On April 18, 2024, California’s Attorney General issued an opinion about State of the City addresses. If a majority of the City Council attends such events, even when hosted by private organizations, they are subject to the Brown Act. This means the public should have access to these meetings.
The opinion was requested by the Ventura County District Attorney after Ventura’s Mayor spoke at an annual breakfast put on by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. This private group promotes local businesses and required tickets for entry to the breakfast, thereby limiting public access.
Though not legally binding, the Attorney General’s opinion guides public agencies on how courts might interpret the Brown Act, ensuring transparency in government meetings.
Read more in our June newsletter.