Attachment C
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
APPROVING A PUBLIC OUTREACH POLICY
IN COMPLIANCE WITH SB 707 AND
GOVERNMENT CODE § 54953.4
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Maria conducts its meetings in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code Section 54950 et seq.), which requires that meetings of legislative bodies be open and accessible to the public; and
WHEREAS, SB 707, enacted in 2025, amends the Ralph M. Brown Act to modify and clarify requirements related to public participation and outreach; and
WHEREAS, in some jurisdictions, some portions of the population speak languages other than English and may speak English “less than very well.” SB 707 introduces outreach requirements to improve access for such communities; and
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 54953.4(b)(3)(C)(i) requires the City to make reasonable efforts, as determined by the City Coun cil, to invite groups that do not traditionally participate in public meetings to attend those meetings; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Deputy City Clerk reviewed the requirements of SB 707 and drafted the Public Outreach Policy, which is intended in part to encourage all residents to attend public meetings held by the City , including residents and groups that traditionally do not participate in public meetings, such as residents and organizations that serve non- English-speaking communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, as follows:
SECTION 1. Approve the Public Outreach Policy attached as Exhibit A.
SECTION 2. Chief Deputy City clerk shall review the policy annually and update as needed or upon legislation.
SECTION 3. The Chief Deputy City Clerk is hereby authorized to make m inor changes herein to address clerical errors, so long as substantial conformance of the intent of this document is maintained. In doing so, the Chief Deputy City Clerk shall consult with the City Manager and City Attorney concerning any changes deemed necessary.
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Attachment C
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, held this 2nd day of June 2026.
ATTEST:
Chief Deputy City Clerk
Attachment: Exhibit A – City of Santa Maria –
Public Outreach Policy
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
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Department Director
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City Manager