Public meeting rules

Public opinions are an important part of the decision-making process and there are many ways to let the city and council know your thoughts about a subject.

Robert's Rules of Order 

Robert's Rules of Order are meeting facilitation guidelines accepted and used by agencies, including the City of Renton. Robert's Rules ensure that meetings are run fairly, efficiently, and effectively. There are several components of Robert’s Rules of Orders that council members must abide by.

Audience comment

Speaking during the audience comment period is another way to share your concerns.

Rules

Speaking during the audience comment period is one way to share your concerns. Sign-up prior to beginning of the meeting is required. Please note the following rules when speaking during a public meeting:

  • Pursuant to state law, RCW 42.17A.555, campaigning for or against any ballot measure or candidate in Renton City Hall and/or during any portion of the council meeting, including the audience comment portion of the meeting, is prohibited.
  • If you have materials to present, please provide them to the City Clerk by email at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov prior to 3 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
  • Comments are limited to three minutes per speaker. For Public Hearings, speakers will have five minutes to provide testimony on the topic for which the Public Hearing is being held.
  • When your name is called by the Presiding Officer, please walk to the podium and state your name and city of residence for the record, spelling your last name.
  • When giving your public comment, please state your issue, explain if you are in support or opposition, and what action you believe would be appropriate for resolution.
  • Per Robert's Rules of Order, the council will not respond to questions or comments during the meeting. However, staff will review any questions or concerns and respond if you have provided your contact information to the City Clerk.
  • Offensive and/or harmful comments do not reflect the City of Renton’s values of being an inclusive and hate-free community that rejects discrimination of any kind. 

Sign-up for audience comment

Anyone registering after 5 p.m. on the day of the council meeting will not be called upon to speak and will be required to re-register for the next council meeting if they wish to speak at that next meeting.

The public may also submit comments in writing to cityclerk@rentonwa.gov by 5 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Registration is not required for those who wish to speak during public hearings.

In-person

  • Fill out the form: Register by 5 p.m. on the day of the meeting at sign up for public comment form
  • Call or email: You may also call 425-430-6501 or email counciladmin@rentonwa.gov or cityclerk@rentonwa.gov to register. Please provide your full name, city of residence, email address and/or phone number, and topic in your message. 
  • In-person sign-up: A sign-in sheet is also available for those who attend in person. Please ensure you sign-up before the start of the council meeting at 7 p.m.

Virtual 

 

Notice to all participants: Pursuant to state law, RCW 42.17A.555, campaigning for or against any ballot measure or candidate in Renton City Hall and/or during any portion of the council meeting, including the audience comment portion of the meeting, is prohibited.

 

Contact Us

Email

Email councilmembers individually, or email council as a group at council@rentonwa.gov

 

Phone 

425-430-6501

 

Submit a letter

Attn: Renton City Council, 7th Floor 1055 South Grady Way, Renton, WA, 98057

 

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