In Knight communities, bold broadband projects

In his book "Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community," Harvard scholar Robert Putnam pointed to ways Americans had become less connected — to one another and to their communities — over the second half of the last century.

Now, the promise of federal stimulus money presents a historic opportunity for communities to come together in old-fashioned, roundtable discussions to talk about how technology and innovation can change the future of community life.

Our team leaders at the Knight Center of Digital Excellence are seeing it firsthand. There is a spark — an energy — emerging in town discussions in communities across America. Through the federal stimulus plan, we have unprecedented investment capabilities. As people in communities come together to talk about new possibilities, they understand that broadband — and the high-speed communication it enables — is critical to succeeding in the new economy. The stimulus is driving communities to make a plan, and once they do, momentum can build for bold, catalytic projects.

In rural Aberdeen, S.D., for example, 100 civic leaders turned out for a series of meetings to discuss how digital initiatives might advance Aberdeen and the area surrounding this hub city. Among several initiatives, an economic development organization called Absolutely Aberdeen is considering a virtual art venue so local artists can sell their work online — anytime, anywhere.

By Karen Archer Perry

Full Story: http://www.twincities.com/opinion/ci_12133826?nclick_check=1