Playbook · Local

How to speak at a local public meeting

City councils, county commissions, school boards and port commissions make most of the decisions you feel day to day. Here is what the law gives you and how to use two minutes well.

What Washington law gives you

Washington's Open Public Meetings Act covers the governing bodies of cities, counties, school districts, ports and other public agencies.

• You can attend. Meetings of a governing body are open to the public (RCW 42.30.030).
• You don't have to identify yourself to watch. An agency can't make you sign in or give your name as a condition of attending (RCW 42.30.040). Signing up to speak is different, and most bodies ask for a name when you do.
• You can see the agenda first. Agendas for regular meetings must generally be posted online at least 24 hours ahead (RCW 42.30.077).
• You can comment. A governing body must accept public comment at or before every regular meeting where it takes final action (RCW 42.30.240). The agency chooses whether that is spoken comment at the meeting or written comment beforehand.
• You can ask to comment remotely. Where spoken comment is allowed, a person who has difficulty attending in person and asks to comment remotely must be given the chance when feasible.

Comment is not required at special meetings, and work sessions usually don't take any.

Before the meeting

1. Find the meeting. The calendar lists what's coming up near you.
2. Read the agenda. Find the item you care about and note its number or title.
3. Check how this body takes comment. Every body sets its own rules: whether you sign up ahead or at the door, how long you get, and whether you can speak by phone or video. The host's page has them.
4. Know which kind of comment you're giving. General public comment is for anything in the body's business. A public hearing is comment on one specific item, taken when that item comes up.

What to say

Time limits are short, often two or three minutes, so write it down and time yourself.

1. Who you are. Your name and that you live, work or own a business in the community.
2. What you're talking about. Name the agenda item.
3. What you want them to do. Vote yes, vote no, change something specific, or delay.
4. One reason. A short personal example lands better than a list of arguments.
5. Repeat the ask and thank them.

After you speak

• Don't expect an answer on the spot. Most bodies listen during comment and don't respond.
• Follow up in writing. Email the members the same points, plus anything you ran out of time for.
• Watch for the vote. The decision may come at a later meeting.

Sources

• Chapter 42.30 RCW, Open Public Meetings Act (Washington State Legislature)
• Open Public Meetings Act FAQs (MRSC)

Last reviewed November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the linked sources before you rely on a deadline.