Citizen Information
Can I speak at a Council meeting?
How can I voice my opinion at a committee meeting?
How can I participate in a public hearing?
How much can I contribute to a campaign fund?
Can I speak at a Council meeting?
There is a public speaking period beginning at 6:30 p.m. each Monday evening before the regular Council meeting. Akron citizens can address Council and ask questions during this period. The Council meeting which begins at 7 p.m. is primarily for acting on legislation which already has been discussed and deliberated in committee meetings.
You may, however, request permission to address Council on an issue during a Council meeting by submitting a written request specifying the topic to be discussed to the President of Council no later than the Friday prior to the next scheduled City Council meeting. The President will consider each request and will either refer you to your Ward Councilperson or the appropriate committee for action, or instruct the Clerk of Council to notify you of your appointed time to address council.
How can I voice my opinion at a committee meeting?
Public input occurs best at the committee level. If you wish to be heard at a committee meeting, you need only appear at the meeting and request to speak.
It is advisable, however, that you contact the committee chairperson prior to the meeting or notify the office of the Clerk of Council in writing that you wish to be heard. Committees meet on Monday afternoons prior to the full Council meeting. Click the “Committee Meetings” link above right for a schedule of meetings. Also, check this website early Monday afternoon to learn if any committee metings are cancelled.
How can I participate in a public hearing?
City Council will listen to your arguments for or against proposed legislation at scheduled public hearings. Notices of all public hearings are published in the Akron Beacon Journal classified section and online on this website. Click the “Public Hearings” link above and to the right to learn of any public hearings are scheduled.
If you wish to be heard, you need only attend the Council meeting at which the public hearing is scheduled. Citizens can speak for or against the legislation after being sworn in and signing in. Each citizens is allowed three minutes to voice their opinions.
When you speak:
- Give your name (including the spelling of your last name) and address for the record.
- Limit your remarks to the time allotted.
- Clearly state your point, and then present any factual evidence to back up your point.
- Avoid repetition. If a point has been made by a previous speaker, simply indicate your support or disagreement, unless you have new information.
How much can I contribute to a campaign fund?
Campaign finance election laws limit contributions citizens may make to Council members or candidates for Council as follows:
- $200 maximum to any Ward Councilperson or candidate participating in a primary election.
- $200 maximum to any Ward Councilperson or candidate participating in a general election.
- $450 maximum to any At Large Councilperson or candidate participating in a primary election.
- $450 maximum to any At Large Councilperson or candidate participating in a general election.
These limits are on contributions made by check. Cash contributions to candidates are limited to $25. For a more complete explanation of who is a candidate and what constitutes a contribution, see the Akron Municipal Code Section 30.10.
