Tips on Giving Public Comment
The Seattle City Council encourages and welcomes public participation at full council and committee meetings. Offering your input during the public comment section of a City Council meeting is just one way to make your voice heard on an issue that the body is considering. It is more than simply showing up to a meeting and talking. Giving effective public comment means that you are prepared in order to be clear and concise in your presentation. Here are a few easy tips to make the most of your public comment opportunities.
Prepare
- Read up on your topic. Background information on Council items is available on the City Council Agendas web page, including meeting times, bill summaries and staff reports.
- Double check hearing dates and any deadlines for submitted comments.
- If needed, you can request an interpreter, translator, or disability accommodation.
Be clear on your intention
Reasons to give public comment can include:
- Stating your position on a piece of legislation.
- Requesting an action.
- Lodging a complaint.
- Asking for information.
- Finding out how to get involved.
Be concise
- State your goal/issue.
- Remember to stick to the topic that you want to address.
- Offer a proposed solution or information you’d like the Council to consider.
- Most importantly, state what action you would like the Council to take.
Be civil and respectful
- Disorderly, threatening, offensive, or abusive language that disrupts the Council meeting is against Council rules.
- Incidents of this behavior can lead to meetings delays, individuals losing the opportunity to continue with their comments, or in more serious circumstances, the end of public comment.
What to include in written comments
- Provide your name and preferred contact information (phone number or email address), noting that any information you share may be subject to Public Disclosure.
- Who you represent, whether a group or yourself.
- State your goal/issue.
Give oral comment (remote or in-person)
- Sign up online for remote public comment, or in-person in Council Chamber on the day of the appropriate Council/Committee meeting or public hearing.
- You may only have one or two minutes, depending on the number of people signed up for public comment.
- Adhere to the time limit. When your time is up, please end your comments promptly.