Connecting the land of 10,000 lakes

In this episode of the Connected Nation podcast, we talk with Bree Maki, Executive Director, Minnesota Broadband Office. Listen as we discuss the next steps for connecting everyone in Minnesota!

Recommended links: 

Minnesota Broadband Office Website

Chapters

• 2:54 3 years as Executive Director of the MN Broadband Office
• 6:16 Connected Nation's work with Minnesota
• 7:50 Bree's background
• 10:29 Looking towards the future of broadband development
• 12:25 The need for service is rural areas
• 16:52 Planning BEAD

Transcript

Jessica Denson (00:09):

On this episode of Connected Nation, I take you back to CX Connections 2025 in Las Vegas, which took place in mid-October. 

On this episode, we talk with the executive director of the Office of Broadband Development for Minnesota, Brie Mackey. She explains why the state was already leading the connectivity charge. Plus find out what state broadband leaders across the country are sharing with each other and learned the challenges of building out broadband in the land of 10,000 lakes. 

I'm Jessica Desen, and this is Connected Nation one. I am at CX Connections 2025, and I am sitting across from Brie Mackey, who is the executive director of the Office of Broadband Development for Minnesota. 

I've been looking forward to this interview. Thank you so much for agreeing to, to do this with me. I appreciate it. Thank you.

Bree Maki (01:08):

Of course. Thank you. Happy to do it.

Jessica Denson (01:09):

Yeah. Um, I know it's been busy and you've done a couple of panels. How's it gone so far for you?

Bree Maki (01:15):

Uh, well, the conference is always a really great one, and one of the reasons I really like it is because my members are here from Minnesota Uhhuh. Um, and so it's a great opportunity to understand their industry, understand what they're talking about, and the different, um, breakout sessions and panels that I'm able to attend

Jessica Denson (01:30):

Uhhuh,

Bree Maki (01:30):

But also add value and resources and, and what Minnesota's doing on a national scale, uh, to those who are participating in this conference and listening to, you know, what we have to say. There

Jessica Denson (01:42):

Is something to be said for that one-on-one. When you actually get to talk to somebody face-to-face. We, we all treat each other better. We listen a little more. Um, that's what I've been hearing from most from, um, people here is that they've been wanting, they've asked for more time to network and they've been given it. 

So what are some of the things that you are hearing from people in, in the field or those groups that you work with in Minnesota here?

Bree Maki (02:05):

Yeah. Well, I just have to, you know, always gloat about Minnesota. We have had an office at broadband development for 12 years so long before

Jessica Denson (02:12):

Being Oh, oh, wow. That's fantastic.

Bree Maki (02:14):

Yes. And a lot of that is, um, state generated, uh, uh, dollars that has been putting towards broadband development over $400 million in, in general tax dollars because they care so much about this issue. Well, that doesn't happen alone. 

That happens with ISPs participating, uh, doing the hard work of applying for these grants for locations that are the most difficult and hardest to serve. So, I'm a little biased 'cause I think we have the best providers in the state, but it really is about relationships and understanding, you know, different perspectives and I can't do my job Well if I'm doing it in a box.

Jessica Denson (02:50):

Yeah. We were talking right. Be right before we, um, sat down that, uh, governor Tim Walls, he appointed you in October, three years, just right about just past the three year mark, October 7th, 2022. Um, how has those three years gone? Do you, do they flown by? 

Has it been a, a wild time of lessons, or, uh, how would you categorize that?

Bree Maki (03:14):

Yeah, what's the old saying that, uh, the days are short and the years are long or long, or vice, actually, I think it's the other way around. Um, it has been, uh, an interesting time to be in broadband. 

Uh, when I took this job, uh, three years ago, I really thought I would be working myself out of a job in like five years.

Jessica Denson (03:33):

Yeah.

