Happening nowMeetings and comment deadlines, next 14 days.
Rules & Legislation Committee — Tomorrow· 10:30 AM Comment by Wednesday, November 11.
Special Public Works And Transportation Committee — Tuesday, November 17· 11:30 AM Comment by Monday, November 16.
Special Community & Economic Development Committee — Tuesday, November 17· 1:30 PM Comment by Monday, November 16.
Special Life Enrichment Committee — Tuesday, November 17· 4:00 PM Comment by Monday, November 16.
Special Public Safety Committee — Tuesday, November 17· 6:00 PM Comment by Monday, November 16.
Special Finance & Management Committee — Tuesday, November 17· 9:30 AM Comment by Monday, November 16.
Rules & Legislation Committee — Thursday, November 19· 10:30 AM Comment by Wednesday, November 18.
Full picture → Legistar data checked Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
The whole thing in one line: Pick your meeting on Legistar, submit an eComment or speaker card at least 24 hours ahead (or hand a card to the Clerk in person), then say your piece when your item is called — usually a 1–2 minute limit.
Three ways to comment
Pick whichever fits your day.
In person
Go to City Hall and hand a speaker card to the City Clerk before your item is called. One card per item.
Online (eComment)
Submit an eComment or electronic speaker card through Legistar. Goes straight to councilmembers. Closes 24h before.
Zoom or phone
Join with the link on the agenda. When called, raise your hand — on Zoom press *9, then *6 to unmute.
Step by step
The same five steps every time.
1
Find the meeting & your item
Open the Legistar calendar, pick the meeting, and note the agenda item number you care about.
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2
Sign up 24-hour deadline
Submit your eComment or electronic speaker card through Legistar. It closes 24 hours before the posted start time. (In person, you can hand a card to the Clerk at the meeting.)
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3
Show up — or dial in
Attend at Oakland City Hall, or join by Zoom or phone using the link on the agenda.
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4
Wait for your item, raise your hand
When your item and name are called, raise your hand. On Zoom: *9 to raise, *6 to unmute.
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5
Say your piece
Name, the item, your position, one reason. Usually a 1–2 minute limit — short and specific wins.
The one thing people miss: the 24-hour cutoff.
Online speaker cards and eComments close a full day before the meeting. If you're commenting online, don't wait until meeting day — you'll have missed it.
Where your comment counts most
The full Council vote is the last step, and by then most decisions are 90% settled. The real leverage is earlier, at the committee stage, when an item is still being shaped and the room is smaller. Oakland committees generally meet on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays. See the guide for how a decision moves through the city.
What to actually say
Lead with your ask. "I support / oppose Item __, and here's why."
One clear reason. Specific beats sweeping. A personal story or a single fact lands.
Say your district or neighborhood. It signals you're a constituent. Find your district →
Respect the clock. When time's called, wrap up — going over rarely helps.
Quick answers
Deadline
eComments & e-speaker cards close 24 hours before the posted start time.
Time limit
Usually 1–2 minutes per speaker, set at the meeting.
In person
Hand a speaker card to the City Clerk before your item is called — one card per item.
On Zoom
Press *9 to raise your hand, *6 to unmute when called.
Where
Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza — or remotely via the agenda link.