Public Participation Policy and Sign-up

Public Participation Policy for City Council Meetings

Public Participation Sign-up Form

Welcome to the City of Leeds

The City of Leeds values and encourages public participation in City Council meetings. Your input helps our elected officials and City staff to govern more effectively and to serve our community better. This page outlines our Public Participation Policy to ensure everyone has an opportunity to be heard while maintaining an orderly and respectful environment.

How to Participate

Signing Up to Speak:

Before the Meeting: Sign up for public comments through the City's Public Participation Sign-In Form.

During the Meeting (until the prescribed cut-off time): You can also sign up using the sign in form provided at the meeting. However, questions asked may be addressed at a subsequent meeting.

Speaking at the Meeting:

Order of Speakers: The Mayor will call speakers in the order they signed up via the automated form or information sheet.
Time Limit: Each speaker has a maximum of two minutes unless the Mayor allows additional time in the interest of the City.
No Repeat Speaking: Speakers are allowed to speak only once during Public Comments and cannot give their time to others.
Directed Comments: All comments should be directed to the Mayor and/or City Council. The Mayor may limit repetitious or irrelevant comments.

Public Hearings

For items listed under the Public Hearings section of the agenda, speakers must reserve their comments for the public hearing:

Sign-Up: Register via the authomated system or fill out an information sheet provided by the City Clerk.
Speaking Order and Time Limits:
Project initiator/applicant: 10 minutes
Residents within the noticed area: 2 minutes
All other members of the public: 2 minutes

General Rules for Speakers:

Identification: Provide your name, Council district, street, or neighborhood before presenting comments.
Contact Information: Provide your name and address for follow-up by City staff or Council members.
Group Representation: Groups with the same position on a matter are encouraged to select one representative to speak.
Digital Presentations: Submit digital media to the City Clerk by 3:00 PM on the Thursday preceding the meeting. No outside devices will be connected to the City’s network.
Written Correspondence: If unable to attend, you can submit written comments, which must be sent to the City Clerk by noon on the day of the meeting.

Recording the Meeting

Notification: The Mayor will inform attendees if the meeting is being recorded.
Equipment Placement: Place recording equipment in a designated area as instructed by the Mayor.
Non-Disruptive: Ensure recordings do not disrupt the meeting.

Conduct and Behavior

Respectful Interaction: Disruptive behavior, including outbursts, profanity, or threats, is not allowed and may result in removal from the meeting.
ADA Accommodations: Requests for accommodations should be directed to the City Clerk.

Policy Accessibility

Copies of this policy can be viewed on the City’s website - Public Participation Policy. For additional information or inquiries, please contact the City Clerk's office at cityhall@leedsalabama.gov or 205-699-2585.

Contact Information:

City Clerk’s Office:
Phone: 205-699-2585
Email: cityhall@leedsalabama.gov