; and

WHEREAS, the Internet has become the primary means for obtaining news and information for millions of Americans; and

WHEREAS, the cities of Boston, MA, Chicago, IL, and San Francisco, CA are in the process of implementing programs to provide wireless Internet access to public housing developments; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) is responsible for the administration and maintenance of the public housing developments in Nashville, which provides housing to approximately 12,763 persons; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency work with Internet service providers to design and implement a program to provide wireless Internet access to public housing residents, and research possible grant funding for such a program.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency to provide wireless Internet access to residents of public housing facilities.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Phil Ryan, the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, and to each member of the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency board of commissioners.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jamie Isabel