A formal meeting convened by a government agency or legislative body, such as a city council, county board, or regulatory commission, to provide an opportunity for members of the public to express their views, opinions, and concerns on a specific issue or proposed action.Here are some key characteristics and purposes of public hearings:
Transparency: Public hearings are conducted openly, allowing citizens to witness the decision-making process and understand issues being discussed.
Legal Requirement: In many cases, public hearings are required by law, especially when changes to zoning ordinances, land use plans, tax rates, or major development projects are under consideration.
Decision-Making: The input and feedback gathered during public hearings can influence or inform the final decision or outcome of the discussion.
An effective public hearing process is vital to participatory democracy.