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Provide Testimony on an Agenda Item

City Council welcomes public testimony. Council will hear public testimony during Council meetings on the following agenda items:

• Resolutions
• Emergency Ordinances
• First readings of non-emergency ordinances (listed on the Agenda as “Ordinance” – if the ordinance states it is a second reading, testimony will not be heard)
• Reports
• Agenda items appearing on the Consent Agenda are passed by a single unanimous vote without Council discussion. To pull one of the above agenda item types from the Consent Agenda for discussion:
  1. Email your name and the agenda item number to councilclerk@portlandoregon.gov before the start of the meeting.
  2. The Council Clerk will add the agenda item number to the testimony registration form for you to sign up to provide testimony on the item. You must sign up in advance to provide testimony during the meeting. 
  3. Join the meeting to explain why the item was pulled for discussion. You will have three minutes to testify unless otherwise stated at the meeting. The item will be heard following all other Council business.

Identify which items will hear public testimony during a Council meeting by viewing the current online agenda. The agenda will note all items that allow public testimony, and members of the public may sign up using the registration link located at the beginning of each meeting session. Testimony is not taken on communications, second readings of ordinances, proclamations, or presentations in accordance with City Code 3.02.040 F. and G. 

How to register to testify on an agenda item:

Register online

1. Visit the Council Agenda webpage to sign up to provide testimony on a specific agenda item.

2. Click the "Testimony Registration" link listed under the session date for the agenda item you would like to testify on.
    
3. On the registration sign-up webform, choose the agenda item(s) you want to testify on, and enter the required information. Only those agenda items that allow testimony will be listed. 
    
4. For those providing testimony virtually, login information for the Zoom Council meeting will be emailed at least one hour before the meeting.
    
5. The testimony order for each agenda item is available in real-time on the Council Agenda webpage.
    
6. Individuals providing testimony in-person may view more information about attending the meeting at City Hall here.

Register by phone

1. Call 311 to speak with a representative to register to testify over the phone.

Testifiers have three minutes to testify unless otherwise stated at the meeting. Those wishing to present a PowerPoint presentation or show images must send the material to the Council Clerk prior to the meeting at councilclerk@portlandoregon.gov.

Written testimony may be submitted by those unable to attend in person.

Sign up for a Communication

Members of the public may sign up in advance for a Communication spot on the agenda. Communications allow members of the public to address Council for three minutes about a topic of their choosing.

Communications are the first item heard at the Wednesday morning meeting and five spots are available. Individuals may sign up for a Communication once a month.

Communications should only be scheduled after the topic has been brought to the attention of the appropriate bureau or Commissioner. The Ombudsman's Office may also be helpful in resolving concerns.

How to sign up for a Communication

1. Complete the Communications request form. 

2. The available dates to sign up for a Communication will be provided on the form. Select your preferred dates and complete all required information.
    
3. The Council Clerk will email you directly to confirm the date of your Communication.
    
4. On the Monday before the meeting, you will receive an email with instructions on how to join the Council meeting to provide your Communication.

Submit Written Testimony

Written testimony may be submitted for specific agenda items by visiting the Council agenda or by mail to: Council Clerk, 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 130, Portland, OR 97204. 

Written testimony will be distributed to members of Council and added to the public record if received before Council votes unless otherwise stated during the meeting or on the agenda. 

Contact a Member of Council 

Provide feedback on policy or actions of the City of Portland or request a meeting with the mayor or a city commissioner. 

Contact an Elected Official Form