Bree Maki (03:33):

Everyone has broadband, you know, but there's so much more to that. And obviously the complications and the complexity of broadband across the state, the federal funding and bead mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Um, I, I am in it for the long haul, but I have the best team, uh, again, great providers and associations that support me and my team as we're trying to do our best to serve Minnesota.

Jessica Denson (03:54):

Um, in that, in that vein, I know it's, it's hard because Bead has, you know, we've gone through some administration changes and, and Connected Nation. We're neutral. 

We just, all we care about is getting more people connected, <laugh>. Um, no matter who it is. Um, but dealing with those changes, I all states had to start over again. How, how has that been, that process? Are you just like, okay, I'm ready. We're ready. We're gonna go for it again?

Bree Maki (04:20):

Well, it's exhausting. I mean, we did put a lot of work and effort. We were a state that we're later in the approval process to get going. Uhhuh.

Jessica Denson (04:27):

Um,

Bree Maki (04:27):

That was because we had a great program and I had legislative directive to design bead as close to our state program as we could. Um, and that came with a lot of advocacy, a lot of thought, a lot of work. 

So when the policy notice came, it was like, oh, goodness, <laugh>, how are we gonna do that? Because good and bad, right? Yeah. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. There were things that definitely helped our members and, and others, uh, that, um, are a little challenged and especially by priorities in Minnesota. 

But it has flown, um, by, um, and I'm just really proud of, again, of the state of Minnesota and everybody to work so hard to get where we are right now. Um, there's a lot of work ahead of us though.

Jessica Denson (05:05):

Yeah. Yeah. There's, there I think that a lot of state broadband directors or offices are feeling like that, that there's, we've done, we've got a lot of, we've done a lot, but we still have so much more to do. 

So, uh, because you mentioned that the office had been around for about 12 years. Uh, what do you credit that forward thinking to be? You know, a lot of people with the pandemic, it was easy to see why we needed to extend, expand, but before that, it took some foresight. What, what do you credit that with?

Bree Maki (05:31):

I really credit with, um, the state. So the, the Governor's broadband task force was created many years ago

Jessica Denson (05:37):

Mm-hmm <affirmative>.

Bree Maki (05:37):

Um, and that's what really started the whole thing into place. The office was then created after that task force did their work mm-hmm <affirmative>. And it was created, it was put in the Department of Employment Economic Development, which is a great place. 

It's a very non-partisan issue in the state of Minnesota. It was all of the advocates coming together, having the conversations, and really, you know, making this a priority. I sit, um, our, our, uh, jurisdiction committee at the state of Minnesota is the agricultural world Development and broadband.

Jessica Denson (06:08):

Mm-hmm

Bree Maki (06:08):

<affirmative>. And it's a really great committee to be part of. Um, and they work, you know, incredibly hard to put Minnesota first. I also need to just say, you know, connected Nation in and of itself has been there with us through this journey, making sure our maps are correct. 

Um, they're a trusted partner in the state of Minnesota for our providers, but also for the information, the data we need to do a really good job, um, with BEAD and all those changes. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. They've pivoted right. With us.

Jessica Denson (06:36):

Yeah.

Bree Maki (06:36):

<laugh>, uh, every step of the way. Um, and, you know, just thankful, again, to all types of providers and partners who have really supported us.

Jessica Denson (06:45):

I didn't wanna brag any, but, uh, I was, I was gonna allow you to, to decide if you wanted to share that we were partners and worked in some of that. Um, when I was looking at the website and stuff, I was like, oh, yeah, I know this, this is all very familiar. <laugh>.

Bree Maki (06:57):

Yep. The team at Connected Nation has been incredible, and I'll be honest with you, we have so much work to keep you busy, busy with state grants. That's true. Um, one of, you know, we do site inspections and speed tests on every location we fund. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

And that is a connected nation person out in Minnesota, and I believe seven different times, or probably a week at a time this summer.

Jessica Denson (07:18):

Mm-hmm <affirmative>.

Bree Maki (07:19):

We couldn't do it without all that partnership.

