It's amazing what's possible with rural-focused leadership.

In May, Republicans in Congress blocked funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – leaving millions of Americans, many rural, all working class, without access to affordable broadband internet to their homes. In Colorado, that knocked 250,000 households off affordable service.

That means kids struggle to complete homework assignments, fledgling small businesses aren't getting off the ground, and families can't access banking, public services, and many necessities that are made possible with internet access.

But Colorado is taking a different approach.

Thanks to Governor Jared Polis, partnerships with private companies, and help from the Biden Administration, Colorado is about to make sure 99% of all households are connected to fast, reliable broadband service.

About 73% of Colorado's landmass is rural. 13% of the population – nearly 700,000 residents – live in rural counties. This innovative funding solution makes it feasible for providers to expand internet service through rugged and remote Colorado landscapes and into the homes of rural Coloradans who live on ranches, farms, or mountainous terrain.

Rural states and counties face a lot of obstacles, but they can be overcome when leaders keep rural communities and priorities in mind.

As we get close to the end of the quarter this month, join the One Country Project's mission to keep rural communities front-and-center by chipping in $3 today. We are sending a message to Washington to put rural Americans first and step up with cutting-edge solutions to the unique problems we face.

Tessa

Tessa Gould
Executive Director, One Country Project