Presenting to City Council can be daunting. It may appear like a lot of work for unforeseeable results. But short of running for Council yourself, it can be the best way to shape the decision making that affects you.
We’ve compiled some tested advice, whether you’re making your Council debut or hunting for ways to improve.
Why should I testify?
City Council works for you. For your government to effectively do its job, it needs to hear about what you are passionate about. Before you leave the activism to someone else, remember that you bring a unique set of experiences to the table and deserve to have a voice. Your perspective can change a commissioner’s mind or reassure them that they are acting in your interest. This is democracy, and public engagement ensures its success.
How do I get a spot?
If you’re hoping to testify about something on the Council agenda, arrive half an hour before the meeting and sign your name on the sheet outside chambers. You can testify on any resolution or ordinance first readings, and you’ll usually have three minutes to speak. Council meets every Wednesday.
Another option is to sign up for one of five “Communications” spots. This is your option if you’d like to speak about an issue not on the agenda. You can sign up for one of these spots per calendar month, and you will always have three minutes.
Keep in mind:
— You can reserve a communications spot by emailing, mailing, faxing or hand delivering a request to the Council Clerk. Find contact information here.
— The deadline to sign up is at 5 p.m. the Monday before the meeting.
— Find more details here.
Whichever spot you sign up for, don’t forget to bring seven copies of your written statement to Council. Multnomah County libraries offer printing at 10 cents per page.
Photo c/o City of Portland
How should I prepare?
Preparing your testimony doesn’t have to be a stressful, arduous process. If you’re passionate about an agenda item, it’s likely that you already have a lot to say. Get it all out on paper, then worry about editing.
For some tested advice, we spoke with Mary Sipe, a Pearl resident who testifies at City Council almost every week. We summarized her suggestions based on her two years of testifying:
— Do your homework. Know the facts that you’re speaking to. Council posts their agenda each Friday before that week’s meeting. For background information, just click on the agenda item you’re curious about.
— Write out your testimony. This will bring you confidence and ensure you stay within the time limit. Mary has found that she can squeeze 600 words into a three-minute testimony, but she usually aims for 550 so she can speak at a decipherable pace.
— Start with your most important points. If there are a lot of people testifying, the mayor could reduce the amount of time you have to speak. Make sure to include your most vital points within the first minute of your speech.
— Offer suggestions. Council may be more willing to consider your view if you propose solutions to the issues you bring up.
— Practice, practice, practice. Time yourself! You’ll feel far more confident if the words are familiar to you.
— Bring friends. Having your favorite cheerleaders behind you can make all the difference.
During the meeting
Listen to the testimonies before yours. If other people have covered what you intended to say, it’s okay to simply state, “I support the testimony that was just given.”
Keep it civil. You’ll be more persuasive if you remain professional. According to Mary, shouting and name calling undermine credibility.
What should I expect from Council?
Most likely, the mayor will thank you and move on to the next person. Council can ask questions—and they occasionally do—but don’t expect an extensive dialogue to follow your testimony.
If you are passionate about an issue and can find the time and resources, make sure to follow up on your requests. If you desire back up, resources or advice, contact Neighbors West-Northwest or your Neighborhood Association. That’s what we’re here for.
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More resources:
- — Portland’s “Charter, Code and Policies”
- — Beaverton’s “Suggestions for Providing Effective Testimony at a Public Meeting”
- — Texans Standing Tall’s “Tips for Preparing Public Hearing Testimony”