Submitted By: City Manager
Prepared By: Andy Hall, City Manager
Subject:
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REVIEW OF CITY POLICY RELATED TO CITY COUNCILMEMBERS CONDUCTING PRESS CONFERENCES AND POTENTIAL DISCUSSION OF POLICY CHANGES
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Summary:
At the August 18, 2026, Regular Meeting of the City Council, Councilmembers requested the preparation of a staff report containing the relevant policies associated with members of the City Council conducting press conferences. Staff reviewed current policies and the Municipal Code and determined there are no existing policies or Ordinances specifically dedicated to Press Conferences. Staff attached some of the policies and citations that are most closely related to the subject of press conferences for City Council review and potential action.
Background:
Members of the City Council often distribute information through mass and social media platforms. This practice allows elected officials to communicate with constituents in an efficient manner about issues deemed to be important to the community. There are many options for media communication, one of which is a formal press conference.
Because communication with constituents is a primary function of an elected official, communication with media outlets is common. One strategy for engaging the media is to arrange a formal press conference where members of the media are invited to hear directly from one or more members of the City Council (not a majority) and ask questions. The process is more efficient than speaking with each outlet individually and often leads to more consistent dissemination of information.
Discussion:
Although the Municipal Code and policies of the City Council lack specific instructions about how a press conference is organized and conducted, the activity is commonplace in local government. Following a review of existing policies, staff identified some related procedures for consideration:
City Council Policy 1201-7 (Attachment 1) was created to address City Council requests for staff assistance. Although the policy does not directly mention press conferences, it does establish protocols for City Councilmembers obtaining assistance from staff.
Section 4.2.2 of City Council Policy 1201-11 (Attachment 2) identifies the Mayor as the primary spokesperson for the City, unless the responsibility is delegated by the Mayor. This policy would be applicable if the subject matter of the press conference is intended to be an official statement of the City. However, it is very possible that a member of the City Council would like to engage the press regarding an issue that is not intended to be an official statement of the entire body. Traditionally, members of the City Council have had interaction with the media on an individual basis on issues important to the member, but not necessarily an official statement of the City.
It is possible that other policies and Municipal Code citations exist that have tangential reference to conducting press conferences, but the two listed above appear to be the most closely related polices. If the members of the City Council would like to formalize the process, direction should be given to staff to prepare specific policies for review by the City Council.
Finally, providing facts regarding topics of interest to the community usually needs to be carefully distinguished from campaigning. Whether in the context of arranging for a press conference or other media interactions, members of the City Council may not use public resources (which includes staff time) to advocate for or against a ballot measure or a candidate for office. In contrast to campaigning, informational activities, including providing factual information at a press conference, are permitted. (See Gov. Code § 54964; Stanson v. Mott (1976) 17 Cal.3d 206; League of Women Voters v. Countywide Crim. Just. Coordination Com. (1988) 203 Cal.App.3d 529, 250; Vargas v. City of Salinas (2009) 46 Cal.4th 1.)
Considerations Identified by Staff:
Staff was present when this item was placed on the agenda by the City Council. Even though it was inferred that the issue at hand was press availability by City Officials prior to a public outreach meeting scheduled by the Orange County Transportation Authority, no specific purpose for discussing this item was mentioned and there was no direction indicated regarding what type of policy change may or may not be desired. Accordingly, this item has been agendized to include both a review of existing potentially relevant policies and laws as well as a discussion on potential policy change(s).
Council Options:
Unless the City Council provides specific direction to modify current practices, staff will continue to provide assistance to members of the City Council seeking to communicate with media outlets provided the activities do not constitute campaigning.
Environmental Review/Analysis:
The discussion of policy is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no direct fiscal impact anticipated by this item.
Potential Action(s):
recommendation
The City Council may choose to continue current practice or modify the policies associated with press relations.
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Attachment:
1. City Council Policy 1201-7
2. City Council Policy 1201-11
Notification:
None.