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Commission lays groundwork for October annual public hearing; Big Blue Bus to aid outreach
Summary
The commission detailed plans for an October 14 annual public hearing to broaden community engagement, including extended Big Blue Bus service hours, in‑bus digital advertising, hybrid participation options and outreach to youth and Santa Monica College.
Commissioners used much of the meeting to plan an October annual public hearing intended as a town‑hall‑style forum for disability communities in Santa Monica.
Staff outlined logistics: the Department of Transportation has agreed to extend transit hours that evening, Big Blue Bus will assist with outreach by posting digital advertisements inside buses and on social media, and staff will coordinate with community resource groups, the Disability Community Resource Center, Wise & Healthy Aging and school liaisons to boost attendance. “They’ve given me the parameters in terms of the pixels and all that,” staff said of the Big Blue Bus in‑bus digital ad opportunity.
Commissioners discussed hybrid participation options (YouTube streaming, phone options, and possible call‑in systems), outreach to Santa Monica College student groups and the Center for Students with Disabilities, and ideas to make the event interactive (mural activities, short presentations). They also discussed logistical needs such as flyer design, possible refreshments and time‑limit strategies if turnout is large.
Why it matters: Commissioners described the October meeting as an opportunity to broaden participation, collect community feedback that will feed into the commission work plan, and make city services more responsive to people with disabilities.
Next steps: Staff will continue flyer design and outreach; commissioners will finalize ad hoc planning and meeting format in coming sessions and an outreach timeline ahead of the October meeting.
