Recent efforts by the City of West Chicago have made local government more accessible to all residents in order to “encourage active participation in City decision-making," an overarching goal in the Comprehensive Plan. This new tool fosters greater engagement particularly for individuals who are hearing impaired, Spanish-speaking, physically unable to attend in person, or constrained by scheduling conflicts. Since June 2024, the City has been recording and publishing videos of its City Council meetings, marking a return to recorded meetings with the latest expansion to include its four Standing Committees—Finance, Development, Infrastructure, and Public Affairs—as well as the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.
Meetings are now readily available on the City of West Chicago’s YouTube Channel, with new videos typically uploaded within a week, ensuring residents can stay informed at their convenience. (A schedule of public meetings is also available on the City’s website to follow along on the recordings or for those that are able to attend in-person meetings.)
Eliminating Barriers to Participation
The ability to access meeting recordings online, complete with Spanish-language transcriptions and English closed captioning, reinforces a commitment to civic engagement and transparency. By leveraging modern digital tools, the City is not just restoring access but is making government more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the diverse needs of its residents.
The integration of closed captioning makes it easier for those who are hearing impaired to follow discussions, while Spanish-language transcription increases access within the Spanish-speaking community. For residents with physical limitations or mobility concerns, the availability of recorded meetings eliminates the barrier of in-person attendance. Additionally, those balancing work, family, or other responsibilities can now watch government decision-making discussions on their own schedules, removing a key obstacle to civic awareness and participation.
A Strategic and Cost-Effective Approach
Prior to 2017, meetings were broadcast live and recorded for public access TV, but a lack of volunteers, outdated equipment, and staffing challenges led to the program’s discontinuation. When the City sought a solution, it prioritized an approach that would be both cost-effective and widely accessible. Instead of investing over $80,000 in new broadcasting infrastructure, the City strategically spent $2,500 for video conferencing technology and is allocating approximately $1,000 per month towards closed captioning and accurate translation services.
Advancing Comprehensive Plan Goals
Residents and other stakeholders expressed a desire to “cultivate civic participation” during the public engagement process that informed the development of the City’s Comprehensive Plan (Pages 30, 32-33). The Plan’s Implementation Strategy (Pages 94-114) outlines several recommendations to address this goal. The Comprehensive Plan was adopted on January 17, 2022, and is available in both English and Spanish.