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Information Technology Advisory Commission - January 27, 2021
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Information Technology Advisory Commission - January 27, 2021

Public Comments and New Year Introductions

Opening Remarks

  • The meeting begins with a request for public comments before proceeding to the agenda.
  • Acknowledgment of the new year (2021) and introduction of a newly elected county board liaison, expressing appreciation for their participation.

Liaison's Commitment

  • The new liaison expresses enthusiasm about joining the commission, emphasizing that this role was a priority for them.
  • They highlight their openness to communication, inviting members to share thoughts on technology-related challenges faced by the board.

Importance of Collaboration

  • The liaison stresses the critical nature of items discussed in previous meetings and expresses excitement about collaborating with the commission.
  • They emphasize the importance of reliable information flow between the commission and county board, indicating a desire for ITAC's input on relevant issues.

Engagement and Public Involvement

Enhancing Community Engagement

  • Discussion on increasing public engagement through ITAC, suggesting opportunities for community involvement in nominating commissioners.
  • The liaison is eager to socialize important issues with Arlington residents, showing readiness to listen and engage.

Member Introductions

  • Members are invited to introduce themselves; John shares his background as an IT professional and expresses eagerness to work together.
  • Jackie introduces herself as having a diverse background including FEMA preparedness, highlighting her community-focused experience.

Commission Dynamics

Member Contributions

  • Kevin introduces himself as working in government affairs at Comcast, focusing on Arlington.
  • Louise from Verizon shares her long-standing involvement with ITAC as Fios TV franchise manager.

Historical Context

  • Martha reflects on her extensive experience within telecommunications and various Arlington committees.
  • Phil welcomes the new liaison while expressing hope for improved relations with the board compared to past experiences.

Introduction and Participant Overview Who's Present at the Meeting?

Introduction of Participants

  • Kevin Robbins introduces himself as a product of the county public school systems, involved in federal contract work within telecommunications, and expresses eagerness to collaborate with others.
  • Mike Carlton is mentioned as having audio issues; he has experience as CIO for HHS and is an Arlington County resident.
  • David Hurley identifies himself as an attorney working on cybersecurity, privacy, national security, and open data for the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. He notes his previous attendance at meetings.

Technical Difficulties

  • Acknowledgment of challenges faced by participants due to Zoom technology; David expresses appreciation for being able to join virtually.
  • Discussion about the empty office space where David is located, highlighting it as a safe environment for participation.

Collaboration with Public Schools Strengthening Partnerships

Role of Public Schools

  • An assistant superintendent from public schools emphasizes their strong partnership with APS (Arlington Public Schools), indicating ongoing collaborative efforts.
  • The importance of citizen input through the commission is highlighted, noting its positive impact over the years on community engagement.

Historical Context

  • The assistant superintendent recalls past leadership within the commission that held him accountable and fostered a culture of responsibility among members.

Strategic Planning Discussions Exploring Digital Framework Integration

Inquiry into Strategic Planning

  • A question arises regarding whether there have been discussions about integrating a digital element into strategic planning frameworks since December.
  • The response indicates no current discussions have taken place regarding this integration or any updates from previous leadership.

Future Considerations

  • There’s recognition that addressing technological and social challenges may benefit from incorporating digital strategies into planning processes.
  • The speaker expresses openness to exploring how other communities integrate digital elements into their comprehensive plans, suggesting potential collaboration with colleagues and staff.

Discussion on Digital Equity and Strategic Planning

Prioritizing Digital Infrastructure

  • Discussion on the need to prioritize sectors for lighting up dark fiber, including multi-family housing and universal access.
  • Emphasis on incorporating a digital element into strategic planning, referencing work done by Mike as a framework.

Integration of Technology in Emergency Management

  • Mention of integrating smart city sensor technology with existing emergency handling protocols.
  • Importance of digitizing analog technologies to enhance response networks within comprehensive plans.

Addressing Equity Concerns

  • Acknowledgment of equity issues raised by Mary regarding access to vaccines and digital resources in schools.
  • Recognition that defining digital equity extends beyond education, highlighting the importance of vaccine registration accessibility.

