Maricopa County to resume public attendance at board meetings

PHOENIX – After two years of COVID restrictions, Maricopa County said the public is once again welcome to attend board meetings in person.

The board of supervisors announced Wednesday that in addition to resuming in-person attendance, it would keep offering online participation, which has been in place since early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m excited to open the doors to our board meetings and invite people to comment on any of the items on the agenda,” board Chairman Bill Gates said in a press release.

“The webinar has allowed more people in more places to be a part of our meetings, and I think the combination of in-person and virtual participation represents the best of both worlds.”

Gates said the return to open doors is based on recent guidance from Maricopa County Department of Public Health, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Last month, the county lifted its requirement that face masks be worn inside its facilities.

“Masks are voluntary for employees and visitors at county-run buildings, not including courts, which have their own rules,” the county said in making that announcement.

The next public meeting is scheduled March 23 at 9:30 a.m.

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