The City of Sacramento has added a new feature for its City Council and other meetings, one that should allow for improved civic engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The feature allows people to dial a number and call in their comments to the City Council during any of its live-streamed meetings. Their comments will be broadcast live during the meeting.
“This is just one more step that ensures the public has their right to comment on decisions made during all City legislative meetings, even while under ‘stay-at-home’ orders,” said City Clerk Mindy Cuppy.
Following the pandemic and Sacramento County’s public-health “stay-at-home” orders, the City has live-streamed all of its regularly schedule meetings through a web-conferencing service.
To call in a comment, people can dial 916-808-7213 and follow the instructions given to them. When it’s time to submit their comment, they will be prompted and given two minutes to speak.
Callers should take note of the item they want to speak on which is located on every council agenda.
Comments can also be made by emailing publiccomment@cityofsacramento.org or using the “e-comment” option on the City’s website.
“Considering we went from having few virtual features to many almost overnight, I’m proud we can keep innovating,” Cuppy said.
The Office of the City Clerk is a charter office within the City of Sacramento that the council, all City departments and the general public rely on for information regarding the legislative operations and history of the City.