Brown Act &
Public Transparency Guidelines
Open meetings. Public access. Official records.
The Audit Committee is committed to open meetings and public transparency in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act. Agendas are publicly posted, meeting materials are made available as required, and approved action minutes are maintained as part of the official County record.
What Public Transparency Means and Why It Matters
Learn how open meetings, posted agendas, public comment, accessible meeting materials, and approved action minutes help strengthen accountability and public confidence in Audit Committee oversight.
Public Access and Open Government
Brown Act & Public Transparency Guidelines
The Ralph M. Brown Act is California’s open meeting law for local legislative bodies. It supports the public’s right to attend, observe, and participate in meetings where public business is discussed or acted upon. The Audit Committee applies these principles through public agenda posting, open meeting access, public comment opportunities, and official records.
Transparency Commitment
How the Audit Committee Supports Public Access
The Audit Committee provides independent oversight and objective advice to the Board of Supervisors on governance, risk management, internal controls, and internal audit matters. Because this work affects public accountability and confidence in County operations, the Committee conducts its public business in a transparent, accessible, and records-based manner.
- ✓Agendas identify the items of business scheduled for Committee consideration.
- ✓Public meeting materials are made available as required by applicable law.
- ✓Members of the public are provided an opportunity to address the Committee consistent with Brown Act requirements and adopted meeting procedures.
- ✓Approved action minutes are maintained as part of the official County record.
- ✓Meeting information is made available through the public meeting portal and related County posting locations.
Core Public Meeting Standards
What the Brown Act Means for Public Meetings
The Brown Act establishes public access standards for local agency meetings. The following summaries are provided for public information and are not legal advice.
Open and Public Meetings
Meetings of local legislative bodies are generally open and public. Closed sessions are limited to specific statutory exceptions and must be handled consistent with applicable legal requirements.
Posted Agendas
Regular meeting agendas must be posted at least 72 hours before the meeting. Agendas must include the time, location, and a brief general description of each item of business to be discussed or acted upon.
Special Meeting Notices
Special meeting notices must be posted at least 24 hours before the meeting and must identify the business to be transacted or discussed. Other business is not considered at special meetings.
Public Comment
Regular meeting agendas must provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the body on items within the body’s subject matter jurisdiction. Special meetings must provide an opportunity for public comment on items listed in the notice.
Agenda Materials
Public records related to open-session agenda items are made available for public inspection consistent with the Brown Act and the California Public Records Act.
Official Records
Approved action minutes document Committee actions and are maintained as part of the official County record.
How to Participate
Public Participation Guide
Public participation helps support accountability and transparency. Use the steps below to follow Committee activity before, during, and after meetings.
Before the Meeting
Review the posted agenda, meeting location, meeting time, and available materials. Note any items you may want to follow or comment on.
During the Meeting
Attend the meeting, observe Committee discussion, and participate during the public comment opportunities provided on the agenda or notice.
After the Meeting
Review approved action minutes and related materials to understand the official record of Committee actions.
Glossary
Key Terms
The following terms are commonly used in public meeting, agenda, and transparency materials.
Agenda
A public notice listing the time, location, and items of business scheduled for discussion or action.
Action Minutes
A concise official record showing meeting actions, votes, approvals, and other formal outcomes.
Brown Act
California’s open meeting law for local legislative bodies, codified in Government Code Sections 54950 through 54963.
Closed Session
A non-public portion of a meeting permitted only when specifically authorized by law.
Legislative Body
A local public body, board, commission, committee, or similar body subject to open meeting requirements.
Public Comment
An opportunity for members of the public to address the Committee consistent with Brown Act requirements and meeting procedures.
Quorum
The minimum number of voting members required for the body to conduct official business.
Regular Meeting
A meeting held according to the body’s regular schedule, with agenda posting at least 72 hours before the meeting.
Special Meeting
A meeting called outside the regular schedule, with notice posted at least 24 hours before the meeting.
Public Record
A record subject to public inspection or disclosure unless an applicable exemption applies.
Meeting Materials
Documents, reports, or writings related to open-session agenda items and made available consistent with applicable law.
Official County Record
The maintained record of approved Committee actions and related official proceedings.
Helpful Links
Public Meeting and Transparency Resources
These links provide access to Brown Act requirements, State open meeting resources, public meeting materials, and Audit Committee support.
Brown Act Requirements
Review the official California Government Code provisions for the Ralph M. Brown Act.
California DOJ Open Meetings
Access the California Department of Justice open meetings resource page.
MinuteTraq Public Portal
View Audit Committee meeting information through the public meeting portal.
Agendas and Minutes
View upcoming agendas and past meeting minutes to stay informed.
Public Records Requests
Access County public records request information.
Contact Committee Support
Contact Audit Committee support for general meeting or public access questions.
Brown Act & Public Transparency Guidelines
The Audit Committee is committed to open meetings and public transparency in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act. Agendas are publicly posted and approved action minutes are maintained as part of the official County record.
Meeting Calendar
View upcoming meetings, prior agendas, and related public materials.
Contact the Audit Committee
Office of the Auditor-Controller
Audit Committee Support
(951) 955-3800
[email protected]
4080 Lemon Street, 6th Floor
Riverside, CA 92501
Report Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
Help protect Riverside County resources. Confidentially report suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.
Transparency strengthens trust in public oversight.
Review the Brown Act requirements, access meeting materials, and follow Audit Committee actions through the public meeting portal.