We, the undersigned, urge the City Council of Lawrenceville, IL to adopt a plan that will livestream and record all public city council meetings, while also increasing transparency through better access to officials and meeting information.

Why This Matters:
Many residents want to stay informed—but can’t attend city meetings due to work, mobility, or family obligations. In 2025, livestreaming is no longer a luxury—it’s a basic expectation of open government.

This petition supports a fully detailed plan (already submitted to the Council) that includes the following key components:

 
1. Livestreaming & Archiving Meetings
✅ Use affordable equipment and free software to stream meetings live on YouTube.
✅ Record and archive meetings for public access.
✅ No ongoing cost—can be managed by part-time staff or trained volunteers.
💡 Total setup cost: under $3,200.
In 2024, 73% of U.S. adults reported watching YouTube regularly. If we want to foster engagement, we need to meet the public where they are.

 
2. Public Contact Information for Elected Officials
📞 Each alderman and the mayor receives a $600/year phone allowance, yet few publish their contact info.
📌 The proposal asks the city to publish phone numbers and email addresses for all elected officials on the city website and at City Hall.
🔎 Taxpayer-funded phones should come with public accountability—not just during campaign season.
I share MY phone number publicly, shouldn't our elected officials do at least as much?! 

 
3. Posting Meeting Agendas 48 Hours in Advance
📅 The Illinois Open Meetings Act (OMA) requires meeting agendas to be posted 48 hours in advance.
📌 This proposal would ensure agendas are posted both on the city website and physically at City Hall, consistently and reliably.

 
4. Promoting Public Participation
🤝 True transparency means inviting engagement, not just tolerating it.
This proposal encourages the Council to:

Include a standing “Public Input” item on each agenda
Promote upcoming meetings on social media 48–72 hours in advance
Use online surveys or forums to gather feedback on major proposals
 
In Summary:
Transparency builds trust. Accessibility builds community. Livestreaming, open communication, and public involvement are all within reach—and long overdue.

Let’s take this small step that could have a huge impact on how citizens engage with their local government.