Jim Baller of the Baller Herbst Law Group points out that economic development is the key motivation for the creation of broadband networks.  At the 2011 Broadband Properties Summit, Baller led a track on economic development as it relates to broadband.  He also discusses the role of a champion in making broadband successful in a community.  He cites the Google FTTH initiative as an example of a catalyst that started a conversation among leaders in 1,100 communities regarding how broadband could help spur growth and improve quality of life.