Video & Transcript Research : 'development'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- One development in my ward has 250 rental units, 20% at 60% AMI, twice our city's demand, and adheres
- And we also have tremendous development capacity. We have the Green Line Extension.
- I'm starting to see significant indication that the developer community that resisted fossil fuel-free
- And what the developers are telling me is that maybe the first time they do a specialized code development
- or a passive house development, they may spend one or two percent more.
Summary:
The hearing focused on several climate and utility-related bills, especially H. 3449/S. 2292 to expand the municipal fossil fuel-free building demonstration program from 10 to 20 communities and related home rule petitions for Somerville and other municipalities. Witnesses from Somerville, Salem, Worcester, Cambridge, Newton, Arlington, Wellesley, Watertown, and the Massachusetts Municipal Association argued that local governments should be allowed to opt into fossil fuel-free or net-zero building standards, citing climate goals, environmental justice concerns, housing production, and data showing all-electric construction can cost about the same as or less than mixed-fuel construction. Committee members repeatedly pressed witnesses for cost data and asked for written follow-up, while also discussing whether strong environmental standards affect housing supply; witnesses responded that the main housing constraints are financing and that they would provide more data from local projects and state studies.
A second major topic was H. 3564, which would require gas companies to provide municipalities with detailed multi-year pipe replacement plans, allow local review and objections, and limit reimbursement for projects not previously disclosed except in emergencies. Municipal leaders and advocates said the bill would improve coordination of street work, reduce disruption and costs, and help cities plan for electrification, network geothermal, and non-pipeline alternatives. Testimony from Wellesley, Cambridge, Arlington, Newton, and others emphasized repeated problems with last-minute gas main work, the need for advance notice, and the value of municipal participation in planning gas system retirement and alternatives.
The committee also heard testimony on the “tactical transition” bills, S. 2249/H. 3539, aimed at managing the gas-to-clean-energy transition. Supporters from Gas Transition Allies, Rewiring America, and 350 Mass said the bills would require joint gas-electric planning, create an advisory council, eliminate subsidies for new gas hookups, shift investment toward repairs and clean alternatives, protect workers through retraining, and make utility plans more transparent. They argued these changes would reduce ratepayer costs, avoid stranded gas assets, and support orderly decarbonization. In addition, HEET testified on H. 3541, which would update greenhouse gas accounting to better reflect methane’s short-term climate impact, and H. 3543, which would establish a framework for managing shared thermal resources and thermal energy networks; committee members asked several questions about the meaning, ownership, and consumer-cost implications of the proposed “thermal commons.” No votes were taken during the hearing.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Thu Feb 13, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Craig Nakamoto, Executive Director of the Waiawa Community Development Authority.
- State Office of Planning and Sustainable Development.
- <00:34:51.159>
in development in development in support<00:34:53.040>hello <00:34:53.320 - All right, first item up is HB 818 HD1, relating to the Y Community Development District.
- <01:03:24.240>
activities recyclable Market development activities recyclable Market development
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 818 HD1, which would establish the Waiawa Community Development District. The Attorney General’s office said the bill may not comply with requirements for a special fund, and DLNR asked for further amendments so lease revenues would remain with DLNR while it continues managing the lands. DLNR cited ongoing costs, including the Uncle Billy’s demolition debt and management needs at Banyan Drive/Banyan Country Club. HCDA/Waiawa representatives supported the bill, agreed that DLNR should keep lease revenues while it remains the land manager, and said a future transfer of land management would change where revenues should go. Members focused on whether removing lease revenue would undercut the bill and on how existing and future revenues should be allocated.
