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Discussion and motion to approve memorandum regarding hybrid meetings (Commissioner Lee).
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Commission will consider a motion to approve a memorandum to City Council recommending allowing hybrid meetings for the Youth Commission, including remote attendance by Commission members.
ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS
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To: South San Francisco City Council
From: South San Francisco Youth Commission
Subject: Expanding Hybrid Meeting Access to the South San Francisco Youth Commission
RECOMMENDATION
On behalf of the South San Francisco Youth Commission, we recommend that the City of South San Francisco extend its hybrid meeting participation options currently available for regular City Council meetings to the South San Francisco Youth Commission, with consideration given to eventually expanding similar access to other City boards and commissions where feasible.
BACKGROUND
The City of South San Francisco has demonstrated that remote participation can supplement further in-person civic engagement through hybrid participation options available for regular City Council meetings. Extending similar accessibility to the Youth Commission would address a particular barrier faced by young commissioners: transportation and geography.
Unlike many adult commissioners, Youth Commissioners may not have access to a driver’s license or personal vehicle. Commissioners may depend on parents, guardians, public transportation, walking, or other arrangements to attend meetings. School schedules, extracurricular activities, family responsibilities, and the geographic distance between a commissioner’s school or home and the meeting location can further inhibit attendance.
POTENTIAL CITYWIDE EXPANSION
If implementation for the Youth Commission proves successful, the City could evaluate whether similar hybrid participation should be extended to other South San Francisco boards and commissions.
Doing so could improve civic accessibility not only for youth, but also for residents who face transportation limitations, disabilities, caregiving responsibilities, work conflicts, or other barriers to attending meetings in person.
CONCLUSION
South San Francisco encourages young people to participate in civic life through the Youth Commission. The structure through which youth participate should reflect the practical circumstances young people face. We therefore recommend that the City establish a hybrid meeting option for the South San Francisco Youth Commission, evaluate its effectiveness as a pilot program, and explore extending hybrid access to additional City boards and commissions based on results.
Sincerely,
South San Francisco Youth Commission