Fort Lee is a community that prides itself on being forward-thinking, diverse, and deeply engaged. Yet one of the simplest tools for public access and transparency — broadcasting Mayor & Council meetings online — is no longer being used.

During COVID, our borough discovered something important: remote participation works.

It allowed residents to stay informed and involved without needing to drive, find parking, leave children at home, or rearrange work schedules. It reduced barriers for seniors, people with disabilities, caregivers, and anyone facing time, transportation, or safety challenges. And it brought more people into the democratic process, not fewer.

In 2025, online access to public meetings isn’t an innovation; it’s a standard. Many towns across New Jersey and throughout the country now livestream and archive their meetings as part of their commitment to transparency and accessibility.

Fort Lee should be leading on this, not lagging behind.

We are calling on the Borough of Fort Lee to:

1. Broadcast all Mayor & Council meetings live via Zoom or a similar platform.

2. Make recordings accessible on the borough website for residents who cannot attend live.

3. Offer a mechanism for remote public comment, consistent with state laws and meeting procedures.

4. Adopt a permanent policy ensuring online access moving forward.

This petition is not about politics. It is about access, transparency, and strengthening community involvement. Fort Lee is home to families, seniors, students, busy workers, and residents from every walk of life. All of them should have the opportunity to observe and engage with their local government.

In a town as connected and modern as ours, no resident should be excluded simply because they cannot be in a physical room at a specific hour on a weeknight.

Please join us in urging Fort Lee’s leadership to restore remote access to public meetings.

It’s practical, it’s inclusive, and it’s the right step forward for our borough.