Solutions for Vaccine Registration Challenges

  • Reference to Dallas's implementation of registration hubs combining kiosk applications and community outreach for vaccine registration.
  • Discussion on logistical challenges due to lack of comprehensive lists for eligible vaccine recipients compared to countries like Israel.

Information Dissemination Strategies

  • Call for innovative ideas in disseminating information amidst public demand for vaccines, likening the situation to a denial-of-service attack.
  • Introduction of technical solutions such as response bots that can effectively answer public inquiries about vaccination processes.

Discussion on Digital Equity and Vaccine Outreach

Challenges in Communication and Technology

  • The speaker highlights the limitations of a small county in scaling technology for effective messaging, suggesting that external support from the commonwealth may be necessary.
  • Emphasizes the complexity of providing detailed information across various sub-sections, indicating that technological issues are secondary to ensuring registration systems function effectively.

Community Engagement Strategies

  • Denise suggests reaching out to faith-based organizations for community-focused digital equity initiatives, noting their potential as conduits for vaccine dissemination.
  • The speaker confirms an active vaccine committee leveraging social networks within churches and other community agents to enhance outreach efforts.

Addressing Vaccine Hesitation

  • Acknowledges the need for proactive communication about vaccination eligibility and availability while preparing for anticipated vaccine hesitancy among certain populations.
  • Discusses the challenge of misinformation regarding vaccines, including myths about microchips and genetic modification, stressing the importance of education to counteract these narratives.

Final Thoughts on Collaboration

  • Martha inquires about sharing ideas with county boards, indicating a desire for collaboration on best practices moving forward.
  • Raj is introduced as a returning participant who will discuss connectivity challenges faced by students in relation to technology access.

Connectivity Support Initiatives

Overview of Internet Support Programs

  • Raj shares details about ongoing internet support initiatives for students, including partnerships with Comcast to provide affordable internet access through sponsorship programs.

Student Participation Statistics

  • Reports that approximately 925 students are actively using Comcast's program daily, highlighting its significance in addressing connectivity issues.

Additional Solutions Offered

  • Mentions alternative solutions like mobile Wi-Fi hotspots provided by the county to ensure broader access for students facing connectivity challenges.

Broadband Connectivity Initiatives for Students

Overview of the Pilot Project

  • The discussion begins with a focus on maintaining uninterrupted broadband connectivity for students using APS devices, highlighting collaborative engineering efforts with the county.
  • Introduction of a pilot project named "Connect One Two Three," which aims to leverage state funds to enhance broadband access.
  • The pilot utilizes unlicensed shared spectrum in the mid 5G bandwidth, specifically through Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS).

Project Implementation and Goals

  • Laura Slavin presents an overview of "One Two Three Connect Me," Arlington's first private LTE network aimed at extending broadband services to public school students during the pandemic.
  • A grant from the governor's fast track program enabled the setup of five nodes along Columbia Pike, covering approximately 1.3 miles from South Greenbrier to South Monroe Street.
  • The project was expedited, requiring setup by December 25th; extensive testing has shown promising results.

Testing and Future Steps

  • Ongoing testing is being conducted with Arlington Public Schools to gather feedback from teachers and students regarding their virtual learning experiences.
  • While primarily focused on student use, this initiative lays groundwork for broader applications within the county’s existing dark fiber network infrastructure.

Significance and Potential Impact

  • Jack emphasizes that this technology could be as significant as previous innovations like the internet and cloud computing, allowing wireless connectivity without extensive wiring.
  • Both Raj and Jack are committed to ensuring that this system effectively enhances virtual learning opportunities for students while also exploring cost-saving measures for voice communications.

Challenges Ahead

  • Raj discusses initial challenges faced in providing connectivity quickly during March when schools transitioned online due to COVID-19.
  • He notes that prior preparations helped facilitate device distribution, indicating a proactive approach despite rapid changes in educational delivery methods.

Expediting Comcast Plans for Student Connectivity

Current Connectivity Status

  • As of yesterday, 99.3% of students are successfully connecting to Teams regularly, but there remains a 0.7% gap that needs addressing.
  • A portal has been developed for schools to monitor student engagement on various platforms, focusing on aggregate data rather than individual metrics.