Jessica Denson (07:21):

The, the ETS crew, um, they do an amazing job. John Dieterman. Oh yeah. Those, all those guys, they're just good guys. They're salt of the earth. They're, they're wonderful to work with and people never hear about them. So I love that you brought that up.

Bree Maki (07:33):

Oh yeah.

Jessica Denson (07:33):

'cause they're out on the roads driving every mile.

Bree Maki (07:37):

Yes. <laugh> and our weekly Friday, we always check in and John has the predictions of all of the sports team in Minnesota for us, and thank goodness he's a Vikings fan.

Jessica Denson (07:46):

Oh, that's good. Are you a Vikings fan? Well, I'm also a Viking fan. <laugh>. So Brie, let's talk a little bit about you. We'll, we'll come back to Minnesota in a moment, but I'd love to hear some about your background. Did you grow up, are you lifelong native Minnesotan, or?

Bree Maki (07:59):

I, I am. I actually, uh, oh. Wear Minnesota with a lot of heart. Um, I'm born and raised in southeast Minnesota in a small town of about 1200 people. Um, I, I live, I stayed, I raised my children and we live out in the country there. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

I don't have what is defined as reliable broadband. So working on this, so you can relate this to, I can relate and tell the corn tassels block my line of sight <laugh> and you kind of cut it out, and that's a real story.

Jessica Denson (08:24):

Oh, really?

Bree Maki (08:25):

It's a real story that happens.

Jessica Denson (08:27):

So the actual, like the corn growing

Bree Maki (08:28):

The tassels block the line of sight for our wireless. Oh, wow. Wow. And so you gotta kind of, you know, cut a few and then we have line of sight and,

Jessica Denson (08:37):

And then you're good again.

Bree Maki (08:38):

We're good Again, <laugh>, you can always tell when they get a little high. Um, yeah. So, grew up, um, in the community, oldest of five kids. Um, and I actually have a social work degree and a management degree.

 Um, but I spent, um, the first part of my career with, uh, county, so Winona County, uh, doing work in, in conservation and county work and, and agriculture, Uhhuh <affirmative>. And then I moved on to work with Senator, uh, uh, Al Franken, and then Senator Tina Smith. Oh, that's cool. 

And full circle moment for me, um, getting appointed in this position and being honored to do this job and represent Minnesota is Senator Tina Smith was Lieutenant governor when the office of broadband development was created.

Jessica Denson (09:17):

Oh, wow. That is full circle.

Bree Maki (09:18):

Yeah. Yeah. So she was so supportive of me taking this role that I felt very much like, wow, Uhhuh

Jessica Denson (09:25):

<affirmative>.

Bree Maki (09:26):

Um, but, you know, people remind me all the time, I may not be technically savvy, but I know how to build relationships. And right now it really is understanding how systems work

Jessica Denson (09:35):

Mm-hmm

Bree Maki (09:35):

<affirmative>. And, um, making sure that partnerships are strong, um, and that work gets done. And so, uh, not to be, I'm, I'm very modest in that, but I do know that it's not a technical time.

Jessica Denson (09:48):

Mm-hmm <affirmative>.

Bree Maki (09:48):

It's really about making sure that we're able to deploy.

Jessica Denson (09:52):

Well. Um, I would say, you know, I work in, uh, at a company that has tons of broadband and I'm a comms director and I didn't even know the term broadband when I started <laugh>. 

So I, I would say that there are the people like John Dieterman and others like that, who really know the technical side that you could lean on. So, yeah. And I agree with you that it is, people wanna work with people they like, they wanna work with people that you can feel good about partnering with. And so, I mean, I know they love you, so <laugh>. Aw. So my point being is that sometimes the relationships are what are the most important. Absolutely. I would, I would argue for sure. 

So what do you hope happens with Minnesota's, uh, office of Broadband Development over the next year, five years? What do you hope to see from all of this work, whether it's, you know, the state and the ISPs or the federal funds or whatever it may be, what do you hope to see? 

