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Commission agrees on 'community conversation' format, avoids November–December hearings
Summary
The Charter Review Commission decided to call required outreach meetings 'community conversations,' pair districts (1 & 3, 2 & 4), emphasize education in a first round and deeper dialogue in a second round, and avoid scheduling major meetings in November or December to improve turnout.
The Santa Fe Charter Review Commission agreed to a community‑focused outreach plan to gather public input on charter questions and priorities.
Commissioners reached consensus to label the required district meetings “community conversations” rather than formal public hearings so sessions can be educational and deliberative while remaining fully noticed and open to the public. They agreed to avoid holding the official district meetings in November and December because those months tend to reduce attendance. Instead the commission will run education‑heavy sessions during summer and early fall and follow with a second round of deeper community deliberations.
Commissioners recommended pairing districts (Districts 1 & 3 together, and Districts 2 & 4 together) to improve access and logistics. They also discussed partnering with local community organizations (bringing sessions to community hubs such as Vital Space and college classes) and producing short bilingual education materials and QR links that open directly to the charter sections being discussed.
Staff was asked to prepare practical items for the commission’s next meeting: a spreadsheet listing prior commission recommendations and what reached the ballot, draft designs for the community conversation format, and suggested locations and staffing plans. Commissioners emphasized clear, concise pre‑meeting materials to help participants understand what the commission is asking and to focus public feedback.
The commission will meet again May 28 to refine outreach plans and set subcommittee priorities.
