Minnesota's broadband chief on turning years of planning into instant impact

On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re heading to Minnesota—a state that has long been recognized as a national leader in broadband planning and investment. 

We’ll explore Minnesota’s broadband journey, the challenges of connecting communities across its diverse landscape, and the lessons its experience can offer other states as they enter the next phase of broadband deployment.

Related links:

Bree Maki LinkedIn

Minnesota Office of Broadband Development

Transcript

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Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (00:08):
This is Connected Nation, an award-winning podcast focused on all things broadband. From closing the digital divide to improving your internet speeds, we talk technology topics that impact all of us, our families, and our neighborhoods. On today's podcast, we're heading to Minnesota, a state that has long been viewed as a national leader in broadband planning and investment. We'll discuss the state's broadband journey, the challenges of connecting communities across a diverse landscape, and what other states can learn as they work through the next phase of broadband deployment. I'm Jessica Denson, and this is Connected Nation. I'm Jessica Denson, and today my guest is Bri Mackey, executive director for the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development. Welcome, Bree. Hi.

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (00:55):
Happy

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (00:56):
To be here.

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (00:56):
Hi.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (00:57):
Thanks for joining me. Um, as I was talking right before we started, I was supposed to be at Mountain Connect, but, uh, my flights never connected there. <laugh> Um, so I appreciate you joining me after the fact. Um, I hope. Did you have a good conference?

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (01:10):
I did have a good conference. It's always nice to see people in person, but also see, uh, hear all the things happening broadband. So yes, great conference.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (01:21):
Any takeaways from the event?

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (01:24):
Um, I think a lot of the takeaways is maybe some of what we'll talk about today and that's still some bead uncertainty and where is everybody at, um, in that, in that realm. Um, and then I think the conversations around AI are really, really picking up.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (01:41):
Yeah. AI is definitely a big talking point everywhere you go. <laugh> Pretty much in any industry that you're in. <laugh> Um, so before we, before we get to all that, let's learn a little more about you. I'd like our audience to know who we're talking to. So, uh, you're originally from Southeastern Minnesota, is that correct?

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (01:59):
I am, yes. Um, down, uh, by Winona County.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (02:03):
So tell us a little bit about growing up in Minnesota and what it's like in those commu - local communities.

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (02:10):
Yeah. Well, I actually born and raised and stay, uh, in the community that I did grow up in, um, about, uh, four miles from my high school, because it's that small, um, where I actually serve as a local school board member, uh, for our district. But, um, I would say, you know, I've always been out, um, more in the country, uh, not in, in a town area. And neighbors know neighbors, and I think we often look out for each other, um, in ways sometimes we appreciate, and sometimes people know more about you than you do. So, you know, our small communities. But really, I mean, I, I feel like I grew up, um, you know, seeing firsthand, um, how people come together and, uh, really support each other in community.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (03:02):
And before leading the offices you are now, the Office of Broadband Development for the state, you worked in broadband and telecommunications for some, um, pretty well-known US senators, Tina Smith and Al Franken. What did those experiences teach you about connectivity?

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (03:19):
Yeah. I mean, I would say first and foremost, what taught me just as a whole, and it can be applied, uh, to connectivity, is really understanding that you are not having to be the expert in every part of the work, but it's the relationships that you build along the way that really help guide the work, um, that you end up doing. And that's no different. I mean, we're talking about connections and connectivity. Um, you can take that in technology and when we're talking about broadband, but you can also just take that, you know, as a general sense of how Minnesota works together. So I really learned quickly in that job that I could not know everything as a, as an outreach director that covered everything. <laugh> Um, so if I didn't have, uh, people in, you know, different communities, different topic areas that I could lean into, I'd be lost.

(04:12)
So forming relationships and trust, um, and knowing where your experts are, are key, um, to not only that job, but the job I'm doing

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (04:21):
Now. Do you think, um, little side note, do you think Minnesota's really known for being a, a friendly place to be and to go? You kind of picture the m - that type of area that way. I think that's kind of a, a s - a, an idea that I would have of Minnesota. I've actually never been.

