The Bellingham City Council accepts feedback during their meetings in two different ways: during scheduled, topic-specific public hearings and during general public comment periods. Both opportunities are identified on published City Council agendas, available at meetings.cob.org.
Council Members also interact with and accept feedback from the public in many other ways, including online, via email, and by telephone. For more information about connecting with City Council Members, see City Council Contacts.
Public Hearings
Public hearings are formal, scheduled opportunities to provide testimony about specific topics during City Council meetings. They are advertised in advance and listed on published City Council agendas. Agendas for each meeting also provide details about how to access a scheduled public hearing.
When speaking during a public hearing, testimony must be limited to the identified topic of the public hearing. Comments will be limited to two minutes each. Public hearing testimony may also be provided in writing.
To speak during a public hearing advanced sign-up is recommended but not required. An online sign-up form is available on the day of the meeting and will also be displayed on an electronic tablet outside the Council Chambers doors before the meeting begins. The sign-up form will close when the meeting begins at 7 p.m. Speakers who have signed up in advance will be called on first in a randomized order. The Council President will then call for any additional speakers to come forward.
Public Comment Periods
The Bellingham City Council holds a general public comment period as part of each regular meeting agenda. During this time, members of the public have two minutes each to speak to Council Members on topics of their choice.
To speak during the public comment period, you must sign up in advance. An online sign-up form is available on the day of the meeting and will also be displayed on an electronic tablet outside the Council Chambers doors before the meeting begins. The sign-up form will close when the meeting begins at 7 p.m. Speakers will be called from the sign-up list in a randomized order. The public comment period will close after 30 minutes or when all speakers who have signed up have been called on.
