The purpose of the Public Engagement Commission shall be to advise the City Council and staff on matters related to public engagement in City government and governance.
(Ord. 23-04 § 1)
The Public Engagement Commission shall be composed of seven members. One member shall be a youth member.
(Ord. 23-04 § 1)
Commissioners shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council according to the process established in Chapter 2.15.
(Ord. 23-04 § 1)
A. 
Applicants and members must demonstrate respect for the diversity of the Goleta community and be committed to ensuring equity, inclusion, and access for all residents and visitors in the provision of government services.
B. 
The Public Engagement Commission shall be composed of professional and lay members with a demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in communications, community engagement, community/public relations, non-profit service provisions, marketing, journalism, and/or diversity, equity, and inclusion.
C. 
Members of the Public Engagement Commission shall be residents of the City.
D. 
No member of the Public Engagement Commission may be an employee or officer of the City.
E. 
The youth member shall be at least 15 years old but not more than 18 years old at the time of appointment.
(Ord. 23-04 § 1)
The Public Engagement Commission shall meet four times per year or as needed to fulfill its duties.
(Ord. 23-04 § 1)
The Public Engagement Commission shall have the following responsibilities:
A. 
To advise the City Council and staff on public engagement matters, such as:
1. 
How the public can become informed about and influence public decisions;
2. 
How to interest and encourage people to become engaged in civic and political life through elected, appointed and volunteer positions;
3. 
How the City should best communicate with residents to inform them about public problems, issues and policy matters;
4. 
What venues, technologies and available platforms should be used to best reach and inform residents about City government;
5. 
How to ensure equitable communication and outreach and how to ensure that all residents are invited to engage with the City government and comfortable doing so, including Spanish speakers and historically underrepresented groups; and
6. 
How best to involve residents in public discussion and deliberation on City matters through public comment, community surveying, stakeholder outreach, and other means.
B. 
To provide a venue to address opportunities and ways to improve public outreach and increase public engagement, including, but not limited to, participation in public meetings and events, participation on City boards and commissions, or running for public office.
C. 
To advise the City Council on ensuring a diversity of perspectives (geographically, demographically, linguistically, etc.) are invited to be considered in public decision-making.
D. 
Any other matters as directed by the City Council.
(Ord. 23-04 § 1)
A. 
Members of the Public Engagement Commission shall be appointed to a four-year term. There shall be no limit on the number of terms members may be appointed.
B. 
The youth Commissioner shall serve up to a two-year term.
C. 
Appointments shall be made in such a manner so that no more than four members’ terms expire concurrently.
D. 
Members shall serve until their successor has been appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council pursuant to Chapter 2.15.
(Ord. 23-04 § 1)
The City Council may establish by resolution the compensation to be paid to the members of the Commission.
(Ord. 23-04 § 1)