Troutdale City Council approves 10-year Comcast cable franchise agreement

In the Troutdale City Council meeting held on April 8, 2025, city officials gathered under the warm glow of the council chamber lights to discuss a pivotal resolution: the approval of a new ten-year franchise agreement with Comcast Corporation. This agreement, which governs the cable services provided to Troutdale residents, has been a topic of extensive negotiation and collaboration among local jurisdictions.

Norm Thomas, Troutdale's representative on the Mount Hood Cable Regulatory Commission, introduced the resolution, emphasizing the importance of the agreement for the community. He noted that the process had taken several years, complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic and staffing changes. Thomas expressed hope that the council would approve the agreement, which is crucial for maintaining cable services in the area.

Andrew Spear, who works for the City of Portland and supports the commission, provided a detailed overview of the franchise agreement. He explained that the agreement allows Comcast to access public rights-of-way in exchange for a fee based on a percentage of gross revenues. This fee, typically set at 5%, is a standard practice across various utility agreements. However, Spear highlighted a concerning trend: while franchise revenues have remained relatively stable, the number of cable subscribers has been declining sharply, leading to potential future revenue challenges.

The council discussed the implications of the new agreement, particularly the Public Educational and Government (PEG) fee, which is set to decrease from 3% to 2.5%. This reduction is tied to the removal of an institutional network that previously served local schools and public buildings. Spear reassured the council that despite the decrease, Comcast has historically not charged jurisdictions for certain marginal costs, indicating a level of trust in their partnership.

As the discussion progressed, council members raised questions about the consequences of rejecting the agreement. Spear warned that failure to approve the franchise could lead to Comcast halting services, leaving residents without cable access. He also explained that if the city chose to negotiate independently, it would face significant legal and procedural hurdles, potentially resulting in less favorable terms.

The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency as council members recognized the importance of the agreement for the community's connectivity and access to services. With Gresham already having approved a similar resolution, Troutdale's decision would be a crucial step in ensuring continued cable service for its residents. As the council prepared to vote, the implications of their decision loomed large, not just for the present, but for the future of cable services in Troutdale.