Resolution 2026-XX Page 1 of 3
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FREMONT
DETERMINING REASONABLE EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION IN MEETINGS PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953.4
WHEREAS, the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code § 54950 et seq.) establishes requirements for open and public meetings of local legislative bodies; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 707 (2025) amended the Brown Act to include additional requirements intended to encourage participation in public meetings, particularly among communities that do not traditionally participate in public meetings and non-English-speaking communities; and
WHEREAS, Government Code § 54953.4(b)(3)(C) requires the City Council to determine and make reasonable efforts to invite groups that do not traditionally participate in public meetings to attend those meetings; and
WHEREAS, such reasonable outreach efforts may include the City website, newsletters (print and digital), social media, bulletin boards, public counters, community meetings, and other established communication methods; and
WHEREAS, Government Code § 54953.4 provides legislative bodies with broad discretion in determining appropriate reasonable efforts and clarifies that no action shall arise from failing to provide notice to any specific group; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fremont (City) is committed to promoting transparency, accessibility, and broad public participation in its public meetings; and
WHEREAS, the City currently uses a variety of communication methods to inform the public of meetings and opportunities to participate; and
WHEREAS, the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Fremont as follows:
Section 1. Determination of Reasonable Efforts. The City Council determines the following to constitute reasonable efforts to encourage participation in meetings pursuant to Government Code § 54953.4(b)(3)(C):
1. Language Access for City Council Meetings Webpage
The City will create a new language access webpage on the City’s website providing instructions on how all members of the Fremont community can access City Council agendas and materials in the language they are comfortable using.
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2. Council Meetings; Electronic Access, Viewing and Agenda Subscriptions The City will continue to maintain electronic access to agendas and meeting materials through the City website and provide subscription-based notifications for public convenience. The City will provide real-time translated closed captioning during live meetings via the City’s video conferencing system used for virtual meetings, with a full transcript available at the conclusion of each meeting.
3. Use of Existing Communication Channels
Outreach may include the City website, newsletters (print and digital), social media, bulletin boards, public counters, community meetings, and other established communication methods.
4. Flexible and Evolving Framework
The practices set forth in this Resolution form a flexible framework and may be modified over time based on available resources, changing technology, and evolving community needs.
5. No Requirement to Notify Any Specific Group
In accordance with Government Code § 54953.4(b)(3)(C)(ii), this Resolution reiterates that no action arises from failing to notify any particular group, ensuring City discretion in implementing outreach practices.
This Resolution documents compliance with SB 707 and formalizes public outreach methods that align with the City’s ongoing commitment to transparency and equitable access to government.
Section 2. Flexible Framework. The efforts identified in this Resolution are intended to provide a flexible framework for outreach and public participation. The City may modify, expand, or adjust its outreach methods over time based on available resources, evolving communication practi ces, changes in technology, and the needs of the community.
ADOPTED __________, 2026, by the City Council of the City of Fremont by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Resolution 2026-XX Page 3 of 3
________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________ ________________________________ City Clerk City Attorney