The COVID-19 pandemic forced city governments to get creative to allow citizens to still partake in city council meetings. That's why many began live-streaming council meetings online.
Cities and towns used Facebook, YouTube or their municipal websites to share live viewings for citizens who were unable to attend in person. While many cities have continued to stream workshops and meetings as a courtesy, some are beginning to pull back, raising concerns about transparency and accessibility.
The latest city to end virtual access to meetings is Mountain Brook, blaming technology challenges.
Centreville ended live streams in 2025, saying it wanted to encourage in-person public participation and avoid harmful comments online.
"For people to comment, they need to come to the meetings, not make anonymous and dangerous comments," the council stated, according to ABC 33/40.
Monroeville halted live streaming in 2025. Mayor Charles Andrews told 1819 News the city is now working to establish a new live-streaming service.
Tarrant discontinued live streaming on Facebook after newly elected Mayor Tracie Threadford took office. After hearing from concerned citizens, Threadford said the city created a new Facebook page and had to wait 60 days to go live, per Facebook policy. She said under her administration, all public meetings will be streamed live once the 60-day period is reached. She pointed out that the Alabama Open Meetings Act does not require municipalities to live-stream meetings.
“In the meantime, we strongly encourage anyone who is able to attend City Council meetings in person,” Threadford said. “Being present is the best way to stay informed about what is happening in your city.”
Foley leaders are discussing regular live streaming.
Foley City Councilman Timothy Lower told 1819 News has discussed the matter. During his campaign, Lower pointed out that Foley had cameras throughout the city and felt it was time to put one in the council chambers.
Some cities, such as Sylacauga and Roanoke, have citizens who live-stream city council meetings professionally.
Roanoke Mayor Adam Melton told 1819 News that Mack Bell, of Bell Video and Audio Services, volunteers his time to stream each meeting. The former councilman has provided the service for other city events, including campaign forums, at no cost to the city.
“Mr. Bell’s doing it and showing it, you know, at no charge,” Melton said. “Hey, we've just been letting him do it, and it's worked out great, you know, it seems like, for the community. So, we're just making use of an asset free of charge.”
Melton said if Bell decides to end live streams, the city will discuss how to establish an official live stream.
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