Challenges in Student Engagement

  • Some students can join online classes but struggle to stay connected for extended periods due to their internet connection quality.
  • The current situation has led to children being cared for by relatives as parents return to work, creating new challenges in supporting learning outside traditional school settings.

Project Goals and Support Systems

  • The goal of the CPRS project is to ensure students can connect safely from home without bandwidth issues hindering their instructional activities.
  • Testing will occur within school buildings with varying architectural styles to identify connectivity challenges.

Behavioral Consultancy Engagement

  • A behavioral consultancy named Lift Innovate is assisting in technology adoption strategies, focusing on parental involvement in children's learning processes.
  • They are developing PSAs featuring an avatar of the superintendent aimed at educating parents about supporting their children’s learning environment effectively.

Importance of Quality Connectivity

  • There is a concern about grading students based on connectivity rather than understanding; efforts are underway to provide equitable access regardless of internet quality.
  • Lyft Innovate emphasizes the importance of families understanding how engagement impacts learning outcomes, particularly when both parents work and may not grasp the significance of quality connections.

Access to Technology and Internet Connectivity in Education

Overview of Current Initiatives

  • Discussion on how the current initiatives aim to assist families with challenges related to technology access during crises.
  • Emphasis on the importance of providing high-speed internet access as a positive outcome for the county.

Equipment Survey for Students

  • Raj explains that they are distributing devices to all students, including MacBook Airs for high schoolers and iPads for younger students.
  • The initiative includes tracking connectivity types at home, as requested by the state, to understand students' access better.

Data Collection Efforts

  • The "Your Voice Matters" survey will be utilized annually to gather feedback from families and staff regarding technology access and needs.

Information Sharing Requests

  • John requests publicly available information about the pilot program's technologies, indicating a need for transparency.
  • Raj acknowledges that while no public information has been released yet due to ongoing testing, it will be shared soon.

Broader Implications of Technology Access

  • Mike raises concerns about whether end-user devices could also serve other community services; however, state regulations currently limit this.
  • Discussion on potential expansions into telehealth services and affordable housing support through improved internet connectivity.

Collaboration Between Schools and County

  • Raj praises collaboration efforts between schools and county teams, highlighting regular meetings that facilitate communication and progress.
  • Acknowledgment of Jack's team's support in scaling up technology initiatives effectively during challenging times.

Future Developments in Connectivity

  • Laura expresses gratitude for the presentation and discusses sharing simplified visuals related to technology deployment.
  • Kevin mentions his familiarity with existing infrastructure but is awaiting more detailed information before proceeding further.

Technical Insights on Coverage Area

  • Description of coverage area capabilities with five antennas providing significant wireless connectivity over 1.3 miles.
  • Performance metrics indicate promising speeds (40 Mbps down, 25 Mbps up), suggesting improvements as additional towers are proposed.

Exploring the Future of Wireless Technology

Rapid Development in Wireless Technology

  • The acceleration of wireless technology development has been remarkable since 2010, with significant advancements occurring much faster than anticipated.
  • Major companies like Google are heavily involved in this evolution, showcasing various possibilities and applications for new technologies.

Infrastructure Expansion and Funding

  • By the end of 2021, all major cell phone manufacturers committed to integrating a specific chipset into their devices, indicating widespread adoption.
  • A feasibility study was presented regarding the installation of 13 new towers; discussions included potential funding sources and multi-purpose uses for these structures.

Tower Specifications and Applications

  • The proposed towers are compact, roughly the size of a pizza box, designed to be mounted on poles or buildings while providing clean signals.
  • These towers could facilitate various county initiatives such as performance parking and curb management, highlighting their versatility beyond just connectivity.

Introduction of Key Stakeholders

  • Jonathan Adelstein introduced himself as the CEO of the Wireless Infrastructure Association, emphasizing his extensive experience in the wireless industry and previous roles in government.
  • His organization represents companies that manufacture equipment related to wireless infrastructure, underscoring its importance in current technological developments.

