Last week, the Board of Supervisors held a governance workshop to evaluate ways to improve the operations and support for each supervisorial office. Our primary goal was to enhance consistency and efficiency in how we serve our communities. A key focus of this discussion was exploring ways to improve public engagement and ensure that all residents have meaningful opportunities to participate in County decision-making. 

Municipal Advisory Councils (MACs) were first established in the early 1970s to provide advisory input on local issues. Over time, as Placer County has grown, the role and structure of MACs has evolved. Under current County Code, MACs are formally designated to review and comment on land-use and planning matters. However, each supervisorial office has developed additional ways to engage with residents, and we believe greater consistency in public outreach is essential to ensuring equitable access for all. 

Expanding Opportunities for Public Participation 

As your representative, I am committed to making sure your voice is heard and that our community has the most effective tools for engaging in County processes. Over the past several years, District and Board staff have been assessing the effectiveness and fairness of relying on MACs for community input. A recent grand jury report further highlighted the need to reevaluate our engagement strategies. While MACs remain valuable for land-use discussions, we recognize they are not the only—nor always the most effective—way to facilitate robust public participation. 

Some of the challenges identified include: 

   • Limited public awareness about MACs and their role 

   • Low meeting turnout and lack of virtual options for the majority of
      locations  

   • Brown Act requirements for MAC meetings that can prevent timely
      meetings because of quorum requirements 

These and other factors can sometimes lead to community frustration, particularly when Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors’ decisions do not align with MAC recommendations. 

A More Inclusive Approach 

To address these challenges and ensure broader public engagement, we are exploring additional tools to supplement the MAC process. These include: 

   1. Hybrid or online town hall meetings for regional issues, allowing
       broader and more convenient participation 

   2. Community forums to receive regular updates on County programs
       and provide a platform for non-County agencies to share their
       updates

   3. Online engagement platforms (such as Engage Placer) to make it
       easier for residents to share input at their convenience 

By expanding our outreach efforts, we hope to foster more informed discussions, provide greater accessibility for those who cannot attend in-person meetings, and ensure that all residents and businesses have an opportunity to contribute to shaping Placer County’s future. 

These additional tools are designed to complement—not replace—our existing MACs, creating a more transparent, collaborative, and inclusive decision-making process. 

We welcome your feedback as we work to refine and enhance public engagement. Your voice is essential in shaping the future of our community. 

In service, 
Supervisor Cindy Gustafson