Charter Reform Commission’s outreach plan approved; commissioners promise broader, targeted engagement

The Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee approved the Charter Reform Commission’s outreach and engagement plan, with five votes in favor, after commission representatives described a multi-pronged outreach effort intended to reach all 15 council districts and underrepresented communities.

The commission presented the plan as a framework of in-person district meetings, evening and weekend events, pop-ups, virtual forums and partnerships with community organizations and said it had retained an outreach contractor to expand outreach beyond traditional town halls.

Commission staff member Mr. Ramirez told the committee that the plan "is a product of what started with, of course, your ordinance that was passed, and laying out, a framework for outreach engagement, including, you know, timing of meetings, both on weekends, after 6PM, and meeting in all of the 15 districts." He said the commission had already added meetings beyond the plan and was using…