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Public Comment Guide

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This guide explains how to participate in public comment for City Council meetings and all Boards, Commissions, and Committees (BCCs). Sign-up forms, written comment links, and staff contact information are maintained in the Public Comment Directory and updated as processes change.

City Council

Council Meetings

In person: Sign up on the resident participation sheet in person, or use the online form found in the Public Comment Directory — up until the meeting starts. Speakers who sign up to address an agenda item marked for decision at that meeting may be given priority. When your name is called, you may address the Council.

Speakers may address the Council once per meeting and may not cede time to another speaker. Time is allotted equally to all speakers: 3 minutes each when fewer than 15 people sign up; 1 minute each when more than 45 people sign up; otherwise, 45 minutes divided equally among all speakers. Public Comment lasts no more than 45 minutes total, and the business of the Council begins no later than 45 minutes after Public Comment begins. (Rule V(F))

In writing — advance submission: Submit written comments before the meeting. Find the meeting you need in the Public Comment Directory.

In writing — City Clerk: Written comments submitted to the City Clerk at any time will be distributed to the Mayor and all Councilmembers. The City Clerk will acknowledge receipt during the meeting and briefly state the subject of the communication. The full text is not read aloud, but it is included in its entirety in the record of the meeting.

Note: The City Clerk staffs City Council meetings. To have comments included in the record of meeting testimony, submit to the City Clerk before the Council meeting. (Rule V(F)(6))

Audio/visual equipment: To use audio/visual equipment during your comments, provide advance notice to the City Manager’s Office by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the meeting and receive permission from the Mayor or presiding officer before using the equipment. A presentation does not constitute a hearing, an opportunity for testimony, cross-examination of witnesses, or submission of evidence. (Rule V(F)(7))

Boards, Commissions & Committees

BCC Meetings

In person: Arrive early and sign up on the public comment sheet near the meeting room entrance. The BCC Chair will open public comment and announce the time allotment — generally 3–5 minutes per speaker. When your name is called, address the body on the item of interest to you.

In writing: Can’t attend? Submit written comments before the meeting. Each BCC has its own sign-up process. Find the right option in the Public Comment Directory.

Every BCC provides an opportunity for public comment at each meeting, following the same procedures as City Council public comment. Each BCC may set its own public comment duration of not less than 20 minutes. (Rule VII(E))
Note: The City Clerk does not staff BCC meetings. Staff liaison contact information for each BCC can be found in the iCompass meeting portal and the Public Comment Directory. Email addresses and sign-up forms are listed in the Directory.

Meeting Conduct Rules

Council Rules · June 8, 2026

Disruptive conduct (Rule V(F)(9))

Any person who makes threatening, personal, or abusive remarks, or who engages in disorderly conduct that disrupts or impedes the orderly conduct of a meeting may, at the discretion of the Mayor or presiding officer, be barred from further participation during that meeting. This includes:

  • Loud, threatening, personal, or abusive language
  • Any conduct that disturbs or impedes the meeting

The Mayor or presiding officer may interrupt any speaker who is violating these rules. A verbal warning will be attempted but is not required before the podium microphone is turned off or a speaker is removed from the meeting.

Virtual participation (Rules V(F)(5) and V(F)(9))

Individuals may participate in Public Comment by electronic means as designated by the Council. These conduct rules apply equally to virtual speakers. The Mayor or presiding officer may direct the virtual administrator to mute or eject any person found to be out of order.

Signs (Rule V(F)(8))

Attendees may hold a sign no larger than 8½ × 11 inches. Signs larger than this size will not be permitted. Signs may not block the view of other members of the public and may not be affixed to anything within the Council Chambers, including but not limited to the walls, windows, or podium.

Accessibility: The City of Evanston is committed to promoting a citywide culture of accessibility and inclusivity. To request an accommodation for a program, service, or activity, or to request materials in an alternative format, please call 847-866-2919 or submit a request through the City's 311 system (opens in new tab).

By participating in public comment, you agree to abide by the meeting conduct rules outlined above.

Questions? Contact the City Clerk's Office at 847-866-2919 or cityclerk@cityofevanston.org.