Cleveland City Council to Consider Revised Public Comment Rules at January 22 Meeting

Jan 22, 2024

Cleveland, OH (January 22, 2024) - City Council will consider revised public comment rules at its January 22 meeting at 7:00 pm in City Council Chambers.

In discussing the proposed changes, Council President Blaine A. Griffin stated, “Serving Clevelanders is at the heart of everything this Council does. Since City Council adopted public comment over two years ago, the body has had the opportunity to review its procedures as well as best practices of other city councils. With these proposed changes, Council hopes to ensure an orderly and fair process that allows people to express themselves on matters of public interest; these revised rules will be applied to all speakers in a manner that does not discriminate based on the identity of the speaker, content of speech, or viewpoint of the speaker.

The proposed changes clarify speaker actions and behaviors that interrupt, delay, or disturb Council proceedings conducting the business of the people of the city of Cleveland.  The changes also explain that speakers may speak about any topic as long as comments are not frivolous, repetitive, obscene, or likely to produce imminent unlawful action.

Council President Blaine A. Griffin noted his desire to ensure the changes suggested were transparent and that Council members could weigh in on changes. Council members shared opinions and feedback at a public Council Caucus meeting held on November 13, 2023, but conversations about potential changes began in September 2023.

The proposed rules will be introduced and voted on at tonight’s meeting at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be livestreamed on City Council’s YouTube channel and on TV20 Cleveland which can be viewed online or in the city on Spectrum Channel 1020 or ATT U-verse Channel 99.