OCTA Launches Video Streaming of Board of Directors Meetings

12/9/2024

The meetings are being streamed online live and archived to support OCTA's ongoing commitment to transparency

ORANGE - The Orange County Transportation Authority today launched live video streaming of Board of Directors meetings, highlighting OCTA's ongoing commitment to ensuring public transparency and enhancing community access to the decision-making process regarding transportation issues in Orange County.

The live video-streaming technology, available online at www.octa.net, was launched after several weeks of installation and testing and will be part of all Board of Directors meetings. The next Board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 13, 2025.

"I'm happy that the public will get an additional option to see the great work that OCTA does to keep Orange County moving safely and efficiently with the video streaming of our Board of Directors meetings," said OCTA Chair Tam T. Nguyen.

OCTA has a long history of transparency and allowing the public to participate the agency's decision-making process. Since 2008, the public has been able to listen to Board meetings live via audio streaming, with all meetings archived and accessible on the OCTA website. The introduction of video streaming builds upon that foundation, offering a new level of accessibility for those who are unable to attend meetings in person.

The decision to introduce live video streaming follows several years of prior discussions. In 2011 and 2015, OCTA considered video streaming options but ultimately decided not to proceed due to budget constraints. At that time, there was also low utilization of the existing audio streaming service. In 2015, the Board agreed to prepare for future video streaming by including video cabling during the construction of the current boardroom.

The move to video streaming follows the Board's approval of a contract in September, after a thorough competitive process. The cost for the contract with Network Television Time, Inc. for the initial three-year term of the video streaming service is $273,507.

The video streaming equipment includes 15 cameras mounted in the boardroom, which capture video supplementing the audio of the board dais and of speakers addressing the Board from the podium, including OCTA staff members and public speakers. The video is controlled by two of the contractor's employees.

Earlier this fall, the OCTA Board approved the purchase of an existing office building at 2677 N. Main St. in Santa Ana that will become OCTA's new headquarters. Once OCTA moves to the new site, likely in late 2027, the existing video-streaming equipment can be moved to the new board room, as well.

"Transparency is key to all that we do at OCTA," said OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson. "We know that not everyone has the opportunity to attend our Board meetings, and with the Board's decision to add video to the audio that has been available for years, it furthers our commitment to the communities we serve."

For more information about the OCTA Board meetings, including accessing the live and archived audio or video streams, visit www.octa.net.

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The Orange County Transportation Authority's Public Information Office responds to media inquiries, issues press releases and provides information about OCTA to the public and stakeholders.