City Council Meeting 05/27/25 - CPUC FFA Last Mile Grant Projects



Overview

On May 27, 2025, City of Vallejo's IT Director, Naveed Ashraf, presented the progress and next steps for four fiber infrastructure projects funded by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) through the FFA Last Mile Grant Program. These efforts support the city’s vision of broadband equity and high-speed internet access for all Vallejo residents and businesses. We're happy to announce that the contract has been approved by the City Council.

What is the FFA Last Mile Grant?

The FFA (Federal Funding Account) Last Mile Fund, created through Senate Bill 156 by Governor Newsom in July 2021, was designed to accelerate high-speed internet deployment in unserved and underserved communities across California.

  • Administered by: CPUC

  • Vallejo’s Application Date: September 29, 2023

  • Award Notification Date: November 7, 2024

  • Total Grant Awarded: $3,806,104

Funded Projects

The grant supports the construction of municipal fiber in the following areas:

  • Mare Island Build

  • North Sonoma Blvd

  • Porter Street to Seaport Connectivity

  • Trailer City Park

Timeline and Council Actions

  • May 13, 2025: City Council accepted the grant award (Step 1 of 2)

  • May 27, 2025: Final step (Step 2 of 2) - Approval to amend the budget and award the construction contract

Public-Private Partnership: Smart Fiber Networks

The City of Vallejo has partnered with Smart Fiber Networks as part of its Broadband & Digital Equity Strategy adopted in May 2022.

  • Selected through a competitive RFP process in June 2022

  • 5-year contract as the City’s P3 (Public-Private Partnership) provider

  • Smart Fiber Networks co-applied with the City for the FFA grant

  • Projects will follow all Project Labor Agreement (PLA) terms

Goals of the Initiative

  • Build a city-owned municipal fiber network

  • Close the digital divide in Vallejo

  • Secure more state and federal broadband funding

  • Strengthen collaboration with P3 partner for long-term infrastructure success

  • Advance "Broadband for All" throughout Vallejo

Recommendation

  • Approve the amendment to the Fiber Enterprise Fund budget for FY 2024–25

  • Award the construction contract to Smart Fiber Networks for the four funded projects

  • Ensure completion by June 30, 2026

For questions or more information:
Naveed Ashraf, IT Director
📧 Naveed.Ashraf@Cityofvallejo.net
📞 (707) 648-5200

Results:
The City Council voted and approved to amend the FY 24-25 budget and awarded the construction contract.

*You can find and download the PowerPoints for this presentation in the sidebar of the Broadband page under "Documents".

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