President Barack Obama is making his annual State of the Union address tonight, setting the table for what should be a contentious year with new Republican Congressional majorities and jockeying for who will replace Obama in 2016.
While much of the attention will likely be focused on Obama’s tax proposals – raising taxes on the wealthy and capital gains and lowering levies on the middle class – there will also be some important policy proposals that could impact the nation’s cities.
Obama he would take executive action to cities that want to set up their own networks and expand high-speed broadband access. Obama said he will support municipal efforts to create independent broadband networks, touting the one available in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he spoke last week.
"This isn't just about making it easier to stream Netflix," the President said in a speech posted online by C-SPAN. "This is about helping local businesses grow and prosper and compete in a local economy."
Obama said his administration will provide technical and financial assistance for cities that want provide Internet service for their residents.
"I'm directing federal agencies to get rid of unnecessary regulations that slow the expansion of broadband or limit competition," Obama said. He added the efforts would "clear away red tape" to help communities provide Internet access.
It could also set off a new round of opportunity and political jockeying if an when cities drift into the broadband business.