FCC Tribal Workshop in Solvang, California

The FCC hosted a Tribal workshop on February 27, 2023 in Solvang, Calif. The host tribe for the event was the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

This event was designed to provide information that will help Tribal Nations identify and evaluate opportunities to develop more robust broadband infrastructure and services in Tribal communities. It was also designed to provide information about the FCC and how it conducts its regulatory responsibilities, and to encourage Tribal participation in the regulatory process.

FCC staff provided presentations on a broad range of important FCC programs and policies that support the deployment of communications infrastructure and services in Tribal communities. These include the FCC's Broadband Data Collection, and broadband funding programs, including the Affordable Connectivity Program and the Universal Service Fund Schools and Libraries Program. Representatives of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) shared information about the relevant programs they manage.

Tribal government leaders, Tribal IT managers, government and community planners and managers, Tribal enterprise specialists, and representatives of Tribal social service agencies, schools, and libraries are all persons who were encouraged to attend.

• The workshop was held February 27, 2023 at the Craft House at Corque, 420 Alisal Road, Solvang, CA 93463.
• Doors opened at 8:45 a.m. (PST) on the day of the event. The event begins at 9:15 a.m.
• The full draft agenda can be downloaded in PDF format.

Questions about the workshop may be directed to the Office of Native Affairs and Policy: Bambi Kraus, Chief, bambi.kraus@fcc.gov or Jill Springer, Policy Advisor, jill.springer@fcc.gov.