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What this is
Learn everything you need to speak up at Houston City Council meetings and make your voice heard on issues that matter to your neighborhood.
The basics
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.
What happens at the meeting
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:
Roll call and invocation (1:30 PM)
Presentations and proclamations
Consent agenda — routine items approved as a batch
Public comment — your chance to speak
Action items — discussion and votes on specific matters
How to give public comment
Every resident has the right to speak. Here is how:
Find the agenda: Posted at houston.novusagenda.com by the Friday before the meeting.
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.
Arrive early: Aim for 1:30 PM. Check in with the City Secretary staff in the Council Chamber lobby.
Read full text
When called: You will have 3 minutes. State your name and topic. Speak clearly into the microphone.
Be direct: Say what you want Council to do. "I am asking Council to..." is a strong opening.
Tips for first-timers
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.
Getting there
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.
After the meeting
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
Who represents you
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.
About Houston City Council
Houston City Council is the legislative body of the City of Houston, composed of 16 council members representing 11 districts and 5 at-large positions. The council passes ordinances, approves the city budget, and oversee…
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- Neighborhood
- In Downtown
- District
- City Council · District I
- Phone
- 832-393-1000
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