Giving Testimony at a Public Hearing

Información en español

Types of public hearings

Required Hearings — Some proposed laws the council must vote on are required by law to have a public hearing where residents can give their views proposed law. These are called “required public hearings” and all those who sign up to speak will be heard. Usually, the order goes back and forth between those in favor of the proposed law and those against it.

Courtesy Public Hearings: Sometimes, a council member may ask for a hearing about something the council must vote on. This is called a “courtesy public hearing” and they usually last for a fixed amount of time. In these cases, as many people as possible will speak in a random order within the given time. Some people may not get to speak. 

Things to know about speaking at a hearing:

• Sign up or submission of written testimony begins at 5:00 p.m. the Thursday before the hearing date (typically the following Monday) and closes at 3:00 p.m. on the day of the hearing. 
• You may speak in person, via Zoom, or by phone. You’ll be sent information about where to go or the Zoom link you need after you sign up.
• Hearings are held at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays during the regular City Council meeting. Keep in mind that the council may have some other business to do before the hearing begins. You should plan on being present in the chamber or on Zoom shortly before 5:30 p.m.
• Each speaker will have 3 minutes to speak. There is a countdown clock, so you’ll know how much time you have left. You cannot give your unused time to other speakers.
• Please turn off cell phones or other devices that might make noise during your comments.
• Begin by stating your name, city or council district where you live, and only if you wish, your home address.
• Please refrain from cussing or personal attacks during your comments.

Things to know about submitting written testimony:

You can submit written testimony beginning at 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the hearing. The deadline to submit written testimony is 3:00 p.m. on the day of the hearing. Follow the links below to access the submission form. 

See our privacy policy for information on what we ask for and how we use it.

Sign up to speak or submit written testimony to a public hearing listed above