RESOLUTION No. 

Authorize the Office of Cable Communications and Franchise Management, in cooperation with the Portland Development Commission and the Bureau of Technology Services, to develop a citywide Broadband Strategic Plan and report back to Council by June 30, 2011.   (Resolution)

WHEREAS, high-speed, accessible and affordable broadband is essential infrastructure for job creation, education, health care, the enhancement of safe and connected communities, civic engagement, government transparency and responsiveness, reduced carbon emissions, and emergency preparedness; and

WHEREAS, a strategic approach to Broadband will benefit the City's economic development strategy targeting four industries including clean technologies, active wear, advanced manufacturing and software; and

WHEREAS, establishing the City’s broadband objectives and initiatives will inform the Portland Plan and create tools to achieve the City’s goals for prosperity, health, and equity; and

 WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has completed a national plan “for use of broadband infrastructure and services in advancing consumer welfare, civic participation, public safety and homeland security, community development, health care delivery, energy independence and efficiency, education, worker training, private sector investment, entrepreneurial activity, job creation and economic growth, and other national purposes.” (National Broadband Plan, FCC, 2010); and local and State governments are involved in efforts to achieve the recommendations of the “National Broadband Plan”; and

WHEREAS, the State of Oregon has established The Oregon Broadband Advisory Council (OBAC) to encourage coordination between existing organizations and sectors that can leverage broadband to their advantage, and the City is represented on this Council and a report is due from the OBAC to an appropriate interim committee of the Legislative Assembly by November 1, 2010; and;

WHEREAS, there are critical strategic fiscal, policy, and planning benefits to the City which will arise through coordinating and leveraging on-going and planned efforts related to improving broadband access for citizens and businesses throughout the City to develop and connect a citywide broadband eco-system, and;

WHEREAS, the City should develop broadband communications infrastructure and connectivity strategies to enhance provision of economic development, government services, sustainability, transportation, health care, regulatory policy; and accessibility and responsiveness of government to citizens through connectivity; and

WHEREAS, the City currently has multiple programs and projects proposed or underway in different bureaus and portfolios that involve broadband initiatives and investments that should be coordinated in the most effective manner; and

WHEREAS, a completed long term strategic plan for accomplishing the City’s Broadband objectives can direct efforts and investments made throughout the City, both on behalf of City bureaus and with our State, Federal and private sector partners; and

WHEREAS, The Office of Cable Communications and Franchise Management has a long history of facilitating coordinated policy and regulatory leadership on the Council’s behalf in the area of broadband and the development of advanced telecommunications services in the City;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Office of Cable Communications and Franchise Management is hereby authorized and directed to develop and manage the preparation of a draft City of Portland Broadband Strategic Plan that shall be presented in initial form to the Mayor and Council for review no later than June 30, 2011.  The Office of Cable Communications and Franchise Management shall work with other Bureaus and offices of the City including but not limited to the Portland Development Commission, the Bureau of Technology Services, the Fire Bureau, the Police Bureau, the Public Safety Systems Revitalization Program, the Office of Planning and Sustainability, and Mayor and Council Offices to ensure that a comprehensive, informed and inclusive broadband planning effort is undertaken and continues on an ongoing basis.