Appoint members to the Open Signal Board of Directors
Pursuant to Portland City Code Section 3.115.040, the Mayor and Commissioner-in-Charge each appoint one voting member to the Portland Community Media (Open Signal) Board of Directors, for staggered terms of two (2) years, subject to confirmation by the City Council (City Board Appointees). The Appointee enjoys the same privileges of any other board member.
As Mayor and Commissioner-in-Charge, we request Council confirmation of the following appointments to the Open Signal Board of Directors:
| Re-appointment | Term |
|---|---|
| Karim Hassanein | December 1, 2023-January 31, 2026 |
| Appointment | Term |
|---|---|
| Jonathan Jenkins | October 1, 2023-September 30, 2025 |
Biographies and statements of interest are included for each appointment in Attachments A and B.
Respectfully submitted,
Mayor Ted Wheeler
Commissioner Carmen Rubio
Official Record (Efiles)
Impact Statement
Purpose of Proposed Legislation and Background Information
Pursuant to Portland City Code Section 3.115.040, the Mayor and the Commissioner in Charge of the Office for Community Technology, which is now a program within the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, shall each appoint one member of the board of directors of Portland Community Media (dba Open Signal), for staggered terms of two years. All appointments shall be confirmed by the Council. In appointing these directors, consideration shall be given to representation on the board of directors of the fields of arts, education, government, and community media; and of diverse representation including, without limitation, racial and ethnic minorities, non-English speaking people, gender, and low-income people.
Karim Hassanein (bio and interest statement attached as Attachment A) has expressed interest in being re-appointed for a two-year term. Mr. Hassanein has provided exemplary service through this appointment and has spent many, many volunteer hours overseeing Open Signal business in numerous and various forums. Open Signal leadership and Bureau of Planning and Sustainability staff are delighted that he remains willing to serve. Mr. Hassanein served as the Open Signal Board Chair from February 2020 until September 2023.
Jonathan Jenkins (bio and interest statement attached as Attachment B) is an award-winning filmmaker, commercial producer, educator, and business owner. Interviewed by Commissioner Rubio’s staff, Mr. Jenkin’s is seeking his first term on the Open Signal Board.
Financial and Budgetary Impacts
Not applicable.
Community Impacts and Community Involvement
Open Signal is an Oregon nonprofit public benefit corporation, originally incorporated in 1981 as Portland Cable Access. Open Signal was formerly known as Portland Community Media but underwent a name change in 2016. For over 35 years, Open Signal has and continues to provide media and broadband technology training, tools, and distribution platforms for diverse communities to engage and participate in civic and cultural life and to address digital equity issues. Open Signal also provides video programming of, by, and for the community over local public and governmental cable access channels.
When there are fiscal or operational concerns, the appointee will alert the Mayor or Commissioner in Charge and the Director of the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability and find a way to address the situation.
100% Renewable Goal
Not applicable.
Financial and Budget Analysis
No financial impact.