Community Engagement and Project Updates

  • An update was provided on ongoing pilot projects aimed at enhancing communication with stakeholders about project details and outcomes while considering data privacy concerns.
  • The presentation emphasized understanding community needs through scenarios illustrating potential safety issues when individuals lack access to immediate help or information during emergencies.

Technology in Public Safety Deployment

Understanding the Role of Technology in Public Safety

  • The discussion begins with the question of how technology can assist in deploying public safety resources effectively, especially when faced with various emergencies.
  • A pilot program was initiated to refine public safety needs, focusing on three primary areas: crowd safety, public health, and overall public safety.
  • Emphasis is placed on ensuring pedestrian safety and being able to respond appropriately to incidents from a public health perspective.
  • The goal is not just to improve response times but also to accurately identify the nature of emergencies (e.g., fire or other environmental events).
  • There is a need for deeper understanding and alignment between existing services and new technologies to enhance their effectiveness.

Identifying Use Cases for Technology Implementation

  • Four specific use cases were identified through collaboration with public safety: people counting, fall detection, sound detection, and monitoring environmental shifts.
  • The pilot will focus on these four use cases while learning about technology implementation and data analysis.
  • Most users will experience no noticeable changes; however, sensors will alert authorities when predefined situations occur.
  • Data captured by sensors will flow into a network leading to a dashboard at the 911 center for real-time decision-making support.
  • It’s highlighted that only text-based data related to identified use cases will be collected; no images are retained ensuring anonymity.

Project Location and Phases

  • The project is set on the 2900 block of Wilson Boulevard where county-owned light fixtures exist; this area has high traffic density during day and evening hours.
  • An urban environment was chosen for its potential data generation capabilities rather than residential neighborhoods which may not yield useful insights.
  • Comcast's infrastructure presence aids in project execution; the initiative spans 12 months divided into three phases: refinement of use cases, installation/testing of fixtures, followed by data capture.

Learning Phase and Assessment

  • The learning phase lasts six months aimed at capturing impactful data regarding previously identified areas of concern.
  • Finally, an assessment phase will determine recommendations for scalability and applicability across other regions based on gathered insights.

Integration of Technology in Community Services

Overview of Technological Integration

  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of applying new technological terms to existing services, highlighting a significant opportunity for improvement.
  • There is a focus on integrating technology into community planning, ensuring that advancements are informed and controlled.

Partnerships and Collaborations

  • The speaker discusses partnerships with various organizations, including Us Ignite, which plays a crucial role in promoting smart community initiatives driven by actual community needs rather than just technological capabilities.
  • Us Ignite will serve as project managers due to their extensive experience and knowledge in data privacy and security.

Academic Collaboration

  • A partnership with the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI), funded by Governor Northam, involves public universities in Virginia working together to support the project through academic expertise.
  • Professors from these universities will assist in initial planning and ongoing assessments related to data privacy throughout the project's phases.

Data Privacy Considerations

  • Comcast's involvement includes providing network infrastructure while ensuring that their technology does not compromise user safety or data privacy.
  • The responsibility lies with the team to create effective data dashboards and manage alerts while adhering to established data privacy principles.

Principles of Data Privacy

  • Strong data privacy principles have been developed at the outset of the project, focusing solely on defined use cases without capturing unrelated information.
  • The concept of "privacy by design" is being implemented, integrating privacy considerations from the beginning stages of development.

Community Engagement Efforts

  • An FAQ document and a dedicated project website are being created to enhance community understanding regarding what is being done within this initiative.
  • Plans include engaging local civic associations through presentations about the project's goals while reiterating commitments not to record or retain images outside specified use cases.

Oversight Mechanisms

  • A specific oversight panel named "Safety and Innovation Zone Data Privacy Oversight Panel" will be established to provide guidance on maintaining data privacy throughout the project's execution.

Panel Composition and Oversight

Importance of Representation in the Panel

  • The panel will include representatives from ITAC and internal county staff, meeting periodically to review project progress.

Privacy Impact Assessment Sharing

  • Clarity has been provided that the privacy impact assessment will be shared with stakeholders, ensuring transparency.

Continuous Review of Data Privacy

  • Commitment to reviewing the initial privacy impact assessment regularly, incorporating new ideas as the project progresses.

