TO: Napa County Housing Commission
FROM: Jennifer Palmer, Executive Director
REPORT BY: Alex Carrasco, Project Manager
SUBJECT: Grant Funding for the Calistoga Farmworker Center Wi-Fi Network
RECOMMENDATION
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Update on grant funding for the Calistoga Farmworker Center Wi-Fi Network.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On July 1, 2025, the division of Information and Technology Services (ITS) submitted an application on behalf of the Housing Authority (Authority) to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to pilot project to procure, install, maintain, and manage a new Wi-Fi network with high speed internet service for all residents of the Calistoga Farmworker Center (Center). The collaboration between ITS and the Authority is a result of data from the 2024 Napa County Farmworker Housing Needs & Impacts Assessment Report (FHNIA), which illustrated the digital divide between farmworkers with access to communication technology such as Wi-Fi and those who do not. Only 36% of all survey respondents indicated that they have access to Wi-Fi where they live.
On December 19, 2025, staff were notified by ITS that the grant funding was approved by the CPUC. The total project cost is $47,463, including $29,113 for the purchase and installation of the new network, and the remainder amount of $18,350 for maintenance and management for five years. The grant is predicated on factors such as: (a) a commitment by the Authority to start the project within 30 days upon grant approval and completion of the project within 12 months, (b) not charging residents for broadband services, and (c) fulfilling reporting requirements.
Next steps include the Board of Supervisors accepting the grant and respective budget amendments between ITS and the Authority. The opportunity to bring Wi-Fi to the Center will improve the quality of life for farmworkers by providing access to online resources such as education, healthcare, employment and housing opportunities.
PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS...
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