In a world that has fundamentally shifted how we connect, work, and learn, it’s a question many of us at ELB find ourselves asking: why isn’t every public meeting already a hybrid one?

We’ve all seen the shift. Since the onset of COVID-19, remote access became our lifeline. We’ve proven that we can conduct high-stakes business, deliver education, and hold private consultations from behind a screen. Yet, in 2026, many local government meetings—held on taxpayer-funded property and open to the general public—still require a physical presence to truly “be in the room”. By now, a digital “front door” should be the standard, not the exception.

The Digital “Must-Haves”

At a bare minimum, any meeting of public interest should be recorded and posted for later viewing. But the gold standard—the one that actually fosters democracy—is the hybrid meeting. A true hybrid experience offers:

  • Live Streaming: Real-time visibility into the discussions that shape our communities.

  • Two-Way Interaction: The ability for a working parent or a homebound senior to not just listen, but to participate with the same time allotment as those in the room.

California Leading the Way: SB 707 and the Brown Act

California is setting the pace with SB 707, which modernizes the Brown Act to reduce barriers to public participation. Starting July 1, 2026, “eligible legislative bodies”—including city councils and county boards serving populations of 30,000 or more—must provide two-way telephonic or audiovisual access for the public.

While school districts and utility boards are not currently classified as “eligible legislative bodies” for these specific hybrid mandates, the expectation for transparency is growing. New rules regarding “just cause” for remote board member participation and disability accommodations are already effective for all local agencies. It is likely only a matter of time before these hybrid requirements expand to all public entities.

Why Wait for a Law? Be Proactive.

Transparency shouldn’t be a reaction to a mandate; it should be a commitment to your constituents. Since 1986 we have been a trusted partner for enterprise, education, and government clients, successfully executing over 125,000 projects. We specialize in installing collaborative audio-visual solutions—from high-resolution displays to integrated conferencing systems—that support seamless hybrid and remote meetings.

We have the expertise to help your local or city government get ahead of the curve, building an inclusive environment where every citizen can help shape the future of their community.