The city of Santa Monica has implemented updates to California's Ralph M. Brown Act under Senate Bill 707.
The legislation modernizes the state's open meeting laws to increase public participation, accessibility and transparency in local government.
Changes affecting City Council meetings include hybrid participation, with meetings now offering two-way remote access. For accessibility, the council meeting agendas webpage offers participation instructions in Spanish, and space will be provided during meetings for members of the public who wish to use personal interpreters or devices. Community members may also contact the City Clerk's Office to receive agendas electronically.
The city will expand community outreach to encourage participation in public meetings, including outreach to non-English-speaking communities through local partnerships.
The city said it remains committed to ensuring residents have meaningful opportunities to participate in local government decision-making.
For more information about how to participate in council meetings, visit santamonica.gov/process-explainers/how-to-participate-in-a-city-council-meeting.
Edited by SMDP Staff