TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The City of Tallahassee held its annual Commission Retreat and some significant changes are coming when it comes to public access and community engagement.
This year, two city commission meetings will be held outside of City Hall. And second, hearing from the public will be different moving forward in terms of when people can speak on the issues they want.
Several residents brought up the need for more accessibility during city meetings.
The commission unanimously voted to do away with the 30-minute time frame for agenda items.
Instead, people can either make their comments at the beginning of the meeting or at the time their item is presented, but not both.
Mayor John Dailey said these changes reflect the new direction the commission is headed.
"I think that we will definitely properly notice. We will make sure that the meetings are as accessible as possible," said Dailey. "I think this commission is showing that we're willing to try new things. We're going to get out and about in the public and make sure that the public has full opportunity to participate. That's important."
Some residents pointed out that last year's retreat was not televised and was held at the airport.
This year, the retreat was at a city center in the south side and the meeting was televised.
Commissioners talked about how change is needed to reinforce trust and transparency with the community.
The city will now work on when and where those outside commission meetings will be.
