It would be cool if there was a neighborhood watch but for projects and/or money. Like, a couple dozen people in the community who watch that specific money like a hawk, to make sure it benefits the community and moves along at a good pace and the actors don't take advantage.
One good thing with broadband is that the FCC is making companies publish service maps.
I've heard from multiple people that they've looked at the map and forced companies to make amendments when they claim to offer service in an area but don't actually.