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (04:36):
Oh, well, we need to get you here.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (04:38):
I know. <laugh>

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (04:39):
Um, I like to think it is. And, you know, it's, it's a simple thing like, you know, I travel nationwide, um, and it's simple things like just holding the door, you know? Mm-hmm. You'll see a young person holding the door here in Minnesota and, and then you travel other places. And that's not, you know, it's not because people are rude, it's just a culture thing. Um, and so I would say yes, I think in most parts we are friendly. Uh, we're not shy to talk about the weather if we have nothing else to talk

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (05:11):
About. <laugh> That's great. It's, weather's always a good fallback. I, I'm with you there. I grew up in the South, so <laugh> same thing for us. Uh, you were appointed by Governor Tim Walls to lead the office in 2022. What attracted you to your current role and what does a typical day look like for you?

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (05:28):
Oh, um, well, I would say one thing that really attracted me to this role, because I wasn't looking. I loved my job with the Senate. I loved covering greater Minnesota as well as all of Minnesota in telecom and broadband, getting to know people and, um, seeing how federal impacts can impact local. Um, and, uh, really enjoyed that. But what attracted me to this job was Senator Smith was actually Lieutenant Governor when the office was created. And so, you know, it was kind of a full circle moment to have an opportunity to lead, um, the office of broadband at this time and, and such a monumental time when, you know, capital projects was full steam ahead, um, and BEAD was on the horizon, which I worked on, you know, in the Senate side and now trying to implement it four years later. Um, but, you know, I think just, you know, having that focus and topic area and, and an organization that is so trusted and, um, immediate results are seen every person you can connect.

(06:36)
And I think that is probably what attracted me and keeps me motivated in this job.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (06:42):
I love that. The fact that, I mean, you've honed into the, the idea that immediately when someone's connected, there are opportunities that they're open to. There's resources that they have access to. There's an, there's a whole nother level. And that's a great way to put it, the immediate impact of it. Was there anything that surprised you about the scale or complexity of the work?

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (07:05):
Well, again, I, I would say one of my strengths, which, you know, it's always hard to talk to you about yourself and, and - <laugh>. Your positives and strengths and, and great things, but is I think I'm really good at, um, kind of figuring things out and not necessarily looking for a no, but how can we e- exhaust all the yeses before we get to a no, and bringing, you know, everyone along and, and making sure everybody's communicating. And so I knew when I take this job, technology was not my forte. I didn't, you know, I, I didn't work in the tech field. I, I'm still amazed about how this little glass thing can do all the magic behind the scenes. Um, and you'll, if you're ever with me in, you know, uh, one of the data centers at a local ISP is, uh, you have about three minutes before I'm bored because it just blows my mind.

(08:02)
<laugh> So I would say, you know, as far as that goes, that technical nature, um, I would say the other thing that I learned is it's, this work is so easy and yet so hard. Um, and I would say s - the state of Minnesota has done this. I think we've got a good, uh, recipe for getting it done. And then some of the complexities, as we know, um, of outside and, and different federal funding, uh, really challenged us, uh, to think broader and incorporate all of those, um, federal requirements into a state role, um, and how the state has done it and balancing what we know and what we don't know and what's kind of the new no.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (08:46):
Well, let's dive into that a little bit. Minnesota's Border to Border Broadband Grant Program, it's, it's become somewhat of a national standard or a national model for doing this right. Can you explain how it started, started and why it's been successful?

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (09:00):
Yeah. So it actually started with, um, a governor's broadband task force that was put together, um, that brought in, um, 15 different, uh, experts in different areas and walks of life, um, whether it was cable, uh, wireless, education, healthcare, telecom, you name it, um, and really talking through and developing, uh, a plan to make sure Minnesota was on the leading edge of, of making sure that Minnesotans are connected to broadband. And once, uh, the task force made recommendations and, and went to the legislature, then it was, you know, put into legislative, um, language that the office was created, and then shortly thereafter, uh, grants program through general funds, which is, which is our border-to-border grant program. Uh, so really, to some degree, grassroots. It's also why our office is in the Department of Employment and Economic Development and not in some, you know, other agency or regulatory agency, because there were so many polls and gives and back and forth with all of the folks to make sure, um, they work together and, and try to get this right.

