In this episode of Broadband Heroes, host Nick and co-host Jade welcome broadband policy heavyweight Joey Wender, former director of the Treasury's $10 billion Capital Projects Fund and now Executive Director of SHLB (Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition).

Joey reflects on his journey from Capitol Hill to leading broadband equity initiatives that impact communities across the U.S. He breaks down the Capital Projects Fund, its role as a "first wave" in pandemic-era broadband funding, and how it helped states rapidly expand high-speed internet access—without federal micromanagement.

Now at SHLB, Joey champions anchor institutions like schools, libraries, and health clinics, advocating for sustainable funding through the Universal Service Fund (USF) and Digital Equity Act. He shares insight on how the perception of broadband has shifted in government, why affordability and adoption are still major hurdles, and what policies need to evolve to close the digital divide for good.

From Supreme Court cases to small-town libraries, this conversation explores the very real stakes of broadband access—and the people working tirelessly to make it universal.