What to Expect at Houston City Council

The basics

When: Every Tuesday at 2:00 PM. Roll call at 1:30 PM.

Where: Houston City Hall, Council Chamber (2nd floor), 901 Bagby Street.

How long: Usually 2-4 hours. You can leave at any time.

Cost: Free. No ticket or reservation needed to observe.

Dress code: None. Come as you are.

Broadcast: Live on HTV (Houston Television) and streaming online.

What happens at the meeting

City Council is the legislative body of the City of Houston. The Mayor presides. Sixteen Council Members (11 district, 5 at-large) debate and vote on ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and city business. A typical meeting includes:

1. Roll call and invocation (1:30 PM)
2. Presentations and proclamations
3. Consent agenda — routine items approved as a batch
4. Public comment — your chance to speak
5. Action items — discussion and votes on specific matters

How to give public comment

Every resident has the right to speak. Here is how:

1. Find the agenda: Posted at houston.novusagenda.com by the Friday before the meeting.
2. Sign up: Register online at NovusAgenda or call the City Secretary at 832-393-1100. You can also sign up in person at the meeting.
3. Arrive early: Aim for 1:30 PM. Check in with the City Secretary staff in the Council Chamber lobby.
4. When called: You will have 3 minutes. State your name and topic. Speak clearly into the microphone.
5. Be direct: Say what you want Council to do. "I am asking Council to..." is a strong opening.

Tips for first-timers

• You do NOT have to speak. Attending and observing is valuable civic participation.
• Bring a notepad. Write down item numbers from the agenda that interest you.
• Meetings are recorded. Everything you say is on the public record.
• Council Members may not respond directly during public comment, but they hear you.
• Bring a friend. It is easier and more effective to show up together.
• If you are nervous, practice your 3 minutes out loud before you go.

Getting there

METRORail: Red Line to Central Station. City Hall is one block west.

Parking: Metered street parking on Bagby, Smith, and Louisiana. City Hall garage (entrance on Walker) is also available.

Accessibility: The building and Council Chamber are ADA accessible. Assistive listening devices are available. For accommodations, call 832-393-1100 in advance.

Language access: Interpretation can be requested in advance through the City Secretary.

After the meeting

• Meeting minutes are posted at houstontx.gov/citysec within a few weeks.
• Video recordings are archived on HTV.
• Contact your Council Member directly to follow up on specific issues: houstontx.gov/council
• Track specific ordinances and resolutions at houston.novusagenda.com

Who represents you

Find your Council Member at houstontx.gov/council. Houston has 11 district representatives and 5 at-large members. Your district member is your primary point of contact.