A virtual presentation at a local government meeting.

Over the past five years, virtual and hybrid meetings have become essential tools for local governments. These meeting formats have opened doors that previously limited who could participate, giving residents a voice no matter their location or schedule.

That said, the laws governing how you conduct these meetings vary across states. For example, Massachusetts recently extended its remote and hybrid meeting authorizations through June 30, 2027. You may face different regulations, timelines, and compliance obligations depending on where you serve, so it’s crucial to stay informed about the rules that apply to you. Regardless of where you are, video meeting platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Webex remain your most effective tools to balance accessibility, transparency, and security in public meetings.

Key benefits of video meeting platforms remain:

  • Increase accessibility
    Allow members of your community who can’t attend in person—due to work, family obligations, disabilities, or travel—to participate remotely. You’ll build stronger community ties by making sure everyone can be heard.

  • Boost efficiency
    Use digital agendas, agenda-tracking AI, and streamlined digital record-keeping to reduce your administrative workload. These features help you stay organized and responsive.

  • Meet evolving accessibility standards
    Many platforms now offer real-time captioning and sign language interpretation. Incorporate these features to comply with legal requirements and serve all residents equitably.

  • Balance security and public access
    Use waiting rooms to vet participants and mute controls at entry to minimize disruptions. However, never lock your meeting once it’s in session—that would restrict public access and breach open meeting laws.

To make these practices even easier to follow, we have created a Hybrid Meeting Checklist just for you. This easy-to-use tool guides you through key steps—like posting notices, testing technology, managing security, and keeping accurate records—to help your meetings run smoothly and efficiently.

By combining these digital tools with up-to-date legal guidance, you will keep your meetings transparent, inclusive, and secure. Your leadership ensures that your community stays informed, involved, and trustful of their local government.