Data Management and Financial Considerations

County Ownership of Data

  • The county will maintain ownership of various data types while ensuring oversight through a dedicated panel.

Minimal Financial Impact

  • The financial burden for installation and removal of pilot lights is minimal due to donations covering most costs, highlighting significant learning opportunities.

Engagement and Communication

Internal Assessments vs. External Communication

  • Emphasis on maintaining open communication throughout the project lifecycle despite conducting internal assessments.

Data Privacy Principles

Anonymity in Data Collection

  • All collected data will be anonymous; no identifiable images or information will be stored by third parties, adhering to county data privacy principles.

Addressing Concerns about Surveillance Technology

Balancing Benefits and Risks

  • Acknowledgment that speculative benefits must outweigh risks; pilot projects are designed on a small scale to mitigate potential issues.

Equity Considerations in Data Use

  • Additional data provided by technology aims to reduce equity bias in first responder actions, enhancing community safety.

Public-Private Partnerships in Innovation Zones

Collaboration for Effective Solutions

  • Highlighting the importance of collaboration between government and private entities to create effective innovation zones rather than relying solely on one sector's capabilities.

Learning Laboratory Concept

  • The initiative aims to transform traditional emergency management practices into automated systems using artificial intelligence for improved efficiency.

Emergency Communications and Technology Implementation

Overview of Emergency Communication Strategies

  • The discussion highlights the role of human decision-making in emergency responses, emphasizing the importance of a watch desk at the Emergency Communications Office for dispatching necessary services.
  • A partnership with Comcast is being developed to enhance connectivity in Arlington, aiming for scalable solutions that could benefit not just Clarendon but potentially all of Arlington and beyond.

Addressing Uneven Technological Innovation

  • There is concern about uneven technological advancements across regions; wealthier areas can implement new technologies while others lag behind, leading to disparities in service quality.
  • The initiative aims to serve as a model for other areas, with U.S. Ignite involved as they have experience with gigabit cities and want to use this project as a learning laboratory.

Collaboration with Peer Cities

  • Questions arise regarding collaboration with peer cities that have implemented similar technologies; there are existing connections with various cities across the country.
  • Notable examples include Portland, San Antonio, Chattanooga, and Marietta, Georgia. These cities have different approaches that may provide valuable insights.

Project Timeline and Governance Structure

  • The project is structured over a year-long timeline: initial three months focus on configuration followed by ideation on future steps. A governance group will be formed to ensure community involvement.
  • Emphasis on including diverse community representatives in governance discussions to avoid exclusionary practices.

Data Privacy Considerations

  • Concerns were raised about data privacy oversight during the pilot phase; there’s an acknowledgment of potential risks but also optimism about benefits from the pilot program.
  • Discussion around establishing a permanent data privacy oversight panel was initiated; however, current capacity issues were noted regarding its formation before or during the pilot phase.

Importance of Privacy by Design

  • The concept of "privacy by design" is emphasized as crucial for integrating privacy considerations into technology development from the outset rather than retroactively addressing them.
  • Ongoing discussions indicate that planning has been extensive but may not yet fully incorporate community feedback or representative input into privacy measures.

Cybersecurity and Citizen Engagement in Governance

Introduction to Cybersecurity Expertise

  • Louis de Silva is recognized as a leading expert in cybersecurity, IoT, and data privacy, contributing significantly to the field.
  • Doug Guthrie discusses the importance of citizen voices in governance, emphasizing their role as taxpayers.

Importance of Citizen Input

  • Acknowledgment of the need for citizen input despite varying levels of expertise; it's crucial for organizational change.
  • The discussion highlights best practices from other cities and counties regarding governance structures.

Implementation Timeline and Governance Structure

  • Hardware installation is expected by late spring; discussions on defining use cases and establishing governance structures are ongoing.
  • Emphasis on refining use cases during hardware testing to ensure expected results align with actual outcomes.

Budget Considerations

  • Current budget discussions indicate a flat outlook due to county difficulties; new project funding remains uncertain.
  • Last year's budget process was challenging due to limited response time; efforts will be made to improve communication this year.

