New remote access option allows residents to attend meetings and provide public comment
Roseville, Calif. – Roseville residents will have a new way to participate in local government beginning in July, as City Council meetings become accessible remotely through Microsoft Teams.
The new virtual participation option allows residents to attend City Council meetings online without traveling to City Hall, making it easier for those with work schedules, mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or other commitments to stay engaged in local decision-making.
The change follows updates to California’s Ralph M. Brown Act (pdf) , the state’s open meeting law governing local government agencies. The revised law allows cities to expand public access by offering remote attendance and opportunities for public comment during public meetings.
For each meeting, the City of Roseville will include a Microsoft Teams link directly on the published City Council agenda. Agendas are posted in advance of scheduled meetings, giving residents time to review agenda items and connect virtually when the meeting begins.
City officials say the new system is designed to improve transparency and encourage broader community participation by removing barriers that may have prevented some residents from attending meetings in person.
While in-person attendance remains available at City Hall, the remote option provides greater flexibility for residents who want to follow council discussions, hear presentations, or offer comments on agenda items from virtually anywhere.
The addition of Microsoft Teams reflects a continuing effort by public agencies across California to modernize public meeting access while maintaining compliance with state open meeting requirements.
Residents interested in attending remotely should visit the City Council agenda before each meeting to access the Microsoft Teams participation link and review instructions for providing public comment.
