The Bellingham City Council accepts feedback during their meetings in two different ways: during scheduled 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 communicating with City Council members, see City Council Contacts and City Council Guide.
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 attend in person or via Zoom.
When speaking during a scheduled public hearing, testimony must be limited to the identified topic of the public hearing. Public hearing testimony may also be provided in writing.
Advance registration to speak at a public hearing is encouraged. Speakers who register in advance will be called on first. Visit the Public Hearing/Public Comment Registration page to register in advance to provide testimony during an upcoming scheduled public hearing.
Public Comment Periods
Beginning with the February 27, 2023, regular meeting, the Bellingham City Council will schedule a general public comment period as part of each regular meeting agenda.
Members of the public will have three minutes to speak to Council members on topics of their choice, in person or via Zoom. Agendas for each meeting provide details about how to attend in person or via Zoom. General public comments may also be provided in writing through Engage Bellingham or via email to ccmail@cob.org.
Advance registration to speak during a public comment period is encouraged. Speakers who register in advance will be called on first. Visit the Public Hearing/Public Comment Registration page to register in advance for speaking during an upcoming public comment period.
To view recordings of past public comment periods, visit the Public Comment Period Recordings page.
