Neb. Opens Broadband Office, Seeks Director

Nebraska’s new governor opened a state broadband office by executive order Friday. The office will “create a more transparent, flexible, and proactive response for Nebraska's broadband needs," said Gov. Jim Pillen (R). Housed within the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), the office will direct broadband policy, collaborate with other agencies and stakeholders, engage communities, create and maintain a Nebraska location fabric for broadband access and strategize how to use federal funding, the governor’s office said. The Nebraska State Budget Division’s Broadband and Infrastructure Coordinator Patrick Redmond will lead the office on an interim basis while NDOT and the governor’s office seek applications for director, which will be part of the governor’s cabinet, Pillen’s office said. State broadband offices are facing increasing challenges in hiring and retaining staff, particularly directors, found our Monday report (see 2212230006).