Modesto Zoom/phone public comment under SB 707 starts July 1, 2026
Starting July 1, 2026, Modesto expands Zoom/phone public comment under SB 707—plus Spanish agendas and Wordly interpretation. Here’s how.
Modesto CA — Starting July 1, 2026, the City of Modesto is updating how residents can participate in City Council meetings to comply with California’s SB 707. That includes expanded remote public comment by Zoom and by phone, plus clearer accessibility steps for residents who need Spanish language support or other accommodations.
If you plan to participate virtually, the exact “how to speak” steps and deadlines matter—so this guide pulls the City’s instructions into one place.
What SB 707 requires (and why the date is July 1, 2026)
SB 707 requires eligible local agencies to provide an opportunity for the public to attend via a 2-way telephonic service or a 2-way audiovisual platform beginning July 1, 2026. The bill also includes translation and interpretation-related requirements and directs agencies to publicize how residents can request assistance.
What’s changing in Modesto City Council participation in July 2026
In its SB 707 update, the City says residents will be able to join public comment periods virtually through Zoom, including Public Comment, Discussion items, Public Hearings, and comments for Closed Session items. The City also says meeting procedures are being updated so residents can participate remotely by Zoom or phone starting July 1, 2026.
For residents, the practical changes are mostly about the “participate and speak” workflow: using Zoom “Raise Hand,” using phone key commands, submitting emails with the right timing, and requesting language/accessibility help early enough.
How to speak on Zoom (computer or smartphone)
The City’s instructions for Zoom public comment are straightforward:
- Click the “Raise Hand” feature in the webinar controls.
- City staff will unmute your microphone when it’s your turn.
- After you’re unmuted, you’ll have three minutes to provide public comment.
- After your comment ends, you’ll be muted again.
Plan ahead: the City notes that public participation procedures can depend on the agenda item and meeting timing, so check the participation instructions for the specific meeting you plan to attend.
How to speak by regular phone: dial *9 (and *6 if needed)
If you’re calling in instead of using Zoom, Modesto’s instructions use phone key commands:
- Dial *9 (star 9) to notify staff that you’ve “raised your hand” for public comment.
- City staff will unmute your line when it’s your turn.
- You’ll hear “you are unmuted” and then have three minutes to speak.
- If you need it, the host may ask you to dial *6 to toggle mute on/off in Zoom.
Email public comment: submit early (and expect it not to be read aloud)
Modesto also accepts written public comment by email. According to the City, email comments:
- Are shared with City Councilmembers and placed in the public record.
- Will not be read aloud during the meeting.
- Must be received two hours before the meeting.
Spanish language support and interpretation: Wordly + 48-hour requests
The City says Spanish language access is built into the meeting process:
- Spanish agendas are posted both online and on the posting board outside City Hall.
- A public bulletin board is available near the 10th Street entrance for community members to post their own translations of City Council agendas.
- The City continues offering interpretation services, including live translation through Wordly.
For residents who need an in-person interpreter or other accessibility accommodations, Modesto instructs residents to request those 48 hours in advance through the City Clerk’s Office.
What residents should do next
- If you want to speak by Zoom or phone, review the City’s step-by-step participation instructions and note the three-minute time limit.
- If you plan to submit by email, make sure your comment is received at least two hours before the meeting.
- If you need interpretation or accessibility modifications, request help 48 hours ahead—especially for in-person interpreter needs.
- For each meeting, check the City’s posted participation instructions for that agenda date and item timing.
Sources
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