Cities are being encouraged to use online tools to assist in stabilizing foreclosures

While states across the country are beginning the applications process for broadband funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the city of Los Angeles is providing an example of how high-speed Internet can help solve other problems addressed by the economic stimulus bill.

In July 2007, Los Angeles was allocated $32.8 million from Congress in the first round of National Stabilization Programs (NSP) funds. Los Angeles city officials used some of the money for purchasing assistance and home rehabilitation loans for buyers in priority areas, defined by high rates of unemployment, subprime loans, and foreclosures. But information about these priority areas and the locations of foreclosed homes was inefficiently compiled and clumsily made available to the interested public.

To solve that problem, city officials allocated some of the money to fund an online map designed to make locating priority areas and foreclosed homes more efficient. This made it easier for people to participate in the walk-in homebuyer program.

Previously, these maps were drawn on paper. Now, the online tools allow the searchable maps to be navigated, manipulated, and updated.

Unfortunately, many cities and states that have received NSP grants don't have the capability and infrastructure to create and utilize the type of online map that Los Angeles is using.

With the expansion of broadband capabilities to underserved and unserved areas throughout the country, municipalities will be better equipped to undertake such a project. And a national high speed Internet policy won't happen unless we fight for it.

Tell your representative in Congress about why high speed Internet is essential to economic stability and growth. And invite your friends to join the Speed Matters movement.

Los Angeles Neighborhood Stabilization Program (Online Map)

Los Angeles Fights Neighborhood Blight With Online Map (GovTech)

We Need a National High Speed Internet Policy (Speed Matters)

Help Spread the Word (Speed Matters)