HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Written by Danny Fuchs , Youssef Kalad, and Raquel Vazquez   Essentially all residents of affordable housing in New York State have access to internet service from cable companies that serve every housing unit in the state. The pandemic has demonstrated that this service is woefully insufficient: speeds are too slow for reliable video connections or use by multiple members of a family; costs are too high for too many; and many more lack the devices or skills necessary to use the internet effectively. Most residents have only a single choice of provider. Residents and managers of affordable housing need new tools to close the digital divide.   Previously, we’ve written about how community-based organizations can help and how policy changes could help wireless internet services providers (WISPs) to address access and affordability challenges, particularly in larger buildings. We’ve also written about how ill-prepared governments are to address the situation.   Now,...

Written by Amitabh Barthakur , Judith Taylor , and Thomas Jansen   On May 25, the City of San Jose’s elected leaders unanimously approved a Google plan to build an 80-acre mixed use district between the city’s Diridon Station multi-modal hub and Downtown. The project began with a 2017 Google announcement of the project’s intent that was then discussed and negotiated by a diverse set of community leaders working with Google over the course of four years. By the terms of the resulting Development Agreement, what is now known as Downtown West will, when built out, include up to 7.3 million square feet of office, 4,000 homes, retail, hotels, community amenities, and up to 15 acres of parks and open space. It will bring more than 30,000 tech jobs to San Jose.   The approval incorporated an unprecedented community benefits agreement that will deliver a range of benefits. Silicon Valley Rising, a local campaign of labor, faith leaders, community-based organizations and workers, ...