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Staff proposes 'City Hall for All' neighborhood meetings; committee approves further development
Summary
City staff proposed a 'City Hall for All' pilot to hold select public-comment meetings in neighborhoods to improve access; the Governance Committee approved staff’s modified recommendation and asked for a pilot model and return in 60 days with legal, production and accessibility planning.
City communications staff on April 15 presented a 'City Hall for All' proposal that would pilot holding select public-comment meetings outside Municipal Plaza to increase resident access. The Governance Committee approved staff’s recommendation to develop a pilot and return with a model within roughly 60 days.
Alana Reid, the city’s director of communications and engagement, said the pilot would focus on moving public-comment meetings into community settings rather than relocating B-session briefings. Reid flagged several considerations: the Texas Open Meetings Act requires proper notice and access; federal ADA rules require physical and digital access and interpretation services; production and logistics would require TVSA, IT, and other city teams; and security and site selection (ADA access, free parking, public transit) are necessary. Reid said staff’s modified recommendation is to pilot public-comment meetings in neighborhoods, coordinate with the city clerk, city attorney and SAPD for protocols, and return with a proposed pilot in 60 days.
Council members raised concerns about logistics and cost, whether the pilot would genuinely expand participation beyond shifting the same audience to new locations, and the need to define success measures. The chair and multiple council members asked staff to estimate per-meeting costs and plan for interpretation and ADA accommodations.
The committee voted to accept staff’s recommendation. Staff were directed to meet with relevant departments and report back with a proposed pilot model and cost estimates.
