RESOLUTION NO. 100250

Expressing support for the GoogleKC Fiber for Communities RFI Coalition's response to Google's RFI to set up a high speed network in Kansas City.

WHEREAS, on February 25, 2010, Resolution No. 100174, “Expressing support for the City Manager’s efforts to encourage Google to set up a high speed network in Kansas City,” was adopted by the Mayor and City Council; and

  WHEREAS, Ivan Drinks, Chief Information Officer initiated Kansas City’s response with key Information Technology, Public Works and City Planning and Development staff; and

WHEREAS, the Acting City Manager appointed Richard Usher as the Google Project Coordinator to direct the internal and external activities related to crafting the response; and

WHEREAS, Richard Usher, Tom Ruddy and key civic leaders formed the GoogleKC Fiber for Communities RFI Coalition (Coalition) to garner community support, offer expertise and serve as the catalyst for the formation of Kansas City’s primary working group for technological advancement; and

WHEREAS, the Coalition includes three project areas: (1) Next Generation Apps - coordinating our community of "killer apps" developers; (2) New Deployment Techniques - coordinating our community of engineering and construction firms and regulatory agencies; and (3) Openness & Choice - coordinating our community of Internet Service Providers; and

WHEREAS, Kansas City is positioned to build upon the nationally recognized Green Impact Zone, KCPL’s Smart Grid Demonstration, TIGER grant projects and other economic developments which can bolster potential infrastructure needs Google may require for implementation; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

  That the Council hereby expresses its support for Kansas City and the GoogleKC Fiber for Communities RFI Coalition’s response to Google’s RFI to set up a high speed network in Kansas City and the Council will demonstrate that support by actively educating citizens and encouraging them join the movement to prove to Google that the next great thing starts in Kansas City.

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