(a) The Board shall develop, implement, and maintain a process of public participation designed to:
- (i) inform and involve the public in all of the public activities and decisions of the Board;
- (ii) provide access to public records and information maintained by the Board; and
- (iii) provide mechanisms for public suggestions. The Board shall serve as the single point of contact and direct all public involvement activities.
- (b) In connection with its review and development of any regional plans and prior to any plan's approval, the Board must hold a public hearing. Notice of the time, date, and place set for the hearing must be published in a newspaper having a general circulation within the Chicago region at least 30 days prior to the date of the hearing. The notice must contain a short explanation of the purpose of the hearing. The hearing may be continued, as deemed necessary by the Board.
- (c) The Board shall create a standing Citizens' Advisory Committee to provide continuous and balanced public representation in the development of regional plans and policies.
(Source: P.A. 94-510, eff. 8-9-05.)