Prioritizing Data Governance Practices

  • Suggestion to draft a statement of priorities for technology spending based on previous budgets in anticipation of upcoming decisions.
  • Encouragement for conducting research on best practices for data governance at various levels (county-wide, city-wide, worldwide).

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Discussion on Digital Transformation and Legislative Updates

Meeting Overview and Clarifications

  • The discussion revolves around balancing commercial interests with local and digital transformations, highlighting the importance of pilot programs.
  • Martha seeks clarification regarding a previous question, indicating ongoing communication challenges during the meeting.

Adoption of Meeting Minutes

  • Frank moves to re-adopt the circulated meeting minutes, which included his edits; motion is seconded and passed unanimously.
  • Angela is thanked for her efforts in compiling the minutes from audio recordings, emphasizing the collaborative nature of documentation.

Broadband Legislation Updates

  • Good news reported: $7 billion allocated for broadband affordability and accessibility through recent legislation, including funds for a national broadband map.
  • Emergency broadband connectivity receives $3.2 billion; a $50 monthly discount program is introduced for low-income individuals to enhance affordability.

Robocall Regulations

  • New regulations limit robocalls to three per month per residential line; consumers will need to opt-in for certain blocking features.
  • Service providers are mandated to take action against illegal robocalls upon notification, enhancing consumer protection measures.

Smart City Initiatives and Market Changes

  • Cisco has ceased support for its smart city software services; Google also scaled back its smart city plans in Toronto, indicating market volatility.

FCC Leadership Update

  • The National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) launches a digital inclusion resource page amid changes at the FCC due to political splits.
  • Jessica Rosenworcel appointed as interim chair of the FCC until further appointments are confirmed by the president and senate.

Enforcement Against Illegal Robocalls

  • The FCC imposes a significant fine on a robocaller using spoofing tactics to send threatening messages, showcasing enforcement actions against illegal activities.

Personal Experiences with Robocall Solutions

  • Martha shares her improved experience with fewer scam calls after implementing new tools provided by Verizon.
  • Louise discusses resources available on Verizon's website aimed at reducing spam calls across different platforms.

Vaccination Scheduling and Scamming Concerns

Issues with Vaccination Calls

  • Jack raises concerns about the scheduling of vaccinations, highlighting that calls may not always be answered, leading to potential scams.
  • Colleagues in Florida report scammers impersonating health departments to extract personal information like social security numbers and credit card details under false pretenses.

Impact of Recent Policy Changes

  • The governor's recent changes in vaccine distribution rules have caused confusion, resulting in the cancellation of thousands of appointments at Virginia Hospital Center.
  • There is a worry from county officials regarding how these changes will affect public access to vaccines and the integrity of communication systems.

Communication Challenges

  • Verizon and other companies are blocking legitimate health worker calls due to spam filters, complicating vaccination outreach efforts.
  • The urgency for effective communication strategies is emphasized as vaccination efforts ramp up.

Funding and Implementation Timeline

  • Discussion on when federal funds for broadband services will reach local providers like Comcast and Verizon; expected implementation by February or March.
  • Potential leadership changes within the FCC could influence how quickly new rules are adopted.

Enhancing Public Awareness

  • Suggestions made to use the ITECH website to warn citizens against sharing sensitive information over phone calls.
  • Plans for implementing an omni-channel contact center aimed at improving communication with older populations who may struggle with technology.

Technology Solutions and Funding Needs

  • Inquiry into cloud-native solutions for managing call volumes effectively; Twilio being considered as a provider.
  • Emphasis on needing funding support from ITECH to upgrade existing phone systems capable of handling increased call traffic related to vaccinations.

Federal Support for Local Initiatives

  • Mention of Arlington receiving federal funds from FEMA for COVID response, which could assist local vaccination efforts.
  • Regular COVID updates via email can serve as a platform for disseminating important messaging about vaccination processes.

Community Engagement Strategies

  • Ideas proposed for utilizing civic newsletters and TV channels to spread awareness about vaccination procedures and safety measures.

Meeting Conclusion

  • Acknowledgment of the meeting's extended duration due to pressing discussions; emphasis on community safety.