The people get a say.
Not just a minute.
Long Beach changed when residents can speak to City Council. Here is what happened, what the rules say, and what it means for public participation.
01 — The New Rules
How the new time limits actually work
The 90-Minute Block: Under the new ordinance (adopted via Oct 6 Agenda Item 29 and Oct 13 Agenda Item 25), public comment for most regular business—including staff reports, contracts, resolutions, and appointments—is consolidated into a single 90-minute period at the start of the meeting.
The Extension Clause: If speakers are still waiting when the 90 minutes expire, the presiding officer has the authority to extend the period in 30-minute increments. The One-Comment Rule: Residents are restricted to one general speaking opportunity, rather than addressing individual items as they arise.
The Time Squeeze: Time limits are determined by total turnout. If dozens of people sign up, the chair often restricts speaking time to 60 or 90 seconds to accommodate the crowd.
Meaningful Participation Calculator
If you are granted 60 seconds total and need to speak on 1 item, you have an average of 60 seconds per item to make your case to the Council.
Note: This is an illustrative calculation. Actual speaking times are determined by the presiding officer based on total public turnout.
02 — The Sequence
Why timing matters
- 1
Initial Public Comment
The 90-minute block begins. Residents deliver their consolidated comments.
- 2
Staff Presentations
Hours later, city staff officially introduces the details of specific agenda items.
- 3
Council Discussion
Elected officials ask questions and debate the policy.
- 4
New Information & Amendments
During debate, new facts may emerge or the Council may officially amend the proposal.
- 5
The Final Vote
The Council votes on the final, potentially amended item.
The Core Concern
Under this sequence, residents are forced to provide feedback before hearing the final staff presentations, council debates, or last-minute amendments.
03 — The Record
The vote: 6–3
Mary Zendejas
District 1
Voted Yes (To consolidate public comment)Cindy Allen
District 2
Voted No (Opposed consolidation)Kristina Duggan
District 3
Voted No (Opposed consolidation)Daryl Supernaw
District 4
Voted Yes (To consolidate public comment)Megan Kerr
District 5
Voted No (Opposed consolidation)Suely Saro
District 6
Voted Yes (To consolidate public comment)Roberto Uranga
District 7
Voted Yes (To consolidate public comment)Tunua Thrash-Ntuk
District 8
Voted Yes (To consolidate public comment)Joni Ricks-Oddie
District 9
Voted Yes (To consolidate public comment)04 — Legal Questions & The Receipts
What the law says
Evidence library
05 — Your Move
Take action
Message template
Dear Councilmember, I am a Long Beach resident writing to express my concern regarding the changes to Chapter 2.03 of the Municipal Code. Consolidating public comment to the beginning of the meeting forces residents to speak before staff presentations and council amendments. I urge the council to revisit this policy and restore the right to speak on individual items as they are considered.
Get in touch
Spotted an error, or have a document we should check? Send it over and we'll fix the page or credit the source.