Providing Public Comment at a Public Meeting

Local councils and boards are increasingly the forum where critical civil liberties issues are addressed. A crucial tool for making your opinion known as a member of the community at meetings of these local entities is through public comment. Here are some tips on addressing a public meeting.

• Find out what’s on the agenda. For public meetings, you should be able to find the agenda online.
• Confirm there is a time for public comment and what is required to sign up.
• Arrive early, complete any process for making comment and be prepared to speak.
• If you are part of a group taking a position on a local issue, be visible. This could mean bringing signs, wearing the same color or wearing buttons – anything that makes it clear who in the crowd is there for the same reason.
  • If you are planning to bring signs, check to see if they are permitted inside the meeting room or council chambers.

• Keep your public comments brief to 2-3 minutes, or shorter if time is limited.
• Try to be clear and concise in the message you want to convey.
• Be courteous, yet direct toward the council members. Address your remarks to the board or council members, not to the audience, and do not respond to provocative remarks made by others.
• Highlight your support or opposition in a clear, direct way. Don’t try to list multiple issues the council should address.

• Give your first and last name and share some information about your connection to the community and/or issue being discussed.
  • Ex. “My name is Jane Doe and I am a concerned resident of this town/a parent of children in the school district/expert on this issue.”
• Tell them what issue you are addressing, and your position.
  • Ex. “I am speaking today in opposition to the proposed ban”, “I am speaking today in support the council approving this measure.”

• Tell how this impacted you, your family or members of your community.
• Share a personal narrative if appropriate and you are able to share it in public.
• Explain why the board or council’s actions might harm or improve the community.

• Reiterate the action you hope the council takes.
  • Ex. “Please vote in opposition to this measure”, “Please support this measure when it comes to a vote.”
• Thank the members for listening to your public comment.
  • Ex. “Thank you for your time”, “Thank you for hearing my comment today.”