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 Regulatory Commission
TO THE COUNCIL:
The Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission (MHCRC) is a quasi-governmental body, created by Intergovernmental Agreement, to develop and regulate cable services franchise agreements and manage public benefit resources and assets related to the agreements. The MHCRC reports to the City Councils of Portland, Fairview, Gresham, Troutdale, and Wood Village, and the Multnomah County Commission. The MHCRC 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.
Appointment of Asad Butt:
Mr. Butt’s industry experience and advocacy work is an ideal fit for the Commission’s body of work and MHCRC members and staff are thrilled that he has agreed to serve a three-year term on the Commission.
Biography:
Asad Butt has lived in Portland since 2018. He is a Portland-based entrepreneur, startup advocate, and media professional. Most recently, Asad has been leading the Metro Region Innovation Hub, a local organization that entrepreneurs access regional resources to grow their startups. For over a decade he has built, operated, and advised startup accelerator and incubator programs across multiple sectors. In Portland in 2020, Asad launched Rifelion Media, a new media company committed to elevating diverse voices through podcasts and films.
Statement of Interest:
For more than 20 years, I’ve been fascinated by the changing media landscape and how consumers are affected by it. I’m excited to serve as a member of the Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission to help advocate for fair practices and to help protect consumers.
Reappointment of Leslie Goodlow:
In April 2022, Council appointed Leslie Goodlow to a three-year term on the MHCRC. Leslie’s term expires on June 30, 2025 and she has expressed interest in being reappointed to another three-year term.
Ms. Goodlow has provided exemplary service to the MHCRC and has spent many, many volunteer hours overseeing Commission business and representing the City of Portland in numerous and various forums. MHCRC members and staff are delighted that she remains willing to serve.
Biography:
Leslie Goodlow has lived in Portland since March 1971, most of that time in NE Portland. She is a Licensed Social worker with degrees from Grambling State University and Portland State University. She has been a public employee since 1992, having worked for Multnomah County for more than 19 years and has been with the Housing Bureau since 2012.
Statement of Interest:
I’m excited about the opportunity to continue to participate as a member of the Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission. I have spent my career working for those that haven’t had a voice, this will expand my advocacy into other parts of Multnomah County, beyond Portland to support fairness and equity in cable services.
Exhibits and Attachments
Impact Statement
Purpose of Proposed Legislation and Background Information
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.
Financial and Budgetary Impacts
There are no financial or budgetary impacts. MHCRC members are volunteers.
Economic and Real Estate Development Impacts
Not applicable
Community Impacts and Community Involvement
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.
100% Renewable Goal
Not applicable
Financial and Budget Analysis
Analysis provided by City Budget Office
No fiscal impact.
Economic and Real Estate Development Analysis
Analysis provided by Prosper Portland
An Economic and Real Estate Development Impact Analysis was not submitted for this proposed action. Pursuant to City Council Resolution 37664, Prosper Portland staff has reviewed the action and agree that it does not require an Economic and Real Estate Development Impact Analysis.
Document History
Document number: 2025-203
President's referral: Transportation and Infrastructure Committee