What to Expect at Houston City Council

When: Every Tuesday at 2:00 PM. Roll call at 1:30 PM.

Where: Houston City Hall, Council Chamber (2nd floor), 901 Bagby Street.

How long: Usually 2-4 hours. You can leave at any time.

Cost: Free. No ticket or reservation needed to observe.

Dress code: None. Come as you are.

Broadcast: Live on HTV (Houston Television) and streaming online.

City Council is the legislative body of the City of Houston. The Mayor presides. Sixteen Council Members (11 district, 5 at-large) debate and vote on ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and city business. A typical meeting includes:

1. Roll call and invocation (1:30 PM)
2. Presentations and proclamations
3. Consent agenda — routine items approved as a batch
4. Public comment — your chance to speak
5. Action items — discussion and votes on specific matters

Every resident has the right to speak. Here is how:

1. Find the agenda: Posted at houston.novusagenda.com by the Friday before the meeting.
2. Sign up: Register online at NovusAgenda or call the City Secretary at 832-393-1100. You can also sign up in person at the meeting.
3. Arrive early: Aim for 1:30 PM. Check in with the City Secretary staff in the Council Chamber lobby.
4. When called: You will have 3 minutes. State your name and topic. Speak clearly into the microphone.
5. Be direct: Say what you want Council to do. "I am asking Council to..." is a strong opening.

• You do NOT have to speak. Attending and observing is valuable civic participation.
• Bring a notepad. Write down item numbers from the agenda that interest you.
• Meetings are recorded. Everything you say is on the public record.
• Council Members may not respond directly during public comment, but they hear you.
• Bring a friend. It is easier and more effective to show up together.
• If you are nervous, practice your 3 minutes out loud before you go.

METRORail: Red Line to Central Station. City Hall is one block west.

Parking: Metered street parking on Bagby, Smith, and Louisiana. City Hall garage (entrance on Walker) is also available.

Accessibility: The building and Council Chamber are ADA accessible. Assistive listening devices are available. For accommodations, call 832-393-1100 in advance.

Language access: Interpretation can be requested in advance through the City Secretary.

• Meeting minutes are posted at houstontx.gov/citysec within a few weeks.
• Video recordings are archived on HTV.
• Contact your Council Member directly to follow up on specific issues: houstontx.gov/council
• Track specific ordinances and resolutions at houston.novusagenda.com

Find your Council Member at houstontx.gov/council. Houston has 11 district representatives and 5 at-large members. Your district member is your primary point of contact.