Beginning Wednesday, March 1 all City of Santa Monica Boards and Commissions will resume in-person public meetings and public comment
Boards and commissions meetings in Santa Monica are set to return to an in-person format soon.
Last week the City announced that beginning Wednesday, March 1, 2023, all City of Santa Monica Boards and Commissions will resume in-person public meetings and public comment. This decision coincides with the sunsetting of the COVID-19 State of Emergency Orders by Governor Newsom planned for February 28, 2023.
When the State order sunsets, COVID-19 will no longer be a valid basis for public bodies to hold meetings virtually under AB 361, adopted by the State Legislature to provide more flexibility for public bodies to facilitate virtual meetings during the pandemic. Thus, all public bodies will return to holding public meetings per the Brown Act. The Brown Act does allow for public bodies to hold meetings via teleconference however certain stipulations apply.
The return to in-person meetings also means a return to in-person public comment as well.
Those members of the public wishing to provide comment on an item of concern who cannot attend a meeting in person may submit their comments in writing. Those needing an ADA accommodation or language interpretation to participate in a public meeting will need to contact the staff liaison for that board or commission at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
According to the City of Santa Monica, hybrid meetings are not available at this time due to budget and system limitations.
