How to Testify - Local Government

Did you know? You can testify about whatever you want for 3 minutes (there are a few regulars that just rant and rave about all sorts of things unrelated to local government). All levels of local government run their meetings fairly similarly, and it is your right as a taxpaying voter that they cannot interrupt you! In general they do not respond. They usually call 3 people at a time, in person or virtual, but it is recommend to go in person if possible, since technology can fail - that means they can cut you off and ask you to submit it in writing. If you want to testify for more than 3 minutes, get others to go with you and you can have a continuous speech with each person getting 3 minutes a piece.

City Council - agenda is posted weekly HERE and you can see if they are cancelling any meetings for the week as well. You can email the clerk (councilclerk@portlandoregon.gov) early to sign up, you don't have to wait for an agenda to be posted.

• Wednesdays 9:30am & 2pm

• Thursdays 2pm

• City Hall 1221 SW 4th Ave.

• Must go through security wand; 2nd floor council chambers

• Extra seating on 3rd floor

Multnomah County - agenda is posted weekly HERE and you can see if they are cancelling any meetings for the week as well. You can email the clerk (boardclerk@multco.us) early to sign up, you don't have to wait for an agenda to be posted. Instructions on the website include a link to sign up for virtual testimony, otherwise you need to email the clerk or sign up upon arrival.

• Thursdays 9:30am

• Multnomah Building 501 SE Hawthorne

• Entry is on Hawthorne; turn right to enter board room

• Bathroom is on the right before you enter board room

This page will be updated to include Metro, Oregon State legislature & Portland Public Schools.