The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors announced Monday it will debut a public comment registration system aimed at making it easier for residents to participate in meetings.
The system will allow residents who want to speak by phone or in person to register for one or more agenda items and receive real-time text notifications when an item is being considered.
According to county officials, the system eliminates the need for callers to use access codes or PINs and replaces the “raise hand” feature. Callers who are disconnected will also retain their place in line.
“Government works best when people can easily participate,” Board Chair and Supervisor Hilda Solis said. “By modernizing the public comment process, we are reducing barriers and creating more opportunities for residents across Los Angeles County to make their voices heard.”
Supervisors Holly Mitchell, Lindsey Horvath, Janice Hahn and Kathryn Barger also expressed support for the system, saying it will provide residents with greater flexibility and make it easier to participate in county government.
Board Executive Officer Edward Yen said the system is intended to remove barriers that can prevent residents from participating in county government.
“Public participation is the cornerstone of democratic governance, and we have a responsibility to make it as accessible as possible for every resident,” Yen said.
Residents can register online at publiccomment.lacounty.gov by selecting the agenda items on which they wish to comment. They will receive a text notification when an item is active and can call 213-444-2600 to join the public comment queue.
A voice will announce a registered speaker’s name when it is time to speak.
Public comment registration will open 30 minutes before each meeting, and residents can register in advance to receive meeting reminders when an agenda is released.
The system is set to debut Tuesday.