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Likewise, a city needs to have the necessary technology that allows everyone to see and hear all participants <br />regardless of location. This can be difficult to accomplish for meetings with large attendance or lots of public <br />testimony. <br />If a city is going to rely on interactive technology, it must ensure that it has the equipment necessary to meet the <br />statutory requirements. <br />Public participation <br />Through the COVID-19 pandemic, many cities found that residents appreciate online city meetings. They allow <br />residents a convenient way to watch and participate in city meetings without having to travel to city hall. <br />Some cities have continued to broadcast their meetings through interactive technology and allow the public to <br />provide testimony online. Using interactive technology for public input does not have the same notice and <br />technological requirements as noted previously. <br />Cities are free to take public comment through online platforms without providing additional notices. If a city <br />uses interactive technology to encourage public participation, it should make clear how the technology will be <br />used. <br />The public should be made aware that, due to possible technology problems, attendance at the meeting location <br />provides the best chance to ensure that their comments will be heard. <br />A city may want to simply broadcast meetings without taking online public comment. This allows the public to <br />remain informed but places less stress on city staff to monitor online participants. <br />Ultimately, the use of technology for city meetings may provide increased participation in local government. <br />It’s up to each city’s leaders to decide what is best for their community when it comes to using interactive <br />technology for city meetings. <br />Kyle Hartnett is assistant research manager with the League of Minnesota Cities. <br />Contact: khartnett@lmc.org or (651) 215-4084. <br />