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.

Broadcast: Live on HTV and streaming online.

City Council is the legislative body of the City of Houston. The Mayor presides. 16 Council Members (11 district, 5 at-large) debate and vote on ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and city business.

Source: City of Houston; Council Rules of Procedure

Meeting order:

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

Public comment: Register online at houston.novusagenda.com or call 832-393-1100. Sign up in person at the meeting. You get 3 minutes. State your name and topic. Be direct: 'I am asking Council to...' is a strong opening.

Source: City of Houston City Secretary

Tips:

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

Getting there: METRORail Red Line to Central Station (1 block west). Metered parking on Bagby, Smith, Louisiana. City Hall garage on Walker Street. ADA accessible. Assistive listening devices available. Language interpretation by request: 832-393-1100.

• Agendas: houston.novusagenda.com
• Minutes: houstontx.gov/citysec
• Watch live: houstontx.gov/htv
• Find your Council Member: houstontx.gov/council