Attend a City Council Meeting

Get visible. Get things done. Participating in the public comments section at a City Council or Town Hall meeting is one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard.

City Council meetings usually occur every month and are open to the public. Citizens can give public comments either at the start or end of the meeting. Many city council meetings have gone virtual, with options for submitting public comment online. 

• Search for the date, time, and location of the next City Council meeting in your town.
• Prepare your public comment in advance so you’re ready to speak, or submit online before the deadline.
• Attend the meeting (in person or online) and give a public comment about plastic pollution in your community (in person or via online submission).
• For in-person meetings, if you are unable to attend or speak at the meeting due to time constraints, you can fill out a public comment card before leaving or possibly submit via email or an online form. Check your city’s website for details.

• For in-person city council meetings, you may only have a few minutes to make your public comment. Check with your city to see what time restrictions they enforce.
• Showing emotion can be a good thing, but you still want to come across as focused, not frazzled. You’re already passionate about this topic, so speak from the heart!
• City Council meetings can be long, but patiently waiting for public comments is worth it!

• Consider attending a meeting as an observer first.
• Dress to impress, but be yourself!
• Have fun with it!

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