(10:15)
Um, and so, um, that was, that was back in ov- over 12 years ago, um, and it's still going strong. We still have the governor's broadband task force. We still have statutory goals and still working towards that, but it's a mission that Minnesota really has, has really stood by and wants to complete the job and do it right. And

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (10:40):
Thinking so far ahead, uh, being 12 year, you know, 12 years ago, and that was before the pandemic when I think a lot of people began to realize, "Oh, this is not a luxury. We really need to h - be connected." Um, anybody who though that still was kind of out of there when, when 2020, 2020 and 2021 came along. So, uh, h - being positioned and being, and thinking ahead like that, did that really help when BEAD came around and when these other opportunities came around like ARPA and that kind of thing, um, do you think that positioned Minnesota pretty well?

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (11:12):
Yeah. I mean, I will first and foremost say when it came to capital projects, dollars through treasury and ARPA, Minnesota, like, we were out the gate wanting to go and, uh, we were allowed, um, through that program to really hit the ground running with the programs we had and also add line extension and, uh, low population density program, which is just an off of our border-to-border programs. And so out the gate, we were, we were just chomping. And I, I joined just a little after, after that, but I think even the office was waiting on, you know, the treasury to g- get guidance and approvals and all of that thing, but we were out the gate and we were excited to spend that, those dollars. Um, and we continue to, uh, penny pinch to get whatever's left out the door, um, before the end of the, the deadline to spend that in December and, and, and we're on track.

(12:10)
Um, and so I would say, you know, we were really well positioned for that. Um, when it comes to BEAD, I would also say, I think we were really well positioned to understanding all the nuances and what goes into broadband deployment. And, um, you know, obviously we know that that program has had its bumps along the way, but - uh-huh. I think for a program that was experienced, there was a lot of desire and a lot of though that we would be the first out of the gate because we'd been doing it so long, where other states were just opening offices. Mm-hmm. Um, but some of that really, I do think, was kinda hindered us too, because we thought of things that maybe weren't thought through yet, um,

(12:54)
By NTIA or as we were partnering together to figure this out and, and constant questions about whatever it is because we've been doing it, "What about this? What about that?" And so, um, you know, we were a little slower, but we wanted to get it right. And we also had, I had legislative guidance, um, to make sure we aligned it as best we could to our current programs as allowed by the Department of Commerce. So, um, that was a long answer to yes. Um - <laugh>. But did it benefit us the whole time? M- maybe not.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (13:30):
So there's good, bad, good, and bad, some give and take there. And it sounds like, I think the long answer was a great answer because you demonstrated that having that knowledge can sometimes be like, "Oh, we, we know these, these potential pitfalls are <laugh> that we need to be aware of." And I think that's great. So for Minnesota, there's like this, there's perception, I think, you know, as I said, I have never been there, so please forgive me if I have it wrong, but the, a lot of people often think of it as a remote rural area only. Is it, is there more of a mix or is that an accurate picture?

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (14:03):
Um, there's definitely more of a mix. And it's funny because, um, calling it rural is really in the eye of the person you're talking to.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (14:12):
Yeah. <laugh>

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (14:13):
I mean, I grew up in a town of, uh, outside of a town of 1200 people. I consider that greater Minnesota and more, you know, rural country. Um, but there are people who think maybe Winona is great, you know, rural and that's 29,000 people. Mm-hmm. Um, and, you know, for us, that's a city. Um, and so it, it really, you know, uh, pans the, the whole state. And there are remote areas, don't get me wrong, that, you know, maybe one house every so many miles, we have a lot of state park, um, you know, wildlife, um, boundaries, boundary waters. Um, and so, you know, it is a pretty diverse state, um, when you, when you're here. Uh, we have prairie areas, cars topography, um, but yes. And then we have a great metro area, you know, which is the Twin Cities area in Minneapolis, so.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (15:07):
I've heard good things about Minneapolis. Um, and I mean that <laugh> from some of my friends who've been there, they said it's really a, a really great city area. Um, so, um, what about the biggest connectivity challenges there? Is it the topography? Is it something else? Is it just, um, the, how big the state is? Wh- what is it? What are, what are some of the biggest challenges that you have when it comes to connecting everyone there?

