New rules and procedures are going into effect for Austin City Council to ensure City business is conducted in a transparent, compliant and efficient manner.

City Council members approved the changes during their meeting on September 26, and the rules officially go into effect for the Oct. 22 City Council Work Session. However, in compliance with recent court decisions, the public may register to comment on briefings and on any items posted on the open agenda for the Work Session scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 8. 

Previously, no public comment was taken at City Council Tuesday Work Sessions as no Council action occurs at these meetings. The purpose of the meetings is for Council to hear staff presentations and/or deliberate about future agenda items. The public has always had the opportunity to comment at regular Thursday City Council meetings where action is taken. Under the new rules, the public may now register to speak about items posted on the open agenda, including Work Session agendas. Tuesday Work Sessions will not include general public communication for non-agenda items, unlike Thursday regular Council meetings. 

For the upcoming Work Session on Oct. 8, City staff will provide a briefing on the Tentative Agreement between the City of Austin and the Austin Police Association. Each speaker will be allotted no less than two (2) minutes to speak. 

Speaker registration for this coming Tuesday’s Work Session is available online or in person: 

Online registration: 

• Opens at 5 p.m. on Friday, October 4 

• Closes at noon on Monday, October 7 

In-person registration is available at the kiosks located in City Hall:  

• Opens shortly after noon on Monday, October 7 
• Closes at 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8  

All future City Council Work Sessions will follow a similar speaker registration process.

No substantive changes were made to Thursday’s regular Council meetings. The agenda for regular Council meetings will continue to be published no less than 13 days prior to the meeting. Speakers may register to speak on any item posted on the open meeting agenda, including staff briefings. 

Speaker registration for Thursday Council Meetings is available online or in person: 

Online registration: 

• Opens at 10 a.m. on the Monday before the meeting 
• Closes at noon on Wednesday before the meeting  

In-person registration is available at the kiosks located in City Hall: 

• Opens shortly after noon on Wednesday  
• Closes at 9:15 a.m. or 45 minutes before the meeting is posted to begin   

For more information, visit the City’s Council Meeting Information Center.   

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