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Public Comment Guide

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This guide explains how to participate in public comment for City Council meetings and all Boards, Commissions, and Committees (BCCs). Sign-up forms, written comment links, and staff contact information are maintained in the Public Comment Directory and updated as processes change.

City Council

Council Meetings

In person: Sign up on the resident participation sheet in person, or use the online form found in the Public Comment Directory — up until the meeting starts. When your name is called, you may address the Council.

Each speaker has 3 minutes — one turn per meeting. Speakers may not cede time to another speaker. Public comment is capped at 45 minutes total; if there are more than 15 speakers, the Mayor will allocate time proportionally.

In writing — advance submission: Submit written comments before the meeting. Find the meeting you need in the Public Comment Directory.

In writing — City Clerk: Written comments submitted to the City Clerk at any time will be distributed to the Mayor and all Councilmembers. Acknowledgment of receipt will be made during the meeting.

Note: The City Clerk staffs City Council meetings. To have comments included in the record of meeting testimony, submit to the City Clerk before the Council meeting.

Boards, Commissions & Committees

BCC Meetings

In person: Arrive early and sign up on the public comment sheet near the meeting room entrance. The BCC Chair will open public comment and announce the time allotment — generally 3–5 minutes per speaker. When your name is called, address the body on the item of interest to you.

In writing: Can't attend? Submit written comments before the meeting. Each BCC has its own sign-up process. Find the right option in the Public Comment Directory.

Note: The City Clerk does not staff BCC meetings. Staff liaison contact information for each BCC can be found in the iCompass meeting portal and the Public Comment Directory. Email addresses and sign-up forms are listed in the Directory.

Meeting Conduct Rules

Rules 6.8 – 6.10

Disruptive conduct (Rule 6.8)

Any person who makes threatening, personal, or abusive remarks, or who engages in disorderly conduct that disrupts or impedes the orderly conduct of a meeting may, at the discretion of the Mayor or presiding officer, be barred from further participation during that meeting. This includes:

  • Loud, threatening, personal, or abusive language
  • Any conduct that disturbs or impedes the meeting

The Mayor or presiding officer may interrupt any speaker who is violating these rules. A verbal warning will be attempted but is not required before the podium microphone is turned off or a speaker is removed from the meeting.

Virtual and in-person meetings (Rule 6.9)

These conduct rules apply to all City Council meetings, including standing committee meetings, ward meetings, and virtual platform meetings. For virtual meetings, the Chair may direct the virtual administrator to mute or eject any person found to be out of order.

Signs (Rule 6.10)

Attendees may hold a sign no larger than 8½ × 11 inches. Signs larger than this size will not be permitted. Signs may not block the view of other members of the public and may not be affixed to any surface within the Council Chambers, including walls, windows, the podium, or glass.

Accessibility: The City of Evanston is committed to promoting a citywide culture of accessibility and inclusivity. To request an accommodation for a program, service, or activity, or to request materials in an alternative format, please call 847-866-2919 or submit a request through the City's 311 system (opens in new tab).

By participating in public comment, you agree to abide by the meeting conduct rules outlined above.

Questions? Contact the City Clerk's Office at 847-866-2919 or cityclerk@cityofevanston.org.