Where do you hope to see things in a year? I know it takes time and I'm sure that's hard for people to understand how long this can take, but what do you hope to see?

Bree Maki (10:54):

Yeah. Well, um, I really hope that we continue the path that Minnesota has set forward. And that is a statutory goal of 2026. Everybody in Minnesota has a hundred by 20 at a minimum. 

Um, we're going to be short there, and it is because we brought federal dollars into the picture. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Minnesota was funding this. We were working towards that goal. Um, but with the bead funding, it was only right for the state to say, stop what's left when we get through the bead process. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Um, we know by statutory language, wireline is in our language. So, um, the work, even through bead and the way that we are funding certain projects with the eligibility of bead may come back where the states continues to need to invest

Jessica Denson (11:36):

Mm-hmm

Bree Maki (11:36):

<affirmative>. Um, to make sure everybody has exactly what the statutory language looks like. So continuing to do that, watching these projects and communities thrive because they are getting their broadband, that the legislature has directed, that our ISPs have been building both, um, grant dollars and on their own. You can't forget that. 

Um, and I think, you know, obviously we were, um, saddened by the loss of the Digital Equity Act. Yeah. Uh, funding. But I do believe that Minnesota continues to put that forward to, in opportunities across the state. Again, being in a department that is workforce development, um, it's a great place to be. 

Um, and so, um, yeah, I'm just looking forward to continuous success and continue to get it down to where, you know, everybody is served mm-hmm <affirmative>. And gets exactly what they need and deserve to thrive.

Jessica Denson (12:29):

Let's talk about that, what it means for Minnesota, um, whether it's a rural area or an urban area for it to thrive with access. So how you're in a rural area. So talk about how critical it is out there, you know, among farms. I think people misunderstand, they think it's a farm or a ranch or they don't need access, but it's almost more important in many ways.

Bree Maki (12:52):

It's absolutely really important. It doesn't matter who you are, somehow you are impacted by that. So it is really critical. Um, you know, one, one particular area in greater Minnesota, we don't have the emergency management services that dense cities, um, larger communities have. 

So we rely on volunteers, my neighbors, um, that live down the street in the country mm-hmm <affirmative>. And without reliable, you know, cell service, but also, you know, the backbone, the broadband, all of those components. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

That access for me to get services, but also for them to be able to respond to those emergency management or emergency situations is so critical in a, in greater Minnesota, in rural communities. So one additional and also

Jessica Denson (13:35):

Mm-hmm <affirmative>.

Bree Maki (13:35):

Um, our childcare, um, our childcare providers are living in great, again, greater Minnesota, but they have, they have certain credits and, and, uh, continuing education and, and things that they need to do that they need to access. And it isn't easy for them to go into a metro area to do that. 

So having broadband access allows them after hours, after they put in, you know, maybe a 12 hour day to still do what they need to do to be credited and continue to provide childcare across the state of Minnesota, which allows parents to work and thrive and all those things. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

So, um, you know, it's a ripple effect and it can only be positive if everybody continues to have those opportunities.

Jessica Denson (14:16):

You know, I find that interesting that you bring up childcare. 'cause I've had so many people talk about hospitals and telework and education, but I've not, no one has brought that up. But that is so important. 'cause no matter where you live, you want a safe childcare facility that is accredited and doing well. 

Yeah. That's the, I mean that is in six years of doing this podcast's, the first time someone's brought that up, which is, blows my mind, but <laugh>, um, so Minnesota, uh, it's the, do I have this right? Tell me, it's the, the state of a thousand of 10,000 lakes. Is that right?

Bree Maki (14:48):

Correct.

Jessica Denson (14:49):

Is that, does that create an issue with having so much water around when it comes to building broadband?

