The comprehensive Philadelphia2035 strategic plan, the first undertaken in more than 60 years, is the foundation of the city’s future built environment. Though it is incomplete, summaries of the plan have underrepresented what we believe is vital to the city’s economic growth: broadband connectivity. Without more detailed plans to implement next-generation connectivity, the city risks missing an important opportunity.

Mayor Michael Nutter’s administration understands the impact of technology in Philadelphia. Though the city failed to win $21 million in stimulus grants last year to help improve broadband infrastructure, it has continued to pursue its “Digital Philadelphia” vision. Included in this vision is the possibility of creating technology innovation zones where firms could centrally locate around strong broadband infrastructure.

In March 2010, the Division of Technology announced plans to compete for Google’s ultra-high speed Gigabit fiber pilot program, electing separately University City — where the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University are located — and a stretch of neighborhoods from Old City to Fishtown which relies on commercial infrastructure. Though it is assumed that both areas would attract more businesses with higher-speed access, some neighborhoods in the city struggle to provide affordable — if any — broadband access.

What lessons can be learned from these three areas that can help inform the city’s comprehensive Philadelphia2035 plan? Does broadband investment in University City and along the city’s waterfront translate to increased economic activity? How does the investment unique to each of these two areas compare with a neighborhood with little investment? Finally, how can the city best support the creation of next-generation high-speed connectivity to spur growth? These are questions we hope to answer with our Broadband2035 series.