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Lake Elmo workshop hears case for broadband franchise to expand access, customer protections
Summary
Representatives of the Ramsey Washington Suburban Cable Commission and consultant Mike Bradley outlined how local franchising could require citywide broadband buildout, guarantee customer-service remedies and a senior/disabled discount; council gave staff direction to pursue next steps while flagging litigation and utility risks.
At a Lake Elmo City Council workshop on April 14, 2026, representatives of the Ramsey Washington Suburban Cable Commission (SEC) and consultant Mike Bradley presented broadband franchising as a tool to secure buildout, consumer protections and public benefits for the city.
Mary Klene, production and content manager for the SEC, told the council the commission's revenues have fallen and that local franchising offers a way to modernize funding. "We've seen a 43% decrease in revenue, and we simply need to modernize our funding model," Klene said, describing the commission's role in recording meetings, helping residents with operator complaints and coordinating technical support across nine member cities, including Lake Elmo.
Bradley, who advised the council on franchise terms used by…
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