Bree Maki (14:56):

Yeah, definitely. And I think, you know, it's really important though. We are say a fiber forward or the infrastructure forward and broadband. We recognize we have to be technology agnostic because of those reasons. We have little islands along these lakes that never would make sense to get fiber to them or could we mm-hmm <affirmative>. Um, and so yes, that is a barrier. 

Um, I would also say, you know, components, other things, not only the lakes, but the weather can be a huge barrier for a state like Minnesota, the cars, topography, um, you know, the river beds. Um, and so that's where, you know, every state really knows how to do it because they know their state, they understand those issues within the state and the diversity. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

So what looks, you know, right on west western part of Minnesota made totally different on east southern part of Minnesota. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. So,

Jessica Denson (15:47):

So is it also, um, because of the weather, is it a time that you can only build a certain time of year 'cause of how cold it gets?

Bree Maki (15:54):

Correct. Yeah. Yeah. When the ground is frozen, it's a little hard to bore, um, fiber in the ground.

Jessica Denson (16:01):

Yeah.

Bree Maki (16:01):

So yes, it definitely is. And you know, for a state like Minnesota with that is, we're competing for those contractors to stay in Minnesota to work mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

And when we lose them because of the seasons to go south, we have to make sure we can get them back. If they're not, you know, local, uh, contractors must I see. 'cause they

Jessica Denson (16:17):

Move around, they move

Bree Maki (16:18):

Around to work mm-hmm <affirmative>. Absolutely. And there is work everywhere. Yeah.

Jessica Denson (16:22):

And what about making things storm resilient? Is that one of the reasons that you are really fiber forward?

Bree Maki (16:29):

Yeah, that's definitely a part of it. It is a long term investment. We're looking at infrastructure that is an investment long term. It may sometimes cost more in the start, but if you look at it long term and the reliability, resiliency, um, the capabilities, the ability to grow mm-hmm <affirmative>. That's where, you know, the, the data lies.

Jessica Denson (16:50):

So you said that when you were planning, when you got when your office and was planning how they were gonna use bead, you tried to make it as close to the state as possible. Can you talk about some of what that entailed and how things changed?

Bree Maki (17:06):

Yeah. So, um, volume two mm-hmm <affirmative>. Um, a few things that we were really trying to focus on and we were able to do is we did three rounds for the application round.

Jessica Denson (17:15):

Uhhuh. <affirmative>.

Bree Maki (17:15):

The first was fiber only application. So making sure that as far as we can get with fiber priority there. The second was bringing in licensed fixed wireless. And then at the end, the third is any technology, again, as we just talked about mm-hmm <affirmative>. What is long-term infrastructure. Uh, the policy notice changed that and all technology agnostic right at once mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

So, um, in Minnesota we did, um, have, um, applications, uh, we did not actually have any, uh, low orbiting satellite companies participate in our grant round. They negotiated with us, but then they weren't considered priority broadband projects 'cause they didn't apply during that mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

And that was a criteria NTIA laid in front of us, but again, they're at the table and we need all types of providers. So, um, that was one of 'em. Um, certainly some of, um, the resiliency components and climate and all of those mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Um, you know, Minnesota again can kind of be forward on those areas and those did adapt, um, the extremely high cost threshold.

Jessica Denson (18:16):

Yeah.

Bree Maki (18:16):

Changed, um, the high, you know, what is the, the package, you know, where, where are you gonna put that? Low cost plans, uhhuh, <affirmative> for, for residents. So that also impacted. And then I just think time and trust. You know, we've had internet service providers with us for three years building up and now it changed.

Jessica Denson (18:36):

Yeah.

Bree Maki (18:36):

And they're putting a trust, not just in us, but in a program and their long-term investment mm-hmm <affirmative>. So, you know, that has been a challenge for them and you can't blame them for being concerned about that. No, you can't.

Jessica Denson (18:48):

Mm-hmm.

Bree Maki (18:48):

Yeah.

Jessica Denson (18:49):

Because they, they've probably built business plans based on absolutely the possibility of getting this or looking for, okay, this is when we're looking to get it. So how do you build a plan? 

