Q&A for How to Make a Public Comment at a City Council Meeting

You should wait for the discussion on the current agenda to reach a conclusion, then you are more than welcome to address your opinions and grievance to the council, lest be it personal or of public importance.

It depends on the particular city, but some may still allow you to stand up and explain your situation and talk. If not, you could turn in a request for the next meeting.

Generally you must be a resident of the city you want to make a public comment in, UNLESS you are talking about something you like about the city.

It will vary by city, but most public comment is the same length for people speaking on behalf of an organization. If you're not certain, read the rules online, show up a little early, watch a previous council meeting that included public comment, or call the city in advance of the meeting.

It may depend on the rules of your city, but generally, comments during agenda items should be on agenda items. If you want to speak about something that's not on the agenda, you should use the public comment period designated for non-agenda items, if there is one. Another way to communicate about something that's not on the agenda is to write a letter.

Absolutely! Children and teens also use many city services, including streets, parks, and libraries. It can be very powerful when young people stand up to speak about problems they see.

You may not need to speak to the city council about a single, specific concern like this. Often, there are phone numbers you can call to request city services, such as tagging and removing of suspected abandoned vehicles or enforcement of long-term parking ordinances. I suggest trying those channels first. Speak to the city council if there's no appropriate ordinance or if you are not getting results by requests through the usual channels.

You may have to dig around a little on the city's website, but many city councils and other elected officials do have email contact information or web forms that send an email. Be aware that your email may become a part of the public record, that it may be handled by staff, and that not all emails get answers.

Yes, kids can speak at city hall. It can be very powerful when young people speak up on an issue that's important to them. Give it a try!

If that's happened to you, it's disappointing and unprofessional on the part of your city council members. You could write to the individuals who did it and express your disappointment. If it happens routinely, you could support an opponent or run against them in the next election. Whether or not you've been disrespected, do not let worry keep you from speaking.

Ask your firefighters or police officers why not. Then, use the information to advocate to the right officials, at the right level and in the right agency or department. The responsibility may or may not lie with your city council, it depends where you are and the local rules.