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (15:34):
Yeah. Well, I think it's a combination of many things, as you're suggesting. Um, you know, our last mapping done by Connected Nation of unserved and underserved locations was, uh, a little, around 155,000, um, households and businesses without state statutory, uh, broadband. Uh, and so those, I think what it presents is the most difficult, hardest, and expensive places to serve are what is left. Because all of the, I don't wanna say easy stuff, because it certainly has been public-private partnership that has gotten us to this point, um, but, you know, it, it, it, the business case for a provider to expand wireline broadband, um, to maybe one home or location a mile away from the next, it's a big lift. Um, and so, again, that public-private partnership is really important. So, you know, I, it is also topography in different areas of the state. Providers do, um, did things different, whether it's aerial, whether, you know, you're in the mining area and you can't get through rock or whatever the case may be.

(16:50)
Um, and so I think our providers are getting it right, and they're working with us and, and figuring it out. Uh, we also have a lot of rural electric co-ops now participating and doing broadband because their members need it and they see a need, and, um, there haven't been providers able to do so yet. And so being creative of how to get it done. Um, so I think just a combination of all of that is, is really where we're at. Well,

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (17:20):
Where doesn't Minnesota currently stand in the process of planning and deployment? Has real deploy - has in the field deployment happened yet or is, in, I guess in regards to BEAD, that might be one, a different thing than just in general. So where are you in the process?

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (17:38):
Yeah, I mean, specific to BEAD, um, we signed our first contract a couple weeks ago, um, and that project is moving forward fast and furious. Um, it's also - That's exciting. Yeah. It is exciting. I don't think we took enough time to celebrate how far we've been after four years that we have a signed contract. Um, but that project is a, is a provider that is, uh, working in Wisconsin and Minnesota, so there was a partnership and a need to, to work together and, and move quickly because of funding sources. Um, we're currently actively working with providers, um, that were awarded BEAD dollars to, um, make sure that their scopes and, uh, work are, are correct and get them contracted. We know BEAD is a four-year build out, so some providers just aren't going to be ready. Um, we're gonna butt into winter real quick here in Minnesota.

(18:34)
Um, we know that there are environmental, uh, things that need to be done, which, um, we did hire a land use permitting quarter for our team about a year and a half ago, and she happens to be an archeologist. Oh, cool. And so she is hitting the ro - ground running and working with providers already to kinda understand, um, help them understand what's gonna be needed as these projects move forward. So, um, again, we are a little bit, um, not first out the gate because, let's be honest, NTIA has changed guidance and continues to change guidance.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (19:08):
Yeah.

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (19:09):
And there have been, uh, states that have contracted and had to go back on contracts and amend, and we just really didn't wanna do that to our providers. And, you know, it's already a challenging program for them. We are actually losing providers in this program as well, um, that wanted to participate, but just with the cost increases and, and supply chain and uncertainty, um, some of them have had to bow out. So that's where we are at BEAD at this moment. We're doing what we can to make our providers successful under a program that NTIA is really administering and we're administering it for them, um, and doing the best we can.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (19:50):
Yeah, that is a unique challenge. Um, just for the benefit of our listeners, there's been a lot of changes, including the benefit of the bargain last year where things, everybody though things were moving forward, but, you know, you have an administration change as typical, things change. <laugh> Um, yeah, so there's been some challenges. So the fact that you have a signed contract is a big deal, so I'm excited for you. Um, w- what you did mention, you touched on it briefly, but if you could expand just a little bit on the, the need for workforce chal - you know, the need for a workforce that can really do this right now, especially with every state doing it at the same time, was there some talk, has there been some talk about the challenges that face that, you know, needing those people and that supply chain challenge that you just mentioned?

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (20:36):
Yeah, I mean, uniquely because we are, um, in the Department of Employment and Economic Development, we do have some, um, ability to collaborate with our, um, coworkers in different divisions. And so this has been something that we certainly are sharing with, with our workforce, um, departments as well as the Workforce Board. Um, we also have, um, industry partners who have been gearing up and trying to train, um, providing training programs. Um, we have union, uh, partners who are doing the same. I think the challenging part is, you know, we, for four years, we're like, "Well, next spring, and then next spring, and then next spring." Mm-hmm. And so it has been a challenge, especially for a state that has winter and people need to keep working. So I think they've all been trying to be creative and, um, getting training that is cross-trainable, um, where they can, um, for, for folks to be able to keep working throughout the year.

