How to Attend and Speak at Houston City Council

Houston City Council meets most Tuesdays at 1:30 PM in Council Chamber, City Hall, 901 Bagby Street. The meetings are open to the public. No invitation needed. No credentials. No appointment.

Every meeting includes a public session where any Houston resident can speak for up to 3 minutes on any topic. You can also speak on specific agenda items during the meeting.

Three minutes does not sound like much. But one person speaking from experience — about their flooded street, their neighborhood's broken streetlight, their kid's school — has moved more votes than any lobbyist in a suit. The record shows it.

Council members listen. Staff takes notes. The city secretary logs every speaker. It is all on the public record, forever.

Source: Houston City Council Rules of Procedure; houstontx.gov/council

Public session is your right. Texas law (Texas Government Code, Chapter 551 — the Open Meetings Act) requires that governing bodies allow public comment. This is not a favor. It is law.

You sign up in person. Arrive at City Hall before the meeting starts. Sign the speaker card at the City Secretary's desk in the Council Chamber lobby. Cards are available starting at 1:00 PM. First come, first served on the speaker order.

You get 3 minutes. A timer runs on the screen. When it hits zero, your microphone cuts. Practice beforehand. Three minutes is about 400 words spoken at a normal pace.

You can speak on anything. During the public session (usually at the beginning of the meeting), you can address any city topic — it does not need to be on the agenda. If you want to speak on a specific agenda item, note the item number on your speaker card.

Bring neighbors. One person speaking is notable. Five people from the same neighborhood speaking on the same issue is a pattern council members cannot ignore. Coordinate.

Source: Texas Open Meetings Act, Tex. Gov't Code Ch. 551; City of Houston

Before you go:

1. Check the meeting schedule at houstontx.gov/council/calendar. Not every Tuesday has a meeting — check for holidays and council recess
2. Read the agenda, posted at least 72 hours before the meeting. Find your issue or decide to speak during public session
3. Write your statement. Keep it under 400 words. Lead with who you are and where you live. State your ask clearly. End with what you want council to do
4. Practice with a timer. Seriously. Three minutes goes fast

Day of:

1. Arrive by 1:00 PM. Parking is available at nearby garages (the City Hall Annex garage at 900 Bagby is closest)
2. Go to the Council Chamber on the second floor. Sign a speaker card at the City Secretary's desk
3. Sit in the public gallery. Wait for your name to be called
4. Walk to the podium. State your name and address for the record. Speak clearly. Do not rush

After: The meeting is recorded and archived. Your comments are part of the permanent public record. Follow up with your council member's office the next day — reference your testimony and ask for a response.

Official sources:

• City Council Meeting Calendar
• City Council Agendas
• HTV — Watch Live or Archived Meetings

Getting there:

• Houston City Hall: 901 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002
• Council Chamber: 2nd floor
• METRO bus routes 40, 41, 137 stop near City Hall. Purple Line METRORail stops at Central Station/Capitol, a 5-minute walk

Accessibility: City Hall is ADA accessible. Interpreter services are available with 48 hours advance notice — call (832) 393-1100.