Local Government

So how does one get involved in local government?  There are many ways you can be part of the process, some without leaving your chair at home.  None take too much time and all bring you just a bit closer to what goes on in Laguna Beach and will help you understand the political process.

City Council meetings are generally held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6:00 PM, excluding holidays and one of the August meetings.  If you do not want to go to City Hall to watch and listen then turn on your local TV channel 30 and you can see the action live (reruns are usually on Saturdays but check with Cox for the schedule). Agendas for the meeting are posted on the City web site at www.lagunabeachcity.net.  Go to the meetings section, click on the date you want and the agenda will be posted by the Friday before the Tuesday meeting.  Missed a meeting?  You can find the recap (a brief summary of the meeting) or the minutes a few days later.  Maybe you want to know the latest City news.   Each week the City Manager posts a weekly update on this same web site.  Didn't get a chance to check out the budget from the local library?  Review it on line on the same site.  Need to contact staff; they have a great directory by department with phone and email extensions.

But the best way is to be there in person.  You elected these people to represent you and to understand your views.  At the start of every meeting there is an opportunity to speak on what ever local issue you would like as long as it is not on that evenings agenda.  Each person gets up to 3 minutes and you look face to face with your elected officials.  Remember to be organized as it is a total of 3 minutes no matter how many subjects you touch on.  If an item is on the agenda you must wait till it is heard to address the City Council.  Generally, the same goes for the Planning Commission and Design Review Board hearings.

But wait did you say you wanted to get involved?  The City has a number of committees that address a variety of issues in an advisory capacity for the City Council.  There is a Recreation Committee, Housing and Human Services committee, Heritage committee, Parking and Transportation committee, Technology committee along with an Arts Commission.  All of these hold meetings at least monthly, all of the meetings are open to the public and anyone can attend.  Find one that interests you and next time there are openings you can apply to be a member.

Local government is dependent on you the citizens.  Be a part of the process.  Get involved!

 

Flatlanders Survey Archive

 

 LBCC GAC PRESS FLATLANDERS SURVEY PR.pdf

 LBCC GAC PRESS FLATLANDERS SURVEY PR_1.pdf