Modesto starts SB 707 Zoom/phone comment and Spanish agenda access
Starting July 1, 2026, Modesto says SB 707 updates add Zoom/phone public comment and Spanish City Council agenda access, with interpreters by 48 hours.
Starting July 1, 2026, the City of Modesto says it’s updating City Council participation rules to comply with California’s SB 707—with the most visible changes being Zoom/phone public comment options and Spanish-language agenda access. The city also lays out how to request interpreters and other accessibility modifications in advance.
Quick start: what changes in July 2026
- Zoom/phone public comment: Modesto says members of the public can provide public comment on Zoom and by telephone starting July 1, 2026.
- Spanish agendas: Modesto says City Council meeting agendas will be posted in Spanish online and on a posting board outside City Hall.
- Resident translations: A public bulletin board near the 10th Street entrance will let community members post their own Spanish agenda translations.
- Interpretation/accessibility requests: The city says residents can request interpreters and accessibility modifications through the City Clerk’s Office 48 hours in advance.
How to give public comment remotely (Zoom or telephone)
For meetings where remote public comment is offered under the city’s participation instructions, Modesto’s workflow is designed to manage the queue and unmute speakers when it’s your turn:
- Zoom (computer or smartphone): click the “Raise Hand” feature in the webinar controls. City staff will unmute your microphone when it’s your turn. You’ll have three minutes to provide public comment, and you’ll be muted again after your comment ends.
- Telephone (no app): dial *9 (star 9) to “raise your hand.” Staff will unmute your microphone when it’s your turn, and you’ll have three minutes to provide public comment. If you’re unmuted and can’t be heard, the host may ask you to dial *6 to toggle mute on/off in Zoom.
Before you plan to speak: Modesto pages don’t all say the same thing
Some readers may notice a tension between city pages. Modesto’s Meeting Information page says: “Public Comment will only be in-person.” Meanwhile, Modesto’s City Council Agendas & Minutes instructions say that starting July 1, 2026, members of the public can provide public comment on Zoom and by telephone.
Practical takeaway: for the meeting you’re attending, follow the participation instructions tied to that meeting/agenda. If you’re trying to speak remotely or need interpretation/accessibility support, it’s also smart to contact the City Clerk’s Office early.
Spanish agenda access: where you can find it
Modesto’s SB 707 notice describes a clear, physical-and-digital approach to language access:
- The City Clerk’s Office will post City Council meeting agendas in Spanish online and on a posting board outside City Hall.
- A public bulletin board will be available near the 10th Street entrance at City Hall where community members may post their own Spanish translations of the agendas.
Interpretation and accessibility: request it 48 hours ahead
Modesto says it will continue offering interpretation services, including live translation through Wordly.
For residents who need in-person interpreter services and/or accessibility modifications, the city says to request them through the City Clerk’s Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. Modesto’s instructions list both:
- Phone: 209-577-5396
- Email: cityclerk@modestogov.com
Want to submit a written comment instead?
Even if you don’t speak live, Modesto’s instructions say written public comments can be emailed in and are included in the official record:
- Email: councilmeetings@modestogov.com (include the agenda item number in the subject line)
- Deadline: written comments must be received two hours before the meeting
- What happens next: Modesto says comments will be shared with councilmembers and placed in the record, but will not be read aloud during the meeting
SB 707 in plain English (why Modesto is doing this)
SB 707 is California’s Brown Act modernization effort that adds additional public-meeting requirements for eligible local bodies starting July 1, 2026 and running until January 1, 2030.
In plain terms, the bill requires eligible legislative bodies to:
- Provide an opportunity for the public to attend via a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform.
- Translate the agenda into applicable languages and post those translations.
- Make a physical location available where members of the public can post additional translations.
If you’re a renter, homeowner, parent, commuter, or local business owner who depends on City Council decisions—zoning, public services, and budgets—SB 707 is essentially about reducing barriers to participation. In Modesto’s implementation, that means planning ahead for remote comment options (where offered), Spanish agenda materials, and interpreter/accessibility requests.
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