Houston City Council will hold its first-ever evening public comment session on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.
The evening session is part of a new pilot program designed to make it easier for Houstonians to participate in local government. Traditionally, public hearings are scheduled at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, limiting access for residents juggling work, traffic, and family responsibilities.
“This is about meeting people where they are,” said Council Member Mario Castillo, who proposed the change. “We want to hear from more Houstonians—not just those who can take off in the middle of the day.”
How the Pilot Program Works
- Schedule: The last Tuesday of each month, from Aug. 26 through Dec. 16, will feature an evening session.
- Time: Public comment begins at 6 p.m. instead of 2 p.m.
- Goal: To expand civic engagement and allow more residents to share their concerns and ideas.
While the first session will take place at City Hall, officials are considering rotating future evening sessions to community spaces such as libraries and cultural centers. Bringing back hybrid meetings that were first implemented due to COVID-19, were also discussed in prior meetings to encourage both in-person and virtual comments. Furthermore, staff also acknowledged potential costs, including security and broadcasting, but emphasized the value of community accessibility.
“This is a small but meaningful change,” Castillo added. “We’re hoping it opens the door for more voices to be heard.”
How to Register to Speak
If you want to address City Council during an evening session, you must register by 3 p.m. on the Monday before the meeting.
Residents can sign up by:
- Calling 832.393.1100
- Emailing speakers@houstontx.gov
- Visiting the Office of the City Secretary, City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby, Room P101
What’s Next
The pilot will run through Dec. 16, after which City Council will review participation numbers and public feedback to determine whether evening sessions should become permanent in 2026.
The dates of the 5 evening public sessions are the following.
- Tuesday, Aug. 26
- Tuesday, Sept. 16
- Tuesday, Oct. 28
- Tuesday, Nov. 18
- Tuesday, Dec. 16
“This is a step toward more inclusive civic participation,” Castillo said. “We’re making space for voices that have too often been left out.”
Stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine for weekly coverage of Houston City Council.