Panama City Boosts Early Public Engagement, While Limiting Speaking at Commission Meetings

PANAMA CITY, FL—The Panama City Commission has voted unanimously to roll out new opportunities to connect residents with their local government in meaningful and transparent ways before official decisions are made. These opportunities will consist of virtual workshops, town halls and official City Commission Meetings every other week or month.

Virtual Workshops

Starting Monday, June 16, commissioners will host brainstorming sessions at 4 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month. These informal discussions will allow the Commissioners to explore ideas before committing staff time or public funds.

Citizens can watch live online at www.panamacity.gov/369/Live-Stream or in Room 010 at City Hall. While public comment isn’t taken during these early conversations, residents are encouraged to follow up with their Commissioner to share input. After streaming live, the video will be published to the City’s YouTube channel to serve as a record and allow citizens to watch at their leisure.

Designed to be casual, open, and community-centered, Town Halls will take place every odd-numbered month on the first Saturday at 8 AM during the Farmers Market in the City Hall Rotunda. The first session will be held Saturday, July 12, moving slightly to accommodate the July 4th holiday.

This is a chance to share ideas, raise concerns, and ask questions, well before issues reach the voting stage.

City Commission Meetings

Commission meetings remain the official setting for voting on City matters and are resource-intensive, with over a dozen staff members typically present. Public comment will be limited to agenda items, and speakers will be given no more than three minutes to speak. A proposal under legal review may further limit public comment to Panama City residents, business owners, or property owners to prioritize constituent voices.

"This is about more than just a final vote. It’s about better conversations from the beginning,” said Mayor Allan Branch. “If you care about how your City works, now’s your chance to help shape the ideas, not just respond to them."

For details on how to participate, visit www.panamacity.gov or contact your City Commissioner.