How to Speak at City Council Meetings

Participating in Local Government: Influencing City Hall

Aug 26, 2009

How to prepare an oral presentation before city council in council chambers. Participate in local government and influence city hall.

Citizens of the United States of America have influence over their government to a degree not shared by the people of any other country in the world, with their greatest influence being on their local city council at city hall. Local government has a greater effect on citizens' day to day lives than any other level of government. In order to influence the decisions of council members, it helps if one understands a few simple rules that, if followed, will net the greatest effect.

Preparing to Speak Before the City Council

Many city councils allow a limited time for public comment. For example, the Riverside, CA council allows citizens only three minutes during public comment periods. Even if there is no specified time limit, it helps to "bale one's hay" before speaking. Even if one is speaking on a complicated issue, it is better to limit comments to one or two key points. Don't be clever, be clear.

If there are others who share your views and your passion on an issue, recruit them to cover some of the other points that need to be addressed before the city council. Politicians respond to numbers. Having allies cover some points reduces everyone's burden and presents a more formidable case before the council.

One must take care that their facts are straight. If a written statement is turned in to the city clerk (always a good idea), one can be sure that it will be reviewed by the city manager or city attorney's office and a written response will be given. Even if one's facts are irrefutable, the city's response will likely be presented in a way that saves them face. Don't fret over it.

Follow Established Decorum at City Council Meetings

The city charter will likely contain a resolution that establishes accepted order, procedure and decorum at city council meetings. Follow these guidelines to the letter. it is important that nothing one does distracts from the points being made. The city council's attention should be on the facts you present, not on how you are dressed, outlandish statements, or disrespectful behaviour.

In Riverside, there are speaker cards placed near the entrance that one can fill out and place in a box on the dais. The city clerk will periodically collect these cards, along with any documents one wishes to present to the council (extra copies for the city attorney, city manager, city clerk, and mayor are a good idea). At the appointed time, whether for specific agenda items or during the public/general comment period, one's name will be called on to speak before the council.

Be polite. One should greet the council and mayor respectfully and give his name, city of residence and, portion of the city on resides in. i.e., "Good afternoon honorable mayor and members of the council. My name is John Doe and I live in the city of Liberty, Ward six..."

Remember that the City Council and Mayor Work for the Citizens

Sometimes the mayor, vice mayor, or mayor pro-tempore, whoever is chairing the city council meeting, will interrupt a presentation, especially if it presents the council or mayor in an unfavorable light. If this happens, one can either continue speaking without pause or politely, but firmly, remind the members that they serve at by the consent of the governed and should not interrupt. It is easy to feel intimidated by a half-dozen politicians looking down from the dais, but one shouldn't be intimidated. In the United States of America, politicians work for the citizens.

The copyright of the article How to Speak at City Council Meetings in Political Activism is owned by Bill Scherer. Permission to republish How to Speak at City Council Meetings in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.