The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) is tackling the digital divide with programs that expand infrastructure and digital opportunity across the state. Led by new Director Bryant Clayton and supported by Digital Opportunity Supervisor Omar Ledezma, and Outreach Coordinators Andrea Pacheco and Lauren Weber, the BDO plays a key role in keeping communities, internet providers, and local leaders connected to these efforts. Through newsletters, public roundtables, and ongoing conversations, they make sure communication flows both ways, helping the BDO understand what Texans need while keeping stakeholders informed about new opportunities.

One of the BDO’s impactful programs is the Technical Assistance Program (TAP). Launched in response to community input in 2023, TAP was designed for counties that knew connectivity was a priority but didn’t have the resources or expertise to take the first step. Every county in Texas was eligible to apply. All thirty-two counties that applied were selected to participate, each forming a Broadband Planning Committee (BPC) to guide the process. With support from planning and consulting experts, these counties are receiving detailed broadband roadmaps that include strategies for asset mapping, workforce development, digital literacy, and network design.

The plans are already shaping a clearer picture of what’s needed at the local level and one theme keeps surfacing: the vital role of libraries. Especially in rural areas, libraries often serve as the only place where residents can access the internet or learn digital skills. Many TAP plans highlight libraries as critical community anchors, identifying them as partners in expanding digital opportunity. In some cases, the closure of a library has been recognized as a serious loss with no comparable alternative for the community.

For libraries, this recognition could translate into new opportunities for funding, partnerships, and expanded programming. By engaging with committees during the plan development phase as well as after plans are finalized, libraries can ensure their contributions are reflected in future broadband projects. As Pacheco and Weber emphasize, local buy-in is key, and libraries are uniquely positioned to strengthen that connection.

With TAP scheduled to wrap up in early 2026, participating counties will soon have comprehensive strategies in hand to move broadband projects forward. As Texas invests in its digital future, one thing is clear: libraries remain not only community gathering places but also essential partners in ensuring that every Texan has access to the opportunities broadband makes possible.