At the March 3, 2025, City Council meeting, staff presented an overview of the proposed Social Media Policy. The staff report from that meeting is included as Attachment 1. During the discussion, the City Council provided direction to staff to amend Section III.(P) of the policy, which pertains to compliance with the Brown Act in regard to social media, including Government Code Section 54952.2(b)(3). During its discussion of the Social Media Policy, the City Council identified Section III.(P) as being too restrictive in instructions to Councilmembers, Commission, and Board members. City Council directed staff to revise Section III.(P) and return with language that offers clearer guidance on permissible interactions with City social media content for Council, Commission, and Board members.
Attachment 2 contains a redlined version of the Social Media Policy, highlighting the changes made to Section III.(P), as outlined below:
P. City social media sites shall be managed consistent with the Brown Act. Members of the City Council, Commissions and/or Boards shall comply with the requirements of the Brown Act in regard to social media including Government Code Section 54952.2 (b) (3) as it may be amended from time to time. Members of the City Council, Commissions and/or Boards may respond to, react (e.g., “like, “love”, “thumbs up,” or any other emoji/reaction), “share,” “repost” or otherwise participate in any published postings by City staff which are solely informational, but may not respond to or react to any postings by other members of the legislative body. City social media sites are subject to the California Public Records Act. the Freedom of Information Act, subpoenas, and court orders. Any content maintained on a City social media site that is related to City business, including a list of subscribers, posted communication, and communication submitted for posting, is a public record and may be subject to disclosure in accordance with applicable law.
If adopted, Resolution 2025-031 (Attachment 3) will approve the revised Social Media Policy (Attachment 4), incorporating the amendments to Section III.(P) as outlined above.
Next Steps
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution 2025-031, approving City Policy No. 2025-001, Social Media Policy. Alternatively, the Council may provide other direction to staff.