The committee then took up HB 338 HD1 and HB 339 HD1 on renewable energy-related utility transactions and procurement. Testimony came from the Consumer Advocate, the State Energy Office, the Public Utilities Commission, Hawaiian Electric, IBEW Local 1260, Ulupono Initiative, and Life of the Land. Supporters generally backed the measures, while some asked for labor-related strengthening language. Discussion centered on how the PUC should handle competing bids or offers in utility merger or acquisition situations, with concerns raised about NDAs, timing, and whether the original version or amended language better allowed public and intervenor participation. A witness from Life of the Land argued that utilities should not negotiate under NDA in a way that blocks later public competition, and a PUC-related witness said the current language was changed from the original to address PUC testimony.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1467 HD1 on housing resiliency. OIP was not present, while B&F raised concerns about placing federal funds into a special fund, saying federal grant money should remain in a separate P fund for transparency, accountability, and single-audit compliance. State agencies and groups including OPSD, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Climate Advisory Team, and Hawaii Realtors supported the measure. Testimony emphasized that many older roofs lack hurricane clips and that strengthening homes could reduce disaster sheltering and temporary housing costs. IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill but argued that building to current standards upfront is preferable to retrofitting later. Members questioned funding structure, eligibility, and whether the program should be needs-based; the bill was described as limited to households under 140% AMI. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Seventy - Thursday, May 14 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- department. ...and workforce development.
- My concern: how does the developer get that information?
- Because I see the developer...” “...that information.
- And while, you know, I encourage the developments, do we have privacy issues that we...” “...developments
- The developer is going to produce that. Yeah.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (3-11-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:03:47.599>
program and the the economic development program and the the economic development - <00:31:26.039>
areas 775 an act relating to development areas 775 an act relating to development - So what we're trying to do here is incentivize development.
- <00:38:27.200>
Act sections 11- 14 tourism development Act sections 11- 14 tourism development - reactivate uh for development reactivate uh for development purposes<00:39:43.480>
SE <00:
Keywords:
Meeting start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:12
SB 28 Discussion 00:01:33
SB 28 Vote 00:04:05
SJR 26 Discussion 00:05:32
SJR 26 Vote 00:07:10
HB 741 Discussion 00:08:30
HB 741 Vote 00:14:00
HB 544 Discussion 00:15:40
HB 544 Vote 00:28:15
HB 775 Discussion 00:31:20
HB 775 Vote 00:56:00
HJR 33 Discussion 01:00:25
HJR 33 Vote 01:01:40, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met on March 11, 2025, with a quorum present and first adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 28. The bill would create a framework for using $5 million previously set aside for agricultural economic development through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, including loan and grant programs. Members asked about changes in the substitute, and the sponsor explained that it revised the board composition to include members with more experience in finance, lending, and economic development. SB 28 was approved 20-0 and reported favorably.
The committee then approved Senate Joint Resolution 26, which directs the Department for Medicaid Services to provide the Legislative Research Commission a report on pharmacist pay parity and the cost of allowing independent pharmacists and pharmacies to be reimbursed by Medicaid for services within their scope of practice. The sponsor and Kentucky Pharmacists Association representative described it as a request for information rather than a policy change. The resolution passed 20-0 and was reported favorably.
House Bill 741, relating to public water and wastewater systems, was next. The sponsor said the substitute incorporated Kentucky Infrastructure Authority recommendations, clarified best management practices, and allowed storm water inflow and groundwater infiltration reduction projects to be scored more fairly alongside water projects. Members discussed how the bill narrows eligibility to systems most in need and refines the scoring process for the program created last session. HB 741 passed 20-0, was reported favorably, and received a title amendment.
The committee also considered House Bill 544, a branch budget bill amendment creating a new SAFE fund for the most recent Eastern Kentucky flood disaster, indexed to the relevant presidential disaster declaration. The bill would allow state money and other funds to support local governments, utilities, school districts, and other eligible recipients for recovery costs, planning, and short-term liquidity, with reimbursement provisions if FEMA or other sources later pay. Members discussed the amount of available funding, the use of prior SAFE fund balances, and the emergency clause. HB 544 passed 20-0, was reported favorably, and a title amendment was adopted. The committee then began House Bill 775, relating to development areas, and adopted PHS 2 and a committee amendment; the sponsor started explaining the bill’s provisions on development areas, tax increment financing, brewers’ electronic filing, distilled spirits property tax language, income tax reduction conditions, tourism development incentives, and other tax-related sections, but the transcript cuts off before final action on the bill.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jul 22nd, 2026 at 04:36 pm
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Economic development matters. We must invest in the future we want.
- AI developers must report safety incidents to the Attorney General.
- However, economic development will not only help big emerging industries.
- Development, housing is more affordable, and there is plenty of it.