(21:37)
Um, and so, you know, they're busy, don't get me wrong, in the summer, there's private industry building constantly and, and obviously other infrastructure projects. Um, but, you know, keeping them busy and keeping them in Minnesota when you can go to a state that has year-round construction is a challenge for our providers when they're, when they're hiring, um, if they, they can't get labor within the state. Um, and then I will just -

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (22:04):
That's interesting. I hadn't thought about the, the building season. And you say because the, the le - the ground's too hard, right, and there's too much frost, that kind of thing?

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (22:13):
Yes. Yes. That is exactly it. Or it's, you know, so deeply covered in snow. Um, that's a challenge too.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (22:21):
Is it true that people. <laugh> This is a side note. Is it true that sometimes you have to put your cars on heaters? <laugh> So you can start them? Did I imagine that or make that up in my head? <laugh>

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (22:32):
No, I don't. Yeah. No, you did not make that up. It used to be more the diesel car, a diesel - Okay. You know, and when. I mean, I remember this as a child. My parents had a diesel, I don't know, Capri, Buick, whatever it was, and they would put the heater on, on to keep it all warm. But, um, I'm sure that's still out there. <laugh> And, um, also, side note, uh, they put heaters on pipes, their water pipes - Oh, okay. So they don't freeze. Um, so there's that, too. Um, but yes. Uh,

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (23:04):
My pipes freeze every year, so I need, I need some of those heaters sitting down too. <laugh> Uh, um, okay. You know, at Connect Nation, as you know, you've worked with us and we've worked with y'all, we've partnered with you guys, you've done some great things. And, um, one of the things that we talk about is not just, it's not just about access, it's also about helping people get, get at the internet and know how to use it. Uh, talk about your office's approach to digital equity or digital inclusion and removing some of those barriers so people can actually take advantage of what you guys are building.

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (23:36):
Yeah, I think, you know, first and foremost, we stand ready whenever the Digital Equity Act, um, capacity dollars are able to flow back to states. Um, we believe our digital opportunity plan, um, we put together, as required by NTIA, was really a plan that Minnesota developed through community connection committees and really self-driven. So it wasn't a plan we did to check a box for NTIA. It was a meaningful plan. And that meaningful plan, um, really identified, um, barriers as well as assets that communities across the state had. Um, I would say, you know, because the funding loss, um, we, you know, have had limited ability to be able to really hone and focus in on some of the things we would have liked to given the funding. However, I would say everything and every, um, chance we get, um, to provide technical assistance, to connect folks, to, um, educate, um, and, and get, um, people the tools they need, um, to do all the things, um, i- is part of just the fabric of what we do, um, in and out daily.

(24:53)
Um, I would say the other thing in Minnesota is, being we still have the Governor's Broadband Task Force bringing, um, presentations and different models to them each month. Usually there's two different presentations so they can really understand, um, the scope of, of exactly what you're asking. Last month, or earlier this month, we had an organization that works with the corrections facilities on different certificates in the broadband workforce. And so sharing that with the task force, they can come up with ideas and legislative, um, requests or recommendations also to the governor on what may or may not work because they're in the field, um, and they're out there. Um, and so that has been a really useful tool to help, um, guide and direct the state. Um, and lastly, I'll just say, obviously, affordability is challenging. I think most of our providers, when they're in a grant program with us, I mean, they're very cognizant and, and, um, think through what different plan levels can be and many offer that.

(26:01)
But we do know ACH was an incredible program where almost $5 million a month, um, was the subsidy that was helping to support families have that access in Minnesota, and that's a big lift. So, um, certainly, um, we're watching how other states are, are doing those programs in absence of ACP.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (26:24):
Yeah, that program for our listeners, um, benefit, if, if you may or may not know, it was around during the pandemic, it was, it was put into place, and it helped a lot of low-income families, um, access the internet during a time when that was really the only access you had to anything. Um, and it was a, a big loss to lose that for a lot of people in Minnesota, I'm sure, and across the country. So millions and millions of people were impacted by that. Um, things have really changed in the broadband <laugh> world over the past five years. Uh, being as that you've had some of that experience at the local and the federal level and state level, all those different areas, what are some things that you think, um, that you have learned that would help other state broadband offices or other states that are just now, you know, or just recently in the last few years stood up their broadband offices?

