Ways to Engage in Local Government

City Council Meetings

The City Council holds public meetings to conduct City business and gather feedback from community members. 

Work sessions allow City Council to work on a particular issue or topic. While Council may give direction to City staff during a work session, no votes are cast during these meetings.

City Council meetings and work sessions are open to the public, but only City Council meetings have open comment/public hearings.

Attend a City Council Meeting

City Council examines issues and solicits public input to set city priorities.

Participate in City Council Meetings

Attend or Watch Council Meetings and Work Sessions

• Find dates for upcoming city council meetings - View the City Council meeting schedule.
• View live and archived meetings - The public can also watch the meetings online.

Speak at Council Meetings

In-person public testimony is taken on non-agenda items at the beginning of every City Council meeting during "Public Business from the Floor." Members of the Public are asked to come to the podium and state their names clearly for the record. Testimony is limited to 5 minutes per person. There is also a time during the meeting for members of the public to comment on Resolutions and Ordinances during their first hearing (these take two hearings to pass). For these items, the mayor will ask if there is any public comment.  

Provide Written Testimony

Members of the public can also submit testimony in writing by email. Please put the words "Public Testimony" in the subject line. Email testimony, questions, and comments regarding agenda items to testimony@valdezak.gov by 3 p.m. on the meeting day. Written testimony will be provided to City Council. 

Contact Council Members Directly

Each member of the City Council is provided with a City of Valdez email address for the duration of their term in office. Visit the City Council page to email council members directly.

Attend a Board or Commission Meeting

Topic-specific advisory boards and commissions explore issues, conduct community engagement, and provide guidance to City Council. 

• View the Boards and Commissions web page for more information on the various boards and commissions, including membership, vacancies, and how to apply for an open seat. 
• View the boards and commissions meeting schedule.

Note: Public testimony is not reflected verbatim in minutes. Minutes would read something like "Joe Q. Public spoke in favor of Snow Plows." Written testimony is also not included in the minutes. However, recordings of meetings and written testimony received are considered public records and retained by the city's adopted records retention policy.