- It's an economic development strategy. It's a workforce development strategy.
Summary:
The Senate took up a major economic development package, Senate Bill 3178, with the chair and supporters describing it as a broad effort to strengthen Massachusetts through investments in housing, small businesses, public higher education, AI guardrails, downtown revitalization, and transportation. Supporters highlighted provisions allowing duplexes by right, streamlining housing permitting, expanding access to capital, addressing energy costs, and creating a transparency and safety framework for artificial intelligence. Several senators also spoke in favor of regional equity, including a proposal tied to West-East Passenger Rail and a Palmer station, and the bill was framed as a way to make the Commonwealth more competitive and affordable.
The minority leader argued the bill did not do enough to address the state’s high cost of living and business climate, citing debt, tax burden, outmigration, and recession risk. He said the Commonwealth needed to focus more on lowering the cost of doing business and living rather than relying on additional borrowing. Other amendments focused on consumer protection and fairness, including a measure to regulate or ban crypto ATMs due to widespread scam losses, and another to address auto insurance pricing practices that were described as unfairly burdening drivers in low-income and minority communities. A technical amendment clarifying durable powers of attorney and trust creation was also adopted.
The Senate adopted several amendments, including municipal property tax relief, the crypto ATM consumer protection measure, and the insurance commission amendment, and also adopted the technical trust-code amendment. The chamber approved a number of local and final passage items by roll call, including land transfers and local bills for the North Carver Water District, Marion land transfer, Carlisle town administrator powers, Leominster police civil service exemptions, Watertown property tax classifications, and Milton alcohol licenses. The Senate also observed moments of silence and adopted adjournment motions in memory of Patrick P.J. Roy and Jeffrey Hyde Walker before recessing until the next day.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Fund to support nuclear development through the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund to support nuclear
- It also gives time for this technology to develop.
- We are not opposed to workforce development, by the way, and having some attention to workforce development
- We are not opposed to workforce development, by the way, and having some attention to workforce development
- We are not opposed to workforce development, by the way, and having some attention to workforce development
Keywords:
nuclear energy, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, energy policy, regulation repeal, state energy strategy, licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, HB 132, Texas Government Code Chapter 418, Public Information Act, confidential records, homeland security, foreign adversary, terrorism
Summary:
The committee first took up pending business and quickly reported several measures favorably, including HB 12, SB 1361, SB 1705, SB 1749, SB 1897, SB 2344, SB 2566, HB 3809, and HB 4215, with most sent to the Local and Uncontested Calendar. HB 12’s substitute clarified a limited midterm review of regulatory agencies tied to Sunset Commission recommendations. SB 2696’s substitute changed med spa regulation from a license to a certificate, with training instead of an exam, plus background checks, continuing education, and two-year renewals. HB 3809 dealt with battery energy storage decommissioning and recycling, and HB 4215 was reported without a substitute. SB 1978, concerning interconnection of electric facilities in ERCOT and federal jurisdiction concerns, was reported out on a 5-3 vote after debate, but then the chair later announced the bill was withdrawn and left pending subject to the call of the chair. HB 1899 was also reported favorably, with one nay.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 14, the advanced nuclear energy bill. Senator Schwertner described it as creating a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, a nuclear permitting coordinator, a development fund, a completion grant program, and a workforce development program. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including representatives from Fermi America, Dow/X-energy, CPS Energy, Paragon Energy Solutions, Bridge to Nuclear, Aalo Atomics, and the Texas Association of Business, argued that Texas should lead in advanced nuclear, citing future baseload demand, data centers, industrial power needs, supply-chain development, and long-term energy diversification. Opponents, including Public Citizen, Texas Nuclear Watchdogs, Sierra Club, and individual citizens, argued the bill would subsidize unproven, expensive technology, create grants rather than loans, and expose taxpayers to major risk while doing little to meet near-term energy needs. Several members questioned whether the state should fund projects that may not produce grid power for years, and whether the bill’s grant structure and new office were justified.
