Democracy should be accessible to all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. However, many New Yorkers face obstacles that prevent them from participating and having their voices heard. Whether it be a disability, work commitments, or childcare responsibilities, attending public meetings in person is often impractical. While the COVID-19 pandemic compelled us to embrace virtual options throughout the state, we must not abandon the progress we’ve made in terms of accessibility as we return to normal.
A permanent amendment to New York’s Open Meetings Law mandating remote access for participants from state, county, and local bodies is not merely a temporary solution to a temporary problem; it is a long-overdue stride towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
Currently, the state Open Meetings Law loosely suggests that state agencies and authorities appointed by the governor livestream their meetings “to the extent practicable and within available funds.” However, according to data analyzed by Cornell University’s State Policy Advocacy Clinic for the New York Coalition For Open Government, only 23 percent of city, town, and village boards actually do so.
As a disabled New Yorker and politically engaged college student, I have firsthand experience of being unable to attend a public meeting. Sometimes it’s due to transportation difficulties, while other times it’s an unforeseen health issue that prevents me from leaving the house. In these situations, circumstances beyond my control deprive me of the opportunity to participate in civic matters. The same holds true for parents who need to care for their children, low-income workers unable to miss their shifts, or individuals residing in rural areas without adequate transportation resources.
Studies have demonstrated that offering remote alternatives for local public meetings can increase participation, especially among young adults. Additionally, a 2018 study conducted by Boston University on in-person public meeting attendance revealed that the individuals participating in Massachusetts planning and zoning hearings are typically older, wealthier, male homeowners, which fails to effectively represent the state’s diverse population.
During this legislative session, our neighboring state Massachusetts has introduced a bill that requires all-hybrid access to public meetings. It also provides funds and hardship waivers until 2030 for municipalities to modernize their infrastructure. Implementing a similar approach in New York would ensure that everyone has the autonomy to exercise their right to participate in governmental decision-making processes.
The need for virtual options did not arise solely due to the global shutdown; it took a pandemic for us to recognize the possibility of such alternatives. Let us continue to open more doors rather than close them, bringing us closer to a more equitable and inclusive New York.
Manahil Jafri, a Staten Island resident, is a student at Cornell University’s Brooks School of Public Policy, and is affiliated with the State Policy Advocacy Clinic.
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