Advocacy 101: How to Participate in Public Meetings

Why is participating in public meetings important?

Participating in public meetings is crucial for democracy, fostering transparency, accountability, and community engagement. Public meetings facilitate collaboration, problem-solving, and influence on policy decisions.

Getting to City Hall

City Council hearings are held at 202 C St, San Diego, CA 92101 on the 12th floor.

Transit options:

  • Bus: 11, 901

  • Trolley: Orange or Blue

Entering City Hall Building:

  1. Enter 202 C street via the air walkway/Concourse

  2. You will go through security metal detector

  3. Then, take the elevator to the 12th floor Council meeting room

Government Meeting Agendas

  • County of San Diego, Board of Supervisors

    The Board of Supervisors meetings are held at the County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 310, San Diego, CA 92101. A regular meeting of the Board is held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday and 9 a.m. on Wednesday of each week. The Wednesday meeting deals with Planning and Land Use matters.

    Agenda Link

  • City of San Diego, City Council

    The City Council of the City of San Diego (Council) is responsible for establishing municipal policies and establishing procedures to accomplish those policies.

    Agenda Link

  • Land Use & Housing Committee

    The Land Use and Housing Committee's area of responsibility includes Permanent Supportive Housing, Homeless Services, Affordable Housing, Real Estate & Airport Management, Planning, Land Use, Land Development Code, General Plan, Community Plans, Coastal Overlay Zone, and Historical Issues/Mills Act.

    Agenda Link

  • Planning Commission

    The Planning Commission recommends changes in the city's General Plan and community plans; makes recommendations on the Capital Improvements Budget, re-zonings and related land use matters; and has final approval on subdivisions as well as many permit types.

    Agenda Link

How to Submit Public Comment for City Council Before Meeting

Step 1: Go to Agenda Comment Form 

Step 2: Fill out Form with your information

Step 3: 

  • Make sure the meeting date is the date of the city council meeting. 

  • The agenda item number can be found on the meeting agenda.

  • Fill out comments with suggested YIMBY talking points or your own.

  • Note: you will only be able to write 500 words.

Step 4: Submit Your Comments

Meeting Order of Operations

When an item on the agenda is called, the following occurs: 

  1. Staff report is given .

  2. City Attorney and/or Independent Budget Analyst provides comments (if needed).

  3. Members of the public who have submitted “Request to Speak” slips address the Council.

  4. Council gives comments, asks questions Council votes on the item.

In-Person Public Comment for City Council, Land Use & Housing Committee, or Planning Commission:

  1. There will be TWO “Request to Speak” slips. 

    1. One is “IN OPPOSITION” and the other “IN FAVOR”, choose your “Request to Speak” slips accordingly. 

  2. Write the DATE in the following format: MM/DD/YY

  3. Write the ITEM NUMBER you wish to speak on. ITEM NUMBER can be found on the agenda.  

  4. Write the ITEM NAME, as seen on the agenda.

  5. Write your FIRST AND LAST NAME legibly in the “Print Name” box.  

    1. **OPTIONAL** You may provide your address, city, phone #, email address and who you are representing (but not required) 

  6. OPTIONAL: Check ONE of the boxes on the “Request to Speak” form if you are donating time or apart of an organized presentation (usually you do not check any box)

  7. Turn in speaker slip to front of room.

Virtual Public Comment for City Council, Land Use & Housing Committee, or Planning Commission:

  1. Join the zoom link in the meeting agenda.

  2. When your item is called and the speaker has begun presenting, raise your hand in the virtual room (you have until 5 minutes after the last in-person speaker to raise your hand).

  3. After the presentation and in-person public comment, City Clerk will go to the zoom webinar.

  4. Wait for your Item to be called before you raise your hand.

  5. Virtual Participation: https://sandiego.zoomgov.com/j/1600982353

    1. If you are participating via the webinar platform (zoom) please press the raise your hand icon and the unmute button when prompted. 

  6. To join by telephone: Dial 1-669-254 5252 + input Webinar ID: 160 098 2353

    1. To raise your hand via a phone-in please press *9 and unmute when the Clerk calls on you by pressing *6.