The committee also heard HB 5061, which Senator Schwertner said would prohibit unethical surveillance and misuse of confidential information by state contractors, create a confidential reporting system through the State Auditor’s Office, authorize Texas Rangers investigations, protect whistleblowers, and impose penalties including contract termination, fines, and contracting bans. No public testimony was offered, and the bill was left pending. HB 132, sponsored by Senator Hughes, would extend confidentiality protections for sensitive information to hostile acts by foreign adversaries; it was also left pending after no testimony. HB 1584 was then laid out, with Senator Schwertner explaining it would require utilities to maintain and update priority restoration lists for critical facilities after Hurricane Beryl exposed communication failures, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- 1706 by Garcia Bay relating to the additional requirements of individualized education programs developed
- must be given before filing an eviction suit for the Committee on Trade, Workforce and Economic Development
- HB 1844 by Gehan relating to certain requirements applicable to certain municipal economic development
- programs and grants for to the Committee on Trade, Workforce and Economic Development.
- For the Committee on Creative Workforce and Economic Development, HB 1927 by Leo Wilson, relating to
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee - (3-19-26) - Upon Adjournment of Both Chambers
Transcript Highlights:
- The first two are with Kentucky I-71 Economic Development Alliance.
- Kentucky I71 Economic Development Kentucky I71 Economic Development Alliance.<00:36:01.280>
This - County Joint Economic Development County Joint Economic Development Authority<00:37:51.920>
approved - <00:41:22.720>
Authority Industrial Development Authority Industrial Development Authority - Woodford County Economic Development Woodford County Economic Development Authority<00:43:18.560
Keywords:
00:02 Call to Order and Roll Call
00:45 Approval of Minutes
01:01 Information Items
06:25 Project Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions-KCTCS
10:50 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet
18:08 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet
27:12 Rpt from OFM – KY Infrastructure Authority
33:56 Rpt from OFM – CED EDF Grants
47:20 Rpt from OFM – Office of Financial Mgmt
56:53 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first handled routine business, including approval of the February meeting minutes and several information items. Those items covered university equipment purchases, school district and transportation-related debt issuances, Northern Kentucky University’s planned construction-manager/general-contractor delivery method for the medical examiner/crime lab relocation project, a lease-space advertisement, postsecondary asset preservation allocations, and lease-law compliance reports. Members then discussed the Northern Kentucky crime lab project in more detail; staff explained that the memorandum of agreement would cover the construction portion while the lease would cover operations, and members were told the project should move forward without procurement problems.
The committee approved a Kentucky Community and Technical College System project to modify the fire academy maintenance building after the related dormitory project was set aside because of major cost overruns. KCTCS said the dormitory would be about $3 million over budget, so it would not be bid; instead, the maintenance building would be expanded to add showers and restroom/locker facilities, bringing that project from $2 million to about $3.2 million. The committee also approved a Transportation Cabinet project for the Hardin County I-65 southbound commercial motor vehicle station relocation, with members asking about the estimate, the lack of a direct prior example, and the fact that the loadometer equipment itself would be purchased separately and was not included in the construction estimate.
Finance and Administration Cabinet lease items were then considered. The committee approved a Department of Public Advocacy lease in Christian County and a Transportation Cabinet vehicle regulation lease in Kenton County, both negotiated down from initial asking prices and both including utilities. Two lease modifications were reported without action: a Department of Revenue fit-up in Jefferson County and an expanded vehicle regulation lease in Adair County. Members also approved a package of Kentucky Infrastructure Authority items, including four loans and six Cleaner Water Program grant reallocations, covering sewer and water projects such as MSD’s Patty’s Run flood pumping station, Paducah-McCracken County’s wastewater treatment plant, Mount Washington’s lift station replacement, and Eminence’s wastewater plant expansion.
Finally, the committee heard a batch of Kentucky Product Development Initiative economic development grants and approved the action items in one vote. The projects included due diligence and infrastructure work for industrial and site-development projects in multiple counties, with local match requirements and KEDFA approvals described for each. The committee also received three line-item water grants from House Bill 1 that required no action, and the meeting ended after the grant presentations and approvals.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And then they receive additional professional development when they're hired.
- But I did have a little question on the professional development throughout the year.
- There was some very strong oral language development... Project Echo.
- There was some very strong oral language development.
- And the intent of those centers is to also help with that language and culture development, development
Keywords:
foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee (5-22-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- And then our county agriculture development council meetings.