(27:14)
Have there been some things that can really help each, that can help others in this space.

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (27:22):
Yeah, I, I would s - a- as I think about this question, one of the things that pops up is one of the earlier conferences that I spoke on a panel, and I don't remember where, um, but afterwards, um, one of the other states, and again, don't remember who, but just made a comment about you talk to your states or your ISPs, like, as a question, and my response, well, how else are you gonna get it done? Um, and so I think one thing that I try to share both nationally in the state is, is having that communication with the internet service providers. Again, we have small cable company that maybe have 200 members and different telecom and all of the things. So it, it's not just all huge, and especially as we're getting to these very remote, small areas. And so having conversations, working with your different county, townships, city associations, and, and really building those relationships, hey, our grant program, our board of board of grant program, we will not award a grant unless they have local support.

(28:30)
So it is really embedded because we want take rate, we wanna know the relationship has been built, and this is the provider communities want, um,

(28:41)
As their provider if they have nothing, right? So - uh-huh. Um, having that is key, um, I think. Um, and, um, you know, we can get all of, all of the different types of broadband providers to work together, um, come to consensus, you know, uh, go to committees and, and, um, you know, testify in similar manners. Um, and I think that's somewhat unique, but it's n - again, not that hard. It's communication, trust. Um, you can be a competitor, but you can still look at the greater good.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (29:20):
It, it's interesting, and sometimes the simplest thing can be the most effective, but it's often overlooked. <laugh> uh-huh. Yeah. So, uh, I won't keep you all day. I just got a couple more questions. Uh, what, what does success look like for Minnesota over the next five, 10 years down the road?

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (29:37):
Well, you know, certainly, um, it would be nice if we could achieve our 2026 statutory goals to make sure all homes and businesses get, uh, broadband, again, 100 by 20, uh, wire lined, as statutorily said. I will say we're in 2026, and, uh, we're narrowing down the opportunity to do that, but And in all defense, it's because BEAD was really gonna come in and put a foot stamp and then the state could pick up what was left. We knew BEAD was not going to be finish the job, uh, again, how we define it in Minnesota, but we knew it could make a big impact. And so that being delayed has sort of pushed the, uh, legislature a little bit behind as far as general fund, um, dollars, uh, allocating because of trying to be fiscally responsible with the fe- federal dollars first before asking the state to step in.

(30:34)
Um, so I would say first and foremost, we would love to see everybody connected, but also, you know, continuing to challenge the state to do better, um, higher speed goals. Um, we talked about digital opportunities, um, and, you know, with AI coming on, there's data centers coming on, like what, what else can the office be effective in, um, in helping with as the state continues to evolve and, and technology continues to evolve?

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (31:06):
Well, and you brought up AI. Is there an innovation or trend that you're really watching closely? Is that the one that right now is gaining s- so much steam that that is what everybody's eye is on or are there other things as well?

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (31:20):
Yeah, I mean, I think AI is going so fast that the steam is, is way over the capacity of what anybody could, could kind of even slow it down because it, it's just evolving so fast and, and not. People are just trying to figure it out and how we do that. And I see it as a school board member and how we approach it in the classrooms and, and teachers and different softwares that are being invested in to make sure it's safe. What our role at the office is, I'm still trying to figure it out. It makes sense that, um, you know, we have a role there, but, you know, what that looks like is still, I think, Minnesota trying to figure it out like everybody else. Um, so I don't really have a good answer for you on that because I think we knew it was coming, but I don't, I think people are still going, "What is AI?" And then there are some of us who are using it every day and have named theirs, you know?

