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City staff to return in 60 days with plan to pilot off‑site council sessions
Summary
City communications staff recommended a pilot to relocate some council sessions to community sites to boost access; staff cited ADA, legal and production considerations and asked for 60 days to return with a plan, which the committee referred for follow‑up.
City staff told the San Antonio Government Committee on April 10 that a pilot to hold some council sessions outside City Hall could increase resident participation, but it would require detailed planning for ADA access, production and security.
Evelyn Lery, director of communications and engagement, presented the concept and raised practical questions about measuring participation, site logistics and funding. She said the pilot would need coordination with the city attorney, the city secretary, the police department and technology services and recommended returning to the committee with a plan in 60 days: “recomendaríamos que nos dé tiempo para que nos podamos sentar… y poder regresar con ustedes en 60 días.”
Lery noted the city already offers broadcasts and online participation but said in‑person off‑site sessions raise additional requirements tied to the Texas open‑meetings requirements and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Councilmembers asked how success would be measured, whether the effort aimed at transparency or broader participation, and whether the city has sufficient production capacity or dedicated funding. Councilmember Villagrán pressed for clarity about what ‘local’ participation means across districts; Councilmember Munguía described past off‑site sessions and emphasized parking and access challenges for residents traveling to downtown City Hall.
The committee referred the proposal for follow‑up and staff will return within 60 days with recommended metrics, site criteria and budget estimates. The referral was made by motion and carried by voice vote; the transcript records no roll‑call tally.
