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San Jose Council reinstates remote participation and tightens policy ahead of budget hearings
Summary
The City Council voted unanimously to reinstate remote participation and amend council policy so residents and advisory bodies can call in for public comment ahead of the budget process, after public supporters urged broader access and staff noted SB 707 requirements.
The San Jose City Council voted unanimously June 2 to reinstate remote participation and adopt amendments to council policy to enable remote public comment in time for the upcoming budget hearings. Councilmembers and members of the public framed the move as a step to broaden access for working families, older adults and people with disabilities.
Councilmember Candelas, who moved the item, said the change was driven by recent state law and access concerns, noting that “local governments have to enable remote participation by July 1st” following last year’s passage of SB 707. Public commenters who addressed the council supported the change. Jordan Muldaur said remote options are “very important for a healthy democracy” and urged the policy be extended to advisory bodies and committees.
Vice Mayor Pam Foley and other members emphasized safety and equity in the earlier hybrid experience, saying staff will put guardrails in place to prevent abusive behavior during virtual participation. The memorandum adopted includes implementation steps and a commitment to return with a proposal for advisory bodies in the fall.
Toni, the City Clerk, ran public-comment logistics during the debate and will coordinate the rollout. The council directed staff to implement the policy amendments and return with any recommended changes for advisory bodies later in the year.
