Navigating Colorado's HB21-1110 Accessibility Mandate: How People Speak Can Help
May 17, 2024 update: HB24-1454 bill aims to extend the compliance deadline from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2025. Details in this article on Accessible.org.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of local governance, accessibility and public engagement are more critical than ever. Colorado HB21-1110 mandates that cities demonstrate compliance with accessibility standards in public hearings starting July 1, 2024, and many city managers are seeking effective solutions to meet these new requirements. People Speak, a proven platform created in Colorado, is uniquely positioned to help cities navigate this mandate and enhance their public engagement efforts.
Understanding Colorado HB21-1110
Colorado HB21-1110 is a landmark piece of legislation aimed at ensuring that all public hearings are accessible to every member of the community. This law requires cities to adopt measures that facilitate inclusivity and participation, addressing barriers that may prevent individuals with disabilities from fully engaging in local governance processes. Compliance with HB21-1110 not only fulfills a legal requirement but also represents a commitment to transparency, equity, and community involvement.
Introducing People Speak
People Speak is a user-friendly platform specifically designed to enhance the accessibility and engagement of public hearings. Originating in Colorado, it has already been successfully implemented in numerous cities, including Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and Grand Junction. People Speak offers a comprehensive solution that supports a variety of public meetings, from City Council sessions to board and commission gatherings.
How People Speak Addresses HB21-1110 Compliance
Seamless Integration and Quick Setup: People Speak can be integrated into your city's existing processes with ease. Our platform can be set up in under a week with no startup costs, ensuring that you can meet the July 1 deadline for compliance without any delays.
User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed to be intuitive and accessible, making it easy for all community members to participate in public hearings. This includes features like real-time transcription, language translation, and options for remote participation.
Customizable Features: People Speak offers a range of customizable features tailored to the specific needs of local governments. Whether you need tools for managing citizen feedback, broadcasting meetings, or ensuring ADA compliance, our platform can be adapted to meet your city's unique requirements.
Proven Track Record: Many Colorado cities have already benefited from using People Speak. Take a look at the Lakewood or Grand Junction sites to see how Colorado cities have successfully enhanced their public engagement efforts by leveraging our platform. You can explore these implementations at Lakewoodspeaks.org and gjspeaks.org.
Benefits of Using People Speak
Enhanced Public Engagement: By making public hearings more accessible, People Speak fosters greater participation and inclusivity, ensuring that all voices in the community are heard.
Compliance Assurance: Our platform is designed to help cities meet the specific requirements of HB21-1110, reducing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.
Increased Transparency: People Speak promotes transparency in local governance by making it easier for citizens to access and participate in public hearings.
Community Trust: Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity helps build trust between city officials and the community, leading to more effective and collaborative governance.
Get Started with People Speak
As the July 1 deadline approaches, now is the time to act. People Speak is ready to assist your city in achieving compliance with Colorado HB21-1110 and enhancing your public hearing processes. We invite you to schedule a personalized demonstration to see how our platform can benefit your city.
Let's work together to create a more inclusive, transparent, and engaging governance environment. Contact us today to learn more about People Speak and how we can support your city in this important transition.
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By embracing People Speak, Colorado cities can not only comply with HB21-1110 but also take a significant step towards more effective and inclusive public engagement. Join the growing number of cities that have already transformed their public hearings with People Speak and ensure that your city is ready for the future of accessible governance.