Traditional video franchising has served this country well for over six decades, and has regularly adapted to changes in the communications industry. Even so, the system – like most that need to balance a variety of competing interests – is not perfect. The dramatic changes advocated by telephone companies, however, pose the risk of creating more problems and uncertainty than they resolve. ICMA investigated issues related to traditional video franchising and considered implications associated with changes to the existing system while considering the goal that residents, businesses and local governments want more competition in video services. This policy paper reviews the history and status of video franchising today, identifies risks in changing the current system, and proposes new practices for the future of competitive video franchising. ICMA’s Governmental Affairs and Policy Committee (GAPC), led by Scott Hancock, Executive Director, Maryland Municipal League, Chair, and Robert W. Jean, City Manager, University Place, Washington, Vice Chair, chose the topic for this paper in consultation with the National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, U.S. Conference of Mayors, National Governors’ Association, National Conference of State Legislatures, and Council of State Governments.