Should Portland appoint Asad Butt for a term July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028 and reappoint Leslie Goodlow for a term to expire June 30, 2028 to the Mt. Hood Cable…

The Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission (MHCRC or Commission) advocates for and protects the public interest in the regulation and development of cable communications systems in Multnomah County and the Cities of Fairview, Gresham, Portland, Troutdale and Wood Village; monitors and helps resolve cable subscribers' concerns in these jurisdictions; and participates in the planning and implementation of community use of cable communications technologies which make use of the public right of way. The Commission is comprised of eight volunteer community members appointed by the 5 city councils and the county commission (Jurisdictions). An Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) among the Jurisdictions grants the Commission the authority to regulate cable services franchise agreements with Comcast (serving county-wide) and Ziply (serving east county-but due to expire December 31, 2025). Collectively the cable companies serve about 87,000 cable subscribers. As a result of the cable services franchise agreements, the Commission oversees an annual fund budget of about $8 million.

The reviewed sources do not clearly identify every existing policy, service, contract, or obligation that would remain unchanged.

This proposal concerns land use & permitting and requires action through Portland’s public legislative process.

The Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission is made up of volunteer commissioners appointed for three (3) year terms or the balance of an existing term in the event of an interim vacancy. Portland has three seats on the commission; the other five (5) commissioners represent Fairview, Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village and Multnomah County. The Commission solicits volunteer interest forms. Appointed MHCRC members are collectively responsible for: Determining grant recipients for the Community Technology Grants, an annual, competitive funding opportunity, which historically allocates about $4,000,000 annually to libraries, local governments and non-profit community organizations Overseeing contracts with two community media centers: Open Signal, serving Portland, and MetroEast Community Media, serving the east Multnomah County area Enforcing cable company compliance with franchise agreements Providing consumer protection for cable service subscribers in cable television matters, including complaint resolution Conducting cable franchise negotiations, renewals, and transfers of ownership Promoting community and institutional uses of cable communications technologies, including the deployment of broadband fiber by cable companies Participating in advocacy efforts for legislative activities and FCC proceedings Primary Responsibilities of Commissioners include: Provide direction to MHCRC staff on financial and policy objectives Oversee financial matters of the Commission, including developing and presenting an annual budget for recommendation to the member jurisdictions Attend Commission meetings (about 8 per year) and participate on at least one committee (about 4 per year) Attend annual, one-day Commission planning retreat (usually a Saturday in the Spring) Provide regular reports and serve as liaison to elected officials of appointing jurisdiction Keep informed and educated about issues related to Commission activities.