We, the undersigned, respectfully urge the Boston City Council to support Docket #0696, a resolution that designates March 16-22, 2025, as “Sunshine Week” in the City of Boston and advocates for hybrid meeting access under the Open Meeting Law.

We would like to express our gratitude to City Councilor Breadon and City Council President Louijeune for filing this important resolution and respectfully ask the City Council to vote in favor of it this Wednesday.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, residents of Boston and Massachusetts have come to expect the ability to participate in local democratic processes by attending meetings remotely. As the worst of the pandemic has passed, many cities, including Boston, have transitioned to offering residents the option of attending meetings in person or virtually. Hybrid meetings have made it possible for many people—such as new parents, workers with multiple jobs, students, people with disabilities, and those facing transportation challenges—to participate in local government. This expanded access has been transformative for countless individuals and has strengthened our local democracy.

We cannot return to a time when residents had to sacrifice valuable hours just to engage with their government. Hybrid meeting access has made participation more inclusive and equitable, and we must continue to support and build upon these advancements.

In these challenging times, when the principles of democracy and open government are under threat, it is crucial that cities like Boston set a positive example. By passing this resolution, Boston can demonstrate its commitment to transparency, openness, and the accessibility of government.

We urge the City Council to vote YES on Docket #0696, to support open government, and to celebrate Sunshine Week as a step toward a more inclusive and accessible democracy.