Council President Brandon Scott Announces Efforts to Increase Public Accessibility to City Council Meetings

Council President Brandon Scott Announces Efforts to Increase Public Accessibility to City Council Meetings 

Council President’s Announcement Comes in Wake of Coronavirus Outbreak

BALTIMORE, MD (March 10, 2020) — Council President Brandon M. Scott announced Tuesday expanded coverage of Baltimore City Council meetings due to growing concerns regarding the spread of the coronavirus. Residents are strongly encouraged, out of an abundance of caution, to tune into the livestream for City Council meetings and hearings. 

“Members of the public have the right to follow what is going on in their city government,” Scott said. “While City Council hearings and meetings are open to the public, accessibility means that we are inclusive of our residents who aren’t able to come down to City Hall and sit in the “Du” Burns Council Chambers. By offering another means of accessibility, we can take another step towards increasing transparency within our government and keeping people safe.” 

President Scott announced expanded coverage of public hearings as one way to allow residents to keep up with the business of the City Council while the City takes precautionary measures related to the coronavirus outbreak. Members of the public will now be able to view hearings that are not broadcast by CharmTV (Channel 25), as well as City Council meetings, on Council President Scott’s official Facebook page, @CouncilPresBMS. 

He outlined his commitment to making the business of the Council accessible to all residents, particularly those who would not attend meetings or hearings in person, in his 26-point Legislative and Policy Agenda, released in July 2019.

People can find an updated hearing schedule on Legistar, and are encouraged to “Like” Council President Scott’s Facebook Page (@CouncilPresBMS) to watch livestreams of hearings, Council meetings, and press conferences, get updates on Council proceedings, and leave feedback for the Council President.

The Health Committee held a hearing last week with the Baltimore City Health Department on the city’s preparedness in the wake the of coronavirus outbreak, after Council President Scott introduced a resolution back in February. The Baltimore City Health Department continues to post information and updates on their website.      

Members of the public are encouraged to access an archive of previous Council meetings/hearings on CharmTV’s YouTube page.