- Madison County Agricult Development Madison County Agricult Development Council<00:23:22.720>
- We will be A development fund.
- So, by statute, the development board developed policies and procedures and policies and guidelines from
- board um you know they development board um you know they developed<00:35:19.200>
policies <00
Summary:
The committee convened for its first meeting, called the roll, elected co-chairs under KRS 248.723, and approved the prior meeting minutes. Representative Michael Pollock was elected House co-chair and Senator Jason Howell was elected Senate co-chair, allowing the meeting to proceed.
The Agricultural Development Board then reported on activity from December 2024 through April 2025. Staff described board and finance corporation funding totals for each month, county council meeting activity, leadership trainings, lender trainings, and outreach events such as Kentucky Proud breakfast, Ag Tag Month, and agriculture education week. The report also highlighted several funded projects: a Whitesburg farmers market project for Cowan Community Action Group, Community Farm Alliance’s work supporting farmers markets and nutrition programs, a Metcalfe County 4-H ham project, Hopkinsville Elevator’s rail expansion, and W and W Veterinary Services’ large-animal facility upgrade.
Members discussed the importance of the tobacco settlement funds and the committee’s stewardship role. Senator Webb urged new members to read House Bill 611 and its history, emphasizing careful use of the limited funds and noting the committee’s statutory mission. Representative King asked about possible federal nutrition policy changes, and staff said Kentucky is already pursuing a “Food as Medicine” initiative and a partnership with the Kentucky Hospital Association. The meeting also recognized interns and announced a June 20, 2025, 25th anniversary event for the Agricultural Development Fund at the Kentucky History Center.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/26/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- it with the re renewable development it with the re renewable development account.<00:24:22.000>
- <00:52:36.160>
to thing, it it did require developers to thing, it it did require developers - <01:03:47.200>
every development every development every year.<01:03:49.280>You <01:03: - >
small <01:15:09.280>local developers, many of them small local developers, many of them - megawatts of CSGS would be developed megawatts of CSGS would be developed each<01:17:35.280>
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- New developments largely focus on high-end tenants are going up rather than meeting the needs, The developments
- I've developed affordable housing with the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation.
- Community development. Since 2004, I worked as an affordable housing developer.
- For six years, I ran the real estate development division of a local nonprofit housing developer that
- developers pursuing development and preservation of affordable housing.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of landlord-tenant and home rule bills, with most testimony focused on rent stabilization, tenant opportunity to purchase (TOPA), tenant fees, access to counsel, algorithmic rent fixing, and tenant protections in subsidized housing. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty outlined the hearing procedures and noted that written testimony could also be submitted. Several members and invited speakers emphasized that the committee was hearing from both local officials and residents affected by housing instability, especially in Somerville and other communities facing high rents and displacement.
Supporters of rent stabilization and local-option rent control argued that Massachusetts needs tools to prevent displacement while new housing is built. Senator Eldridge, Senator Jalen, Somerville officials, tenant organizers, and residents described steep rent increases, no-fault evictions, and the loss of naturally occurring affordable housing. Somerville’s home rule petition was described as allowing annual increases tied to CPI plus 2%, capped at 5%, with exemptions for owner-occupied two- and three-family homes and a 15-year exemption for new construction. TOPA supporters said it would let tenants or their designees buy buildings before speculative buyers, preserving affordable housing stock; opponents, including small landlords and property managers, argued rent control would reduce supply, discourage investment, and that TOPA could delay sales and harm properties.
The committee also heard testimony on bills to curb junk fees and regulate tenant charges, including limits on late fees, lease renewal fees, payment portal fees, attorney’s fees, and other add-on charges. Advocates said these fees can add hundreds of dollars a month and disproportionately harm low-income renters and renters of color. Another major topic was algorithmic rent fixing: Senator Moore and Representative Sabadoza said landlords should not use software such as RealPage to coordinate pricing, citing federal antitrust actions and arguing that competition is essential to lowering rents. Additional testimony supported a statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, with legal services providers saying representation dramatically improves outcomes and can save the state money, and a bill to create an office of tenant protections to better enforce sanitary code violations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- developers a lower rate of interest. developers a lower rate of interest.
