“It is an era of unprecedented interest in broadband as a platform of economic and community development. Advanced communications networks are increasingly recognized as a growing engine for economic activity, democratic participation, healthcare, and education. Local governments, in particular, increasingly embrace opportunities to develop next-generation broadband in their communities — and to reap the many benefits that broadband will deliver to their residents and businesses. Emerging public-private partnership (P3) models present a promising alternative to the traditional ‘municipal broadband’ or ‘middle mile’ models for the many communities that lack the capital or expertise to deploy and operate fiber networks, or to act as Internet service providers (ISPs) on their own. … This primer is organized in two sections. In the first part, [the authors] provide a strategic overview of broadband public-private partnerships, examples of three models, and a framework for public sector entities to consider as they evaluate potential models, assess potential partners, and set goals for a partnership. In the second section, [they] address the key legal issues that arise in each of the three major stages of the development of a public-private partnership deal: confirmation of authority, pre-negotiation project planning, and negotiation of the agreement.”