How to Provide Public Comment at City of West Hollywood Meetings

Participating in local government is one of the most impactful ways to shape the community you live in. In the City of West Hollywood, residents, stakeholders, and interested parties have the opportunity to share their views directly with decision-makers through public comment at City Council, Commission, and Advisory Board meetings. Whether you're passionate about housing, public safety, cultural events, or civil rights, your voice can help shape policies and priorities.

Where to Find Agendas and Meeting Information

All City Council, Commission, and Advisory Board meetings are open to the public and listed on the City of West Hollywood’s official website:

• City Calendar: www.weho.org/calendar
• City Council Agendas: www.weho.org/councilagendas
• Boards & Commissions Info: www.weho.org/government/boards-and-commissions

Agendas are typically posted at least 72 hours in advance for regular meetings and 24 hours in advance for special meetings.

How to Provide Public Comment

In Person:

• Fill out a speaker slip at the entrance of the meeting room.
• Wait for the Mayor or Chair to call your name or open the floor for public comment.
• You’ll typically have up to 3 minutes to speak during most commission and board meetings and up to 2 minutes during City Council meetings Time may vary based on the number of speakers.

Virtual/Remote Comment:

• Check the agenda for Zoom or phone login instructions. Pre-registration is required except when a Councilmember is participating virtually.

Written Comment:

• For City Council meetings, email comments by noon on the day of the meeting to publiccomment@weho.org. Each individual City Commission or Board has instructions for submitting written comments on their individual agendas.
• Individuals may also submit e-comments for Council and the Commission meetings that occur in the City Council Chambers only by visiting www.weho.org/wehotv and scrolling down to E-Comment.

What You Can Comment On

• General public comment on issues within the body’s subject matter jurisdiction/ purview.
• Specific agenda items during their discussion.

The Brown Act and Open Government

California’s Ralph M. Brown Act ensures public access to meetings of legislative bodies. It guarantees:

• Public Notice: Agendas posted in advance with detail.
• Open Discussion: Deliberations occur in public unless under limited closed session exceptions.
• Right to Comment: Public may speak before or during item consideration.

Rights and Responsibilities of Public Speakers

Your Rights:

• Speak on agenda items and during general public comment.
• Criticize policies or conduct.
• Speak in any language (translation may be requested).

Your Responsibilities:

• Keep comments respectful and within time limits.
• Avoid personal attacks or hate speech.
• Stay on topic.

Responsibilities of Elected and Appointed Officials

Officials must listen respectfully during public comment, allow equal access, avoid censorship based on viewpoint, and may follow up after the meeting or agendize future discussions based on comments received.

Stay Engaged

Public comment is a cornerstone of democracy. By showing up, speaking up, and following up, you help shape the future of West Hollywood.

For more information or to subscribe to meeting updates, visit www.weho.org.