Engaging in Austin City Council Meetings: A Step-by-Step Guide to Participating and Speaking Out 💬🏛️
A step by step guide from a councilmember's perspective
Are you passionate about a specific issue in Austin and want to make your voice heard at City Council meetings? Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can get involved and speak at a meeting about a topic you're interested in!
Research the City Council Meeting Schedule: The Austin City Council holds regular meetings, work sessions, and public hearings, which are usually scheduled in advance. Check the official City of Austin website or the City Council's calendar to find out when the meetings related to your topic of interest are taking place.
Review the Meeting Agenda and Materials: Prior to the meeting, review the agenda and any relevant materials, such as staff reports, ordinances, or resolutions. This will help you understand the context of the discussion and be better prepared to speak on your topic.
Sign Up to Speak: To speak at a City Council meeting, you will need to sign up in advance. Check the City Council's website or call the City Clerk's office to find out the process for signing up to speak. Be sure to provide your name, contact information, and the agenda item or topic you wish to address.
Prepare Your Talking Points: Plan what you want to say during your speaking time. Keep your remarks concise and focused on your main points. Practice your speech beforehand to ensure you can deliver it effectively within the allocated time limit.
Attend the Meeting: Arrive at the meeting on time and be prepared to wait, as the order of agenda items can change. Bring multiple copies of your written remarks to submit to the City Clerk and any Council members or staff you wish to share them with.
Speak at the Meeting: When your turn arrives, approach the podium or microphone and address the Mayor and Council members respectfully. State your name and the topic you wish to address. Speak clearly and confidently, and be mindful of the time limit for public comments, usually limited to 3 minutes per speaker.
Follow Up: After speaking at the meeting, consider following up with City Council members or staff to provide additional information or answer questions. You can also submit written comments or emails to Council members to further express your views on the topic.
Here are some useful resources for further information and guidance:
City of Austin City Council website: https://www.austintexas.gov/cityclerk/council_meetings/
City of Austin SpeakUp Austin:
Austin City Council Meeting Agenda and Minutes: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/city-council/council-meetings
Participating in Austin City Council meetings can be a powerful way to advocate for your community and make a difference on issues you care about. Remember to be respectful, prepared, and concise in your remarks, and use your voice to contribute positively to the democratic process. Get involved, and let your voice be heard! 🗣️📝🏛️