Partner Michael Maurer Discusses Virtual Planning Meetings During COVID-19
California Planning & Development Report Covers Open Meeting Law Changes
When COVID-19 social distancing guidelines lead Gov. Gavin Newsom to waive many Brown Act requirements for California public agencies, that facilitated the move to virtual video and telephonic meetings for many government agencies — including planning and development authority bodies.
For its article “Planning Meetings Move Online,” the California Planning & Development Report interviewed Best Best & Krieger LLP Partner Michael Maurer on what Newsom’s Executive Order means for open meeting laws.
“As we’re trying to figure this out, the perspective to have is we still want to be transparent and to allow as much public participation as possible,” Mike told CP&DR. “It’s not a change that in anyway reduces transparency or participation.”
Mike noted that this change is unprecedented: “We are all figuring this out as we go along.”
He also discussed challenges to the “visual” component of the planning and design meetings, as well as the importance of ensuring the applicants and the public have the opportunity to weigh-in on projects.
To read the entire article, published by CP&DR on April 22, click here.
