Beverly Hills residents, neighbors, commissioners, and students came out to share their ideas for a televised town hall style meeting as part of Mayor Lili Bosse’s “Live with Lili” initiative. Sitting cross legged on a purple chair at the front of the Municipal Gallery on the second floor of City Hall, Bosse heard from and responded to dozens of members of the public who joined either in person or virtually. The first installment of the monthly forum was broadcast, with 50 people in attendance and ideas ranging from installing more EV chargers to having exercise equipment available at public parks. Bosse heard complaints from several residents about speeding on Olympic Boulevard and smoking on residential streets, and answered questions regarding the future of OpenBH, long-term use of the Gale Yard site, and the purpose of the sharrow markings on city streets. An advocate for transparent and inclusive governing, Bosse used the opportunity to engage in problem-solving dialogue (without a three-minute limit) directly with the community in an intimate, casual atmosphere.
“Last night’s ‘Live with Lili’ felt electric and inspiring,” Bosse told the Courier. “It was very exciting to be surrounded by many new and familiar faces in a very intimate warm environment. I truly wanted everyone to feel that we were having an open conversation that felt similar to the intimacy in a living room at City Hall. I loved how open and free people felt to share their great suggestions and ideas. I will be giving updates at each “Live with Lili” as to what we were able to implement of the suggestions and share timelines and updates on the others. Today, already one of the residents proudly shared on her social media that her suggestion of sidewalk signage for no smoking on her street was already installed within hours of sharing her idea. I am truly loving the ability for connection with our residents and having their ideas shape our city.”
