ACTION #1: Please send an email to each of the elected offices (see draft message below):
"Mayor Wheeler" <MayorWheeler@portlandoregon.gov>,
"Michael Cox" <michael.b.cox@portlandoregon.gov>,
"Elisabeth Perez" <Elisabeth.Perez@portlandoregon.gov>,
"Jennifer Arguinzoni" <jennifer.arguinzoni@portlandoregon.gov>,
"Commissioner Fish" <nick@portlandoregon.gov>,
"Sonia Schmanski" <sonia.schmanski@portlandoregon.gov>,
"Commissioner Saltzman" <dan@portlandoregon.gov>,
"Matt Grumm" <matt.grumm@portlandoregon.gov>,
"Commissioner Eudaly" <chloe@portlandoregon.gov>,
"Marshall Runkel" <marshall.runkel@portlandoregon.gov>,
"Commissioner Fritz" <amanda@portlandoregon.gov>,
"Tim Crail" <tim.crail@portlandoregon.gov>
Subject: Municipal broadband special appropriations grant
Dear Commissioner/Mayor,
I request that you approve the Municipal Broadband Coalition of America’s special appropriations grant request for $100,000 to help fund a municipal broadband feasibility study.
More than 200 cities across the US have already found that municipal broadband can bridge the digital divide and provide subsidized broadband to low-income and marginalized households, spur economic development and create jobs, encourage innovation and promote STEAM education, and create new growth opportunities for residents and businesses alike. Almost 30% of low income households in Multnomah County lack broadband access in the home, and this has long-term impact on children who grow up in these homes, and is fundamentally an equity issue that we must address.
Multnomah County has already pledged $150,000, and an additional $50,000 has been committed by the East County cities (City of Gresham, City of Troutdale, City of Fairview and City of Wood Village). This feasibility study will research and answer important economic, technical, and equity questions regarding the creation of a publicly-owned internet utility for residents and businesses, and provide the key information and data that elected officials will need to make decisions going forward. Please support this important effort! Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
<<First Name>>