It's the same thing for us at Connected Nation. You know, just even looking at the Digital Equity Act, the, the losing some of those funds and how that changed how we planned <laugh>.

Bree Maki (19:07):

Exactly.

Jessica Denson (19:07):

You know, it just threw everything out the window for a little bit there. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Um, so it will definitely relate to that. So e even if say B doesn't, doesn't fulfill the full thing that Minnesota would like, is the state still committed to, to making that happen?

Bree Maki (19:24):

Yeah, I wanna believe they are. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Um, we do have a short term legislative session, so it'll start again in February and end in May mm-hmm <affirmative>. Um, and so we certainly will have these conversations where is bead now? I do whatever year at the legislature. 

Where is bead now and where is the state at? And giving them that information and making sure they understand where bead is now. 'cause again, session ended and we have some changes and we stay open contact. But they do need to know. And then hopefully understanding their residents and what broadband looks like through bead. 

Um, and what the state's criteria is that they will continue to look for ways to ensure that all their residents are served and get to those, those, um, statutory goals.

Jessica Denson (20:08):

I think they're fantastic goals. Obviously <laugh>, uh, 'cause we're for universal connectivity, it's so important. It's just like electricity. Everybody needs it, especially nowadays or you're outta the conversation. 

Um, just a couple more questions and I promise to let you go. I bet you're dying to go get some dinner or something. <laugh>. All good.

 Um, I know you said that it's great that the states are able to, to decide how their plans are gonna be, you know, guidance from this federal of course. But I do agree with you that each state's a little bit different, but do, do the different offices, do you talk to each other? Yes. 

Do you talk about solutions or problems that you've run in or headaches that you've had? Like what did you do about like, even if it's, you know, in the, in the hallway or something <laugh>?

Bree Maki (20:51):

Yeah, no, that's a, that's a super question. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Very smart question. So, um, every, um, state received a federal program officer from NTIA and they're all human.

Jessica Denson (21:00):

Oh yeah.

Bree Maki (21:01):

And so as we have been trying to get to, you know, the yes answers, we do talk amongst each other. How did you solve this problem? Mm-hmm <affirmative>. How did this work? What did NTIA accept? How are you looking at this long term? And so we are constantly sharing and I don't think there's one of us that has any, um, uh, shyness a away of saying I'll beg, borrow and steal if you figure it out.

Jessica Denson (21:24):

Yeah. <laugh>. So

Bree Maki (21:25):

We do. And um, there's only 50, 56 of us, 58 of

Jessica Denson (21:29):

Us. Yeah. That's not a

Bree Maki (21:29):

Lot. Um, across. And um, you know, they've changed and whatnot. But I've definitely, um, have grown very fond of other directors. Um, we're all different. We have different states, but our goal, you know, is the same. 

We have the same task in front of us when it comes to bead specifically. And um, you know, just really thankful for those relationships and being able to have these conversation. 'cause nobody's done this before. No.

Jessica Denson (21:56):

Right. It's very new and there's very few of you. And I would think that those conversations are so valuable. Yeah.

Bree Maki (22:03):

Yes. Incredible.

Jessica Denson (22:04):

Yeah. Um, one thing that that strikes me, 'cause you mentioned you, we've, we've touched on a couple times the fact that Minnesota has had an office for about 12, for about 12 years. 

And, um, you've been there three, a lot of these states didn't even have an office mm-hmm <affirmative>. So in some ways was Minnesota ahead of the game of some places?

Bree Maki (22:23):

Absolutely. I think we really were. Um, and um, you know, that I think was the success for getting, moving, getting quick. I mean, we did such great work with capital projects dollars, uh, um, out the door, they're all being spent. Um, it's just really exciting to see. Um, and so I think we were set up really well. 