(32:18)
So it just depends on the person. Um, yeah, that's a tough one.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (32:24):
I'm a - I have an AI that I use a lot and I'm always like, "Uh, did, did I make sense here? Do you like this sentence?" <laugh> Double check me here. Is this just in my brain? Um, well, two more questions and then I'm done, I promise. What should industry leaders understand about the work that state broadband offices are doing behind the scenes? Um, I kn - I do, I am aware that sometimes that a lot of broad, state broadband office leaders that you, you meet, there's a, um, my understanding is there's a network that you guys can come to and, uh, connect. Um, I don't know how formal it is, but <laugh> it's there. What are some things that people should know that you guys are doing behind the scenes?

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (33:05):
Yeah. Um, it's, it's a hard job. There's 56 of us across, um, you know, the nation and, um, you know, some changes across different states here and there. But I think one thing is, um, we are trying really hard to balance the priorities of the state with also two other, at a minimum, federal agencies, whether it's treasury or commerce and bringing that all together. Simple things like contracting, you have to take in state contracting rules and requirements as well as the federal and, and hope you're not breaking the state law to meet the federal or whatever that looks like. Um, we are also, you know, out there, um, trying to support communities, um, and make sure that they have all the needs met that they have. We're doing education, we're doing conferences, um, and we're doing HR, um, and leading teams. Um, I am so fortunate that I have, I am biased, but also I think facts remain, uh, the best team.

(34:11)
Um, I'm leading an office of 10, um, and they're doing grant administration. Um, they're out in the field with, with Connected Nation doing speed tests as we're closing out or halfway through projects and making sure that this money is well spent and, and being used, um, where it needs to be used. Um, you know, we're, we talked about workforce, we talked about digital opportunity. And though the job is hard, I am here, and I will say that it's because we have such a supportive network in the state of Minnesota that is behind and will go to bat for, um, my team, for the office and for the mission and the legislative support we have. Um, and ultimately, this is something everybody, I think, has recognized that everybody needs and deserves. And so it's a topic area, um, that, you know, is, is easy to get behind, I think.

(35:04)
Um, and so, yeah, uh, I don't really think about it much. You just kind of get up and see what your calendar looks like and jump all over. I think I'm doing a annual review after our conversation. Uh, you know, earlier this morning, it was, you know, some other crazy thing that I, you know, you just don't know. <laugh> Um, but I will say, um, given all, as you mentioned earlier, the policy change and NTIA's changes and whatnot, this summer I told the team we are not staying up until 2:30 in the morning to do all the things. We are going to have a summer, we're going to manage our workload. There's no emergency in broadband, obviously, like, there are needs and, and we mi - we do not miss deadlines, but, um, you know, the last thing I'll say - There's still people. Yes, we're still people.

(35:52)
And I was just gonna say, we're still people, and most of us live in greater Minnesota that need connectivity, myself included. So we are driven by not only, um, the needs of our community, but the communities we live in in general.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (36:06):
I think that's great. I think you just got, uh, a bunch of new resumes too <laugh> work for a boss who, who's aware that we're also people. Um, Bri, what's the one takeaway that you would like our listeners to leave with about Minnesota's broadband journey and what's still ahead?

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (36:24):
Yeah, I think takeaway, we have been creative, we've challenged each other. Um, we have looked for ways to make things work, um, for everybody. Um, we aren't afraid to have tough conversations and disagree, but also collaborate. Um, and we really do look out. I, I honestly believe everybody, advocates, providers, communities, whatever, really ultimately look out for each other because the mission and the goal is, is the same. And that really is the pride of being able to expand broadband, um, in a meaningful way. Uh, and like I said, as we started, one person connected, one hope, home connected is instantly their lives can change given the tools and resources to do so.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (37:12):
Yeah, I love that. That's the one thing I wrote. The immediate impact of this long-term work is what I wrote down as we were talking. It's really fantastic and I really appreciate your time today. I know you're busy and you've still got an annual report you said coming that you have to work on. Um, so I'm gonna let you go, but thank you so much for your time, Bri.

Bree Maki, Minnesota Broadband Director (37:30):
Of course. Thank you.

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (37:39):
Again, we've been talking with Bri Mackey, Executive Director of the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development. I'll include links to Broadband, Minnesota's Broadband Office and related resources in the, in the description of this podcast. I'm Jessica Ensen. Thanks for listening to Connected Nation. If you like our show and wanna know more about us, head to connectednation.org or look for the latest episodes on your favorite podcast platform.