CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
title
AN ORDINANCE relating to cable television; authorizing the Mayor or the Mayor’s designee to execute an amendment to the Cable Television Franchise Agreement with Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC, authorized by Ordinance 124957; authorizing the Chief Technology Officer to enter into other agreements for the purpose of implementing or administering the amended franchise; amending Section 21.60.050 of the Seattle Municipal Code; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts.
body
WHEREAS, Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC, a Delaware corporation, (Comcast) operates a cable system in Seattle under a franchise with The City of Seattle (City) authorized under Ordinance 124957; and
WHEREAS, Comcast’s Cable Television Franchise Agreement expires on January 20, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the City and Comcast have negotiated in good faith to meet the identified needs and interests of the community; and
WHEREAS, amending Comcast’s Cable Television Franchise Agreement provides continuing support for the City’s Digital Equity program and Seattle Channel, among other benefits; and
WHEREAS, amending Section 21.60.050 of the Seattle Municipal Code is necessary to increase benefits to the City and clarify and update the responsibilities of cable franchise grantees; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The Mayor, or the Mayor’s designee, is authorized to execute an amendment to the cable television franchise agreement with Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC, a Delaware Corporation, (Comcast) in substantially the form attached to this ordinance as Attachment A (“Cable Television Franchise Agreement Amendment”), so long as the Cable Television Franchise Agreement Amendment is signed by Comcast no later than the effective date of this ordinance.
Section 2. The Chief Technology Officer is authorized to enter into other agreements with Comcast for the purpose of implementing or administering the Cable Television Franchise Agreement Amendment.
Section 3. Section 21.60.050 of the Seattle Municipal Code, last amended by Ordinance 124736, is amended as follows:
21.60.050 Franchise to install and operate a cable system
* * *
F. Any franchise shall require the grantee to pay to the City a franchise fee in an amount equal to ((4.4)) 5.0 percent of the grantee's gross revenues.
G. Any franchise shall contain a provision setting forth liquidated damages for the grantee's failure to comply with the provisions of the franchise under the terms and in the amounts as set forth in the franchise.
H. No franchise shall exceed ((15)) 17 years in duration.
* * *
Section 4. Any act consistent with the authority of this ordinance taken prior to its effective date is ratified and confirmed.
Section 5. This ordinance shall take effect as provided by Seattle Municipal Code Sections 1.04.020 and 1.04.070.
Passed by the City Council the ________ day of _________________________, 2026, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its passage this ________ day of _________________________, 2026.
____________________________________
President ____________ of the City Council
Approved / returned unsigned / vetoed this ____day of _______________, 2026.
____________________________________
Katie B. Wilson, Mayor
Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2026.
____________________________________
Scheereen Dedman, City Clerk
(Seal)
Attachments:
Attachment A - First Amendment to City of Seattle Cable Television Franchise Agreement By and Between the City of Seattle and Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC