San Mateo LAFCO directs staff to circulate draft teleconferencing and public comment questions for municipal service reviews

The San Mateo County Local Agency Formation Commission on May 21 voted to direct staff to circulate a draft LAFCO teleconferencing and public comment policy to cities, the county and special districts and place the draft for consideration at the July 16 commission meeting.

The policy would not mandate a specific technology or create binding standards. Instead, staff would add a set of questions to future municipal service reviews asking whether an agency livestreams meetings, how remote public comment is handled, whether meeting notices explain remote access, whether translation/interpretation and other accessibility accommodations are provided, whether meeting materials are viewable to remote participants, whether the streaming platform is free and accessible, and whether recordings are posted after meetings.

Staff said asking the questions imposes no additional cost on LAFCO beyond staff time, though individual agencies that do not currently livestream may face costs to add that capability. Commissioners discussed keeping the approach nonpunitive and framed as information-gathering and resource-offering rather than a mandate. Vice Chair Chen Crowley said the intent is to provide parity across jurisdictions so agencies can make informed decisions about public access.

Commissioner Martin moved to direct staff to circulate the draft policy to local agencies and place it on the July agenda; Vice Chair Chen Crowley seconded. The motion carried with all voting commissioners recorded in favor.