How to Attend a Public Hearing
Public hearings are where decisions get made – about data centers, gravel pits, housing policies, and more. Elected officials and agency staff are required to listen to community input. Your presence and testimony can change the outcome. This guide walks you through every step.
Remember: You don’t need to be an expert. Your personal story and concerns are powerful evidence.
Before the Hearing – Preparation
📌 1. Find the hearing information
Check the agency’s website (MT DEQ, County Commission, City Council). Note: date, time, location (in‑person or virtual), and the deadline to sign up to speak.
Check the agency’s website (MT DEQ, County Commission, City Council). Note: date, time, location (in‑person or virtual), and the deadline to sign up to speak.
📄 2. Read the materials
Look for the staff report, permit application, or draft ordinance. Focus on sections that affect you personally.
Look for the staff report, permit application, or draft ordinance. Focus on sections that affect you personally.
✍️ 3. Prepare your testimony
Write 2‑3 minutes of speaking points. Include:
- Who you are (neighbor, renter, parent, etc.)
- Why you care (specific impact on your health, property, community)
- What you want officials to do (e.g., deny the permit, delay the vote, add conditions)
Practice out loud. Bring 10‑15 copies to hand out if possible.
Write 2‑3 minutes of speaking points. Include:
- Who you are (neighbor, renter, parent, etc.)
- Why you care (specific impact on your health, property, community)
- What you want officials to do (e.g., deny the permit, delay the vote, add conditions)
Practice out loud. Bring 10‑15 copies to hand out if possible.
👥 4. Recruit others
Encourage neighbors, friends, and fellow organizers to attend. A room full of concerned residents sends a powerful message.
Encourage neighbors, friends, and fellow organizers to attend. A room full of concerned residents sends a powerful message.
📦 5. Prepare your supplies
- Printed copies of your testimony
- Water bottle
- Notebook and pen
- Phone/camera (to document, if allowed)
- Printed copies of your testimony
- Water bottle
- Notebook and pen
- Phone/camera (to document, if allowed)
During the Hearing – At the Meeting
⏰ 6. Arrive early
Get there 30 minutes before start. Sign the speaker list immediately. Check in with the clerk if needed.
Get there 30 minutes before start. Sign the speaker list immediately. Check in with the clerk if needed.
👂 7. Listen and take notes
Pay attention to what officials and other speakers say. Note any questions you might want to address if you get a second round.
Pay attention to what officials and other speakers say. Note any questions you might want to address if you get a second round.
🎤 8. When it’s your turn
- State your name clearly for the record.
- Keep to the time limit (officials will cut you off).
- Speak from personal experience. Be calm and respectful, even if you’re angry.
- Don’t read a long statement – talk conversationally.
- Ask for a specific action.
- State your name clearly for the record.
- Keep to the time limit (officials will cut you off).
- Speak from personal experience. Be calm and respectful, even if you’re angry.
- Don’t read a long statement – talk conversationally.
- Ask for a specific action.
🤝 9. Stay for the whole hearing
Your presence matters even after you speak. If officials see people staying, they know the issue is important.
Your presence matters even after you speak. If officials see people staying, they know the issue is important.
After the Hearing – Follow Up
📧 10. Send a thank‑you / follow‑up email
Within 24 hours, email the officials. Thank them for their time, restate your key points, and ask for a response on their position.
Within 24 hours, email the officials. Thank them for their time, restate your key points, and ask for a response on their position.
📢 11. Share with your community
Post a summary on social media or in your tenant union group. Let others know what happened and what comes next.
Post a summary on social media or in your tenant union group. Let others know what happened and what comes next.
📅 12. Watch for next steps
The hearing may be continued. Stay on the agency’s mailing list or follow organizers who are tracking the issue.
The hearing may be continued. Stay on the agency’s mailing list or follow organizers who are tracking the issue.
Tips for Virtual Hearings (Zoom, Teams, etc.)
- Test your microphone and camera beforehand.
- Join 10‑15 minutes early – there may be a virtual waiting room.
- Use a quiet, well‑lit space. Mute yourself when not speaking.
- Have your written notes visible on your screen.
- If the platform has a “raise hand” feature, use it when you want to speak.
- Be patient with technical glitches – they happen to everyone.