City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 20, 2018
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Information Technology Commission Recommendation on Net Neutrality. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
BODY
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ISSUE: Receipt of Information Technology (IT) Commission recommendation regarding Net Neutrality Resolution for the City of Alexandria to take a position on Net Neutrality in the attached resolution.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council adopt the attached resolution as recommended by Information Technology Commission supporting the principles of Net Neutrality.
BACKGROUND: At the April 24, 2018 City Council Legislative meeting, Council asked the City’s IT Commission to review the Net Neutrality Resolution (attached) and offer a recommendation to Council before adopting a resolution. On June 4, 2018, the IT Commission met to discuss the resolution on Net Neutrality. In conclusion, the IT Commission agreed to endorse the principles as articulated in the proposed City Council resolution. Net Neutrality aims to restore data equality online and maintain free and open internet access for all. The Net Neutrality rules prohibited internet services providers from: (1) blocking lawful internet content, (2) from slowing data transmission because of the nature of the content, and (3) from giving speed prioritization to content when paid to do so by companies. Earlier this month the Federal Communications Commission repealed the Net Neutrality rules which had been established in 2015.
FISCAL IMPACT: No current fiscal impact. Indirect costs associated with ensuring Net Neutrality are possible if there is need to advocate for legislation or defend state and local laws associated with the issue.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. City of Alexandria Net Neutrality Resolution
2. IT Commission Recommendation
3. IT Commission Proposed Net Neutrality Resolution
4. IT Commission Powerpoint Presentation
STAFF: Laura Triggs, Deputy City Manager