Let’s Get Connected: Improving Digital Access in the Portland Region
At work, in your community, even getting together with family and
friends—so much of what we do depends on fast, reliable internet
service. Right now we're at a crossroads. City of Portland and Multnomah
County leaders are choosing different paths that will determine how our
devices connect to the world. Is 5G the future? What about municipal
broadband? Are both possible?
Join us at Friday Forum to learn more about municipal broadband and 5G
technology from local experts. They'll share their perspectives on the
benefits of each approach to internet access and what we can do to
ensure net neutrality and privacy protections.
These decisions about our digital future are being made right now by our
local governments. You don't want to miss this opportunity to have your
voice heard.
Speakers
Michael Hanna
is a data engineer, alchemist, post-carbon economy trailblazer, and
dreamer. He has worked with digital networks, natural networks, and
human networks for his entire adult career in both the private and
public sector, and has been working with local governments and
community-based organizations to improve the lives of the human
residents and other living beings of the Portland Metro area since 2000.
When not being a data / natural world / political geek, he spends his
time out in wild places and in uncharted territory as much as possible.*
Elisabeth Perez
is Mayor Wheeler’s operations director and serves as the lead on
innovation and technology. She earned her Master of Science in disaster
resilience from Tulane University and applies the principles of
emergency management and community resilience in her daily work. She has
been instrumental in the development of City policy increasing
protections for information/data privacy and security and facilitating a
partnership with PSU and PGE to develop the PREPHub pilot, a first of
its kind disaster resilience node composed of technological services.
She continues to lead the Mayor’s office in the regulation of 5G to best
serve to all those who live, work, and play in Portland.
Moderator
Marissa Madrigal
grew up in Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Ridgefield, Washington. She
earned credits from Clark College while still in high school and entered
the University of Washington at 18 holding junior status. After
graduating with a degree in zoology, she began writing and publishing a
local magazine. Marissa holds a master’s in security studies from the
Naval Postgraduate School and brings deep knowledge in finance,
operations, and personnel management. She is active across the community
and a frequent Friday Forum moderator.