- <00:43:57.839>
Um to developers. Um to developers. - <00:46:33.200>
can developer so that then the developer can developer so that then the developer - developments, I think is important. developments, I think is important.
- specifically related to ADU development. specifically related to ADU development.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Education Postsecondary Feb 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- WE ARE GOING TO TAKE UP TAB ONE, THE UPDATE BY DEVELOPMENT LABORATORY SCHOOLS ON ARTICULATE HEALTHCARE
- SCHOOLS AND PK YOUNG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH SCHOOL THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA.
- FLORIDA'S DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH SCHOOLS DO HAVE A UNIQUE MISSION.
- FOR THE BY PK YOUNG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH SCHOOL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA.
- WE DO A LOT OF THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GROUP BASED.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Aug 18th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- But for us as a city, it's about growth and development.
- The road to be developed is about 50 miles, and it's $60 million that a private developer Submitted,
- Currently, the developer owns a large portion.
- developers will pay the cost, frankly, to put roads in.
- You say that as a singular developer, is that correct? Is there just one developer?
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Aug 13th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- That supports job and economic development throughout the state.
- Roper, Economic Development Funding as a Strategic State Investment. Mr.
- I'm Division Director Mark Roper of the Economic Development Division.
- That's the Local Economic Development Act.
- They're not economic development.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Jul 7th, 2025
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Secretary for the Economic Development Department. Good to see you again.
- They are not fully developed.
- And so things like that are what we need more of to develop more firms here.
- One is infrastructure development capacity. Deputy Cabinet Secretary...
- Wind farm developers can build the roads out to the various turbines.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- 26:56.800>
mixed-use to develop an exciting mixed-use to develop an exciting mixed-use development - our tax base 12% when developed. our tax base 12% when developed.
- good incentive to get development there. good incentive to get development there.
- <00:59:04.080>
And Development Program. And Development Program. - Workforce Housing Development Program. Workforce Housing Development Program.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- in workforce development, as well as our Secretary Kelly.
- as well as economic development through those investments. $366 million has been deployed through 106
- as well as economic development through those investments. $366 million has been deployed through 106
- Workforce development, again, key to our... Or underserved.
- Workforce development, again, key to our future and the money we've invested thus far to create those
Summary:
The Committee on Commerce and Tourism met briefly and first announced that Senate Bill 232 by Senator Rodriguez was temporarily postponed at the sponsor’s request. The main item was a presentation from Leo Garcia of the Office of Broadband on Florida’s broadband programs, current deployment progress, and upcoming funding opportunities. Garcia said the office is administering multiple grant programs that have awarded hundreds of millions of dollars for broadband infrastructure, community facilities, and digital device access, with a focus on rural areas, workforce development, and digital literacy. He also described the state’s strategic plan and partnerships with local governments, ISPs, workforce boards, community colleges, and community action agencies.
Garcia explained that Florida has already deployed over 1,100 miles of fiber and enabled about 4,300 connections, and said the remaining unserved and underserved locations should drop significantly by the end of 2026 before the BEAD program addresses the rest. He said BEAD is a fully federal program for Florida, providing $1.16 billion from NTIA, with most of it reserved for infrastructure and additional amounts for workforce training and cybersecurity/digital literacy. He noted that Florida is prioritizing fiber but will also use fixed wireless or satellite where fiber is not cost-effective or feasible. He also said the office is seeking additional spending authority for the Digital Capacity Grant Program.
Members asked about county coverage, especially Duval County, and Garcia said Duval and Monroe had not yet received funds because they currently have limited unserved or underserved areas, but they are expected to be addressed through BEAD and related workforce and literacy efforts. Senator Davis raised permitting delays as a major challenge, and Garcia said the office is exploring ways to help local communities process permits more quickly. Senator Wright asked about competition with satellite-based broadband providers, and Garcia said the state is technology-agnostic but prioritizes fiber for reliability. There were no public comments, no votes or formal actions taken, and the meeting adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's, uh, it's all part of our overall initiative on moving towards the development of sites for the
- Let's be smart about the development.
- Developers of any kind of project need regulatory certainty.
- very little wind development on that end of the coast?
- Parks and Wildlife and its commissioners, uh, to make decisions on yay or nay for development.