Engage with City Council

Information

Provide testimony on a specific agenda item, sign up for a Communication, submit written testimony, or contact a member of Council directly by email or phone.

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Due to COVID-19, public testimony and Communications will be heard by electronic communication (internet connection or telephone) because in-person testimony is not available at this time.

As of Wednesday, March 18, 2020, City Hall is closed to the public. Under Portland City Code and state law, the City Council is holding meetings electronically. All members of council attend remotely by video and teleconference, and the City has made several avenues available for the public to listen to the audio broadcast of this meeting. The meeting is available to the public on the City's YouTube Channel, eGov PDX, portlandoregon.gov , and Channel 30.

Provide Testimony on an Agenda Item

City Council members welcome public testimony. Council will hear public testimony on resolutions, ordinances (first readings only). Testimony is not taken on communications, reports, second readings, proclamations or presentations in accordance with Code 3.02.040 F. and G.

Visit the Current Council Agenda webpage to sign up to provide testimony on a specific agenda item.
Register using the links provided for each Council meeting session. Public testimony will be heard by electronic communication (internet connection or telephone).
On the webform, choose the agenda item(s) you want to testify on, and provide your name, email address, zip code, and phone number. After you submit the webform, you will receive an invitation by email with instructions for how to join the virtual meeting.

Individuals have three minutes to testify unless otherwise stated at the meeting. Those wishing to present a PowerPoint presentation or show images should send the material to the Council Clerk prior to the meeting (councilclerk@portlandoregon.gov). Videos can be shared with Council via email but cannot be shown during the virtual meetings at this time. Written testimony for distribution to Council members may also 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 to address Council for three minutes about a topic of their choosing. Communications are the first item heard at the Wednesday morning meeting and there are five spots available. Individuals may sign up for a Communication once a month. Communications are normally scheduled only after the matter has been brought to the attention of the appropriate bureau or Commissioner. The Ombudsman's Office may also be helpful in resolving problems.

Communications are heard by electronic communication (internet connection or telephone) due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to limit in-person contact and promote social distancing.

There are two ways to schedule a Communication:

Complete the Communications request form (beta).
Send an email to councilclerk@portlandoregon.gov and include your name, contact information, zip code, preferred meeting date, and a brief description of the topic to be presented to Council.

The Council Clerk will confirm the date of your Communication, and you will receive an invitation by email with instructions for how to join the virtual meeting.

Submit Written Testimony

Written testimony may be submitted for specific agenda items as well as for general topics. Testimony will be shared with City Council and included as part of the official record.