We've done grant programs when they're starting to talk about what compliance looks like they have, we do that already. We have Connected Nation going out and doing speed tests on every location we fund. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. So that doesn't scare us. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Um, one of the questions I really got early on from broadband directors, as I've done panels with them, they're like, you talk to your ISPs. I'm like, yeah, that's how you get stuff done. You have to have a relationship and work with them. Yes, they're all competitors.

(23:09):

Um, yes, they are getting dollars, but free money is not free money. It's a volunteer program. And in order to make it really successful, it's that trust and partnership. 

So, um, I think we did great now, um, in some ways we, you know, kind of felt like, I don't wanna say punished, but because we've done it, we had ways, we had policy, we knew what worked, we're, we know how to expect what's gonna happen when like there's going to be, uh, locations that are missed or this, that, how are we gonna handle them. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

And I don't know that this administration, um, you know, the members there are not necessarily the decision makers, but the people we work with, um, you know, they're looking at task at hand and we're, we were already looking what does this look like way down the

Jessica Denson (23:52):

Street

Bree Maki (23:52):

Down? And so sometimes we battled a little bit of that just because we did have the foresight to see what would be mm-hmm <affirmative>. How we handled compliance, how we handled payments, what we knew our providers could and couldn't do when they needed capital. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Like all of those components. So good and bad.

Jessica Denson (24:10):

Yeah. So sometimes it's being ahead of the game, but you also then have to play by other people's rules. Yes. Yeah. It's kind of the, the Calex title, new game. Yes. <laugh>. Yes. New rules. <laugh> very much kind of fits it. Yeah.

Bree Maki (24:23):

Yeah.

Jessica Denson (24:23):

So, um, you said before that you thought you'd be working yourself out of a job. Do you still feel that way?

Bree Maki (24:28):

No. Yeah. No, I don't. Um, and not for lack of effort and that we're not doing great things in these three years and many years beyond that. It's just, it's a complicated topic. We have different components, whether it's, you know, the USF or whatever thing that play a role in our provider's ability and able and planning and all those components that do impact our work. 

So, um, and then also the adoption thing. You know, we definitely can't forget that. The other thing is what's next? Ai, we have a role in that. Um, what that looks like is still, we're all trying to figure that out. But I do think that, um, we're an office that can adapt. I think we're trusted as a state office. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. We wanna continue to do that regardless of what our responsibilities end up being. 

But, um, we all really, really, the 10 of us, my team, best team, best team, um, I have the best providers, best team. I say all those things, but I do truly mean 'em, um, are so dedicated to this work and Minnesota's really lucky to have all of them.

Jessica Denson (25:30):

Well, it's an exciting time. It's interesting to see where things are gonna go. And like you said, you mentioned AI and who knows what the next emerging technology will be, but I love that Minnesota is trying to get everybody online and that you have that, that you are leading it, you're doing a great job.

Bree Maki (25:46):

Well, thank you. And again, it's just I get to be part of a great thing, you know, one person, but it's really exciting.

Jessica Denson (25:52):

Yeah. And you think about it, 10 people for an entire state really isn't that much.

Bree Maki (25:56):

No, when I started, it's not the mini six. And so we've increased it, um, to 10, um, which is, which is great. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. But we're small and mighty <laugh>. And when we have the deadlines, we might be up till 1130 at night to hit the Oh yeah. We've

Jessica Denson (26:10):

Been there.

Bree Maki (26:10):

Yeah. Hit the summit. Yeah. Your friends have been with me, <laugh> all the way. Uh, sleepless. Nice. But it's because we do care and we want it to be successful.

Jessica Denson (26:19):

Alright, well that's a great place to leave it. Uh, Brie Mackey, executive director of the Office of Broadband Development for Minnesota. Thank you so much for your time. Absolutely. Thank you. 

Still ahead This year we'll continue our coverage from CX Connections 2025 and talk with leadership from CX as well as other high profile speakers and those with broadband companies from across the country. Until then, I'm Jessica Denson and this is Connected Nation.