Video-streaming Council meetings increases public access

Since we took office, the current members of the Metropolitan Council have placed a high priority on being open and transparent in our decision-making, and being accountable for results.

Several years ago, we began posting the agendas, business items and minutes of Council and committee meetings on our website. We also have greatly expanded the number of reports, maps and data available online.

In May, we took another important step when we began streaming video of Council meetings on our website. Council meetings can be viewed live online at their regular time – 4 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.

In addition, the video of every Council meeting is being archived for later viewing. Each video is indexed so users can access the agenda item or items of interest to them. The accompanying agenda provides links to the committee and staff reports for each business item.

Later this year, we will begin providing live and on-demand video of Council committee meetings as well.

Videos can be accessed from a quick link on right side of the Council’s homepage, as well as from the meetings page. The pages also provide information on the minimum computer system requirements for viewing the online videos.

We recognize that the deliberations of our Council will never rival Oprah in the ratings. However, we hope video streaming will provide increased access to concerned citizens and key stakeholder groups, such as local officials, legislators, developers and advocacy groups.

Peter Bell

May 2008