The Charter Reform Commission presented its public‑outreach plan to the Committee on Rules and Elections and said it will use a contracted outreach team, in‑district meetings and virtual events to expand participation as it prepares recommendations for council consideration. The commission asked council members to help connect commissioners to local organizations and offices during the outreach effort.

The commission’s plan builds on an ordinance the Council previously adopted that set a framework for outreach, the presenters said, including weekend meetings after 6 p.m. and forums in each of the city’s 15 council districts. The commission said it is targeting both in‑person community events and virtual engagement to reach a broader and more diverse set of residents; it described a mailing list of “about 5,500” and additional contact lists (transcript: “5 500 y 300”), and said its staff includes a four‑person team and two policy deputies who began work in late July.

“Estamos mandando recomendaciones. No queremos que nada sea una sorpresa,” the presenter said, describing the commission’s intent to be transparent with the council and to meet internally imposed deadlines. The commission told the committee it has limited the scope of work because the ordinance imposes a deadline; commissioners said they expect to provide final recommendations “for at least April” so the Council can evaluate proposals before any November ballot placement.

Council members asked for clearer numerical targets and demographic outreach commitments from the commission’s subcontractor. The commission said the planned contract defines types and numbers of events and community grants to support partner organizations, and that it will provide numeric outreach goals to Council offices before a full Council vote. Members also urged the commission to do education sessions for staff, long‑term city employees and community groups so residents are prepared to participate in substantive hearings.

On procedure, the commission said it will continue meeting with Council offices and city departments, and expects to consult city attorneys and other experienced staff on drafting proposed charter language. Commissioners said they will return to the committee with additional detail and indicated willingness to meet with any Council office to review draft goals and partners. The committee called the roll on the outreach item and recorded a 5‑0 vote to approve consideration of the report.

The commission emphasized that the outreach plan is intended to inform the commission’s recommendations — not to finalize amendments — and that additional drafting and deliberation will continue as the commission prepares its final proposals for the Council.