Implementation of
Brown Act Changes
April 20, 2026 Paloalto.gov
Presenters:
Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
Background
1 • SB 707 amends the Brown Act to modernize remote participation and expand public access.
• P&S unanimously recommended implementation strategies. This report is not agendized on consent per standard practice because certain provisions cannot be approved on the consent calendar.
Staff is seeking Council direction on:
1 1. Expanded teleconferencing for Boards, Commissions, and Committees (BCCs) • P&S recommendation: Do not authorize this form of teleconferencing
2. Remote general public comment structure
• P&S recommendation: For City Council, divide general public comment into an in-person portion at the start of the meeting and a remote portion at the end of the meeting, as permissible
• Staff recommendation: For Council Committees and BCCs, staff recommends similar structure for general public comment structure, as permissible
3. Two-Way Remote Public Access Disruption Policy (Attachment A) • P&S recommendation: Adopt disruption policy (Attachment A) Staff is seeking Council direction on (con’t):
1 4. Third-Party Translation/Interpretation Assistance
• P&S recommendation:
• Make posting space in King’s Plaza available for publicly-translated agendas
• Arrange space for translation to occur upon request
• Provide additional public comment time for translation • Allow use of personal devices for translation services • Loan City devices for translation services upon request Staff is seeking Council direction on (con’t):
1 5. Expanded Outreach
• P&S recommendation:
• Continue current engagement practices
• Post meeting resources at agenda posting boards and other public- facing City locations
• Translate certain existing informational resources into Spanish and Chinese
• Share newsletter information with community groups and organizations
Mahealani Ah Yun
City Clerk
[email protected]
650-329-2571