How to Speak at a Houston Public Meeting

Almost every public body in Houston — City Council, Commissioners Court, school boards, METRO, planning commissions — holds a public comment period where any resident can speak. You do not need to be an expert. You just need to show up and say what matters to you.

Source: Texas Open Meetings Act, Tex. Gov't Code Ch. 551

Where you can give public comment:

• Houston City Council — Tuesdays 2 PM, City Hall 901 Bagby, 3 min
• Commissioners Court — Tuesdays 10 AM, 1001 Preston 9th floor, 3 min
• HISD Board — 2nd/4th Thursday 5 PM, 4400 W 18th St, 3 min
• METRO Board — 4th Thursday 1 PM, 1900 Main St, 3 min
• Planning Commission — Thursdays, City Hall Annex 900 Bagby, 3 min

Making it effective: Lead with your ask, not your story. Be specific. Bring neighbors — five people speaking on the same issue is a pattern officials cannot ignore. Follow up the next day by email.

Source: City of Houston; Texas Government Code

1. Find the agenda — every body posts its agenda before the meeting
2. Decide your one ask — start with 'I am asking you to...'
3. Write it out — reading from a script is normal. Practice once for timing.
4. Sign up — online, by phone, or walk-up before the meeting
5. At the podium: state your name, deliver your statement, watch the timer, say thank you

If you cannot attend: submit written testimony by email, call the office, or watch the livestream.

Sign up for City Council comment:

• houston.novusagenda.com or call 832-393-1100