How to Testify before the Council

Testimony Tips

An engaged citizenry and active advocacy community makes our government stronger. We encourage individuals and representatives of organizations to attend and testify at public hearings and roundtables.

During the Council’s public hearings and roundtables, citizens have the opportunity to make their views known and have them incorporated into the official committee record.

All Council hearings and roundtables are placed on the calendar. Each hearing entry has a specific point of contact for each committee, to notify if you wish to testify or have questions.

Witnesses who anticipate needing language interpretation, or require sign language interpretation, including American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, are requested to inform the appropriate committee point of contact of the need as soon as possible, but no later than five (5) business days before the proceeding. We will make every effort to fulfill timely requests, however requests received in less than five (5) business days may not be fulfilled and alternatives may be offered.

Hearing Room 500 is equipped with an FM System and Hearing Rooms 412, 120 and 123 are equipped with audio induction loop technology. Closed captioning is available on large screens in all hearing rooms. Please inform the appropriate committee point of contact of your request for these services at least one (1) business day before the proceeding.

For more information about testifying at a public hearing or roundtable, please contact the appropriate committee:

• An Easy Guide to Testifying 

Visit the Council Calendar to see when hearings are scheduled. In each of the calendar entries, you can download or print the PDF form of the hearing / roundtable notice.