CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item #C8
DATE: June 24, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Ernesto Marquez, City Manager
BY: Pablo Rubio, City Clerk
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 018-2026, adopting a City Council policy, to encourage participation by traditionally under-engaged communities in public meetings.
SUMMARY
California Senate Bill 707 (SB 707) amended the Ralph M. Brown Act (Gov. Code §§ 54950 et seq.) to among other open meeting requirements, update teleconferencing and accessibility requirements, including provisions related to encouraging attendance at public meetings.
SB 707 applies to all legislative bodies as defined by the Brown Act, but certain special provisions apply only to what is now defined in the Brown Act as “eligible legislative bodies.” The Hawaiian Gardens City Council (but not other boards, commissions, or committees of the City) qualifies as an “eligible legislative body” because the City Council governs a city located in Los Angeles County, a County with a population of more than 600,000 people. (See, Gov. Code 54953.4(e)(2)(C)(defining “eligible legislative body” to include a city council of a city located in a county with a population of 600,000 or more).
Among other requirements, SB 707 requires that the City make reasonable efforts to invite groups that do not traditionally participate in public meetings to attend. (Gov. Code, § 54953.4(b)(3)(C).) While Government Code § 54953.4(b)(3)(C), does not require the City to adopt a formal policy on this topic, the proposed policy attached as Exhibit A to the proposed Resolution (Attachment 1), provides the City with a framework of how to engage in such “reasonable efforts”, and thereby remain compliant with Section 54953.4(b)(3)(C).
Agenda Item #C8
June 24, 2026
This proposed policy establishes the reasonable efforts the City will take to conduct outreach to groups that do not traditionally participate in public meetings encouraging them to attend public meetings. Such efforts include, but are not limited to:
• Compiling a list of organizations, media outlets and other entities that may assist in expanding awareness of City council meetings; and
• Using the above list, the City Council may provide direction to staff to utilize a variety of outreach methods (depending on available resources and community needs) which may include direct distribution of meeting information through e-mail or other notification systems; posting of meeting information on the City’s website or other digital platforms; use of social media or electronic communications; and coordination with media outlets or community organizations to share information about upcoming meetings.
The policy is intended to support inclusive public engagement while preserving the City Council’s discretion to determine and adjust appropriate outreach methods based on local needs, priorities, and available resources. Consistent with applicable law, failure to provide outreach or notice to any specific organization or group shall not give rise to any claim or liability.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve Recommendation.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution No. 018-2026 - Public Participation and Outreach Policy