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News article
The MHCRC hosted its final Peer Learning Event, celebrating decades of community media impact and launching plans for a grantee-led peer learning network to continue collaboration and knowledge-sharing as the Commission transitions toward dissolution in 2026.
Published
On October 30, 2025, the Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission (MHCRC) hosted its final Peer Learning Event, bringing together over 40 community technology grantees for a day of reflection, connection and collaboration. Rather than an ending, the 2025 event marked a transformation—celebrating the abundance of relationships, skills, and creative capacity that grantees have cultivated, and affirming their resilience as they envision a self-sustaining, grantee-led peer learning network.
Celebration of community impact
The morning began with introductions and a shared timeline of community media experience. Grantees from across Multnomah County and its five partner cities reflected on what they enjoy about media production, from storytelling and collaboration to the joy of amplifying community voices.
A video montage featuring projects funded through the Community Technology Grant Program underscored the wide reach and impact of the MHCRC's support over the years. During opening remarks, Commission Chair Julia DeGraw and Commissioner Jeff Dennerline honored both the program's legacy and the cohesive power grantees carry forward, while responding to questions with transparency during this moment of transition.
Reflecting on collective wisdom
Through a session of small group discussions, participants moved between tables exploring three guiding topics:
- Establishing productive partnerships
- Working across cultural differences
- Evaluating impact
Each conversation surfaced shared experiences, strategies and challenges, which further reinforced the power of peer learning as a source of professional growth, community resilience and self-evaluation.
Forging ahead with a peer learning network
The event's final session focused on abundance rather than scarcity. Over ten grantees immediately volunteered to host the inaugural gathering of a peer-led learning network, demonstrating both collective commitment and creative momentum. This self-directed network represents grantees stepping fully into their power—continuing to share expertise, amplify one another's projects, and build on the creative foundations they've already established.
As the MHCRC works through the process of dissolving its intergovernmental agreement (IGA) under Resolution No. 2025-01, this year's event was symbolic of not only closure, but also continuity. The Commission is working closely with partner jurisdictions to ensure a coordinated transition, and current grants will continue their existing timelines with staff support through each project end date.
Carrying the work forward
Since 1999 the MHCRC's Community Technology Grant Program has invested millions of dollars in community-driven media and technology projects that expand access, build skills and strengthen civic engagement. As the Commission transitions, the spirit of the program endures through the relationships and shared knowledge cultivated among grantees. The 2025 Peer Learning event reaffirmed that community media in the region will continue on—powered by collaboration, creativity and a community collective leadership.