The Chicago City Council has approved a rule mandating that all committee hearings be aired or broadcast over the Internet beginning later this year.
Substitute Resolution 2018-1151, which amends Rules 49 and 55 of the City Council Rules of Order, is set to formally go into effect in late September, “contingent on the availability of funds, duly appropriated by ordinance,” as stated in the resolution.
The legislation also mandates that meetings be streamed on the City Council’s website.
Over the last several years, the Civic Federation has pushed for such a move, pointing to the fact that such gatherings are where the City Council conducts the majority of its legislative maneuvering. With the city spanning well over 200 miles and covering some 77 communities, interested parties are often not able to attend City Council meetings, essentially leaving them out of the loop in terms of critical news involving the city.
The added livestreaming component is intended to bring about more transparency in city government.
"The Civic Federation commends the City Council for taking this step in improving the transparency and accountability of the City’s elected and appointed officials,” the organization wrote in a press release. “The Civic Federation will continue to monitor and show support for the appropriation of funds to fully implement this resolution.”
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