A series of Blandin Foundation Broadband Community Vision public meetings are coming online to assist six IRRRB service area communities with improving internet access and use.

The first of six meetings is in Hibbing. 

“We are seeking to increase awareness of the project and issues surrounding broadband and the potential of improved broadband services,” said Michael Raich, Hibbing Community College provost and member of a Hibbing area Blandin Broadband planning group. “The ultimate goal is to come out of the Hibbing meeting with a framework of project ideas to move forward with initiative grant requests.”

The Blandin Foundation since 2003 has partnered with dozens of organizations to assist nearly 70 communities across the state with broadband planning.

With support from Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board and St. Louis County, Blandin is assisting the six communities with broadband planning, technical and financial support.

“Based on our experience, communities that step up to name and claim their own broadband futures get results,” said Bernadine Joselyn, Blandin Foundation director of public policy and engagement. “Local leadership really does matter. Enthusiasm is high in each of the communities, but we’re just getting started.”

Governor Mark Dayton has proposed investing $60 million in rural broadband in the state’s 2018-2019 budget.   

Persons interested in helping identify community strengths and gaps, brainstorm project ideas and prioritize potential broadband projects, are invited to the meetings. 

“The vision meetings coming up in February will be a unique opportunity for residents in each community to come forward and make their concerns and priorities heard to inform the investment choices ahead,” said Joselyn.

Blandin Broadband Community meetings:

• Hibbing area - 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Hibbing Community College dining room.

• Cook/Orr/Bois Forte area – 9 a.m., Friday, Feb. 10, at Cook Community Center.

• Ely area – 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Amici’s Event Center in Ely.

• Chisholm area -9 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, at Minnesota Discovery Center.

• Mountain Iron area – 9 a.m., Friday, Feb. 17, at Mountain Iron City Hall. 

• Aitkin County – 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb.21, at Long Lake Conservation Center in Palisade.