Three ways to be heard — written, in person, or by email — and what actually makes a difference.
The quick version
Comment in 60 seconds
Go to coloradosprings.legistar.com → find the meeting → click the agenda item you care about → submit an eComment or sign up to speak. Do this before the meeting — sign-ups typically close ~24 hours ahead.
Step by step
1
Find the agenda
Go to Legistar and click on the upcoming meeting. The agenda usually posts about one week before the meeting date. Each item has a title, staff report, and supporting documents. Read the staff report — it tells you what staff recommends and why.
2
Decide what you care about
Scan the agenda for items that affect your neighborhood, your job, or your values. If you’re not sure what an item means, check this site — we add plain-English summaries and “Why it matters” notes to every agenda item we cover.
3
Submit a written commentEasiest
On the Legistar agenda page, click the eComment link next to the item. Write your comment — keep it specific to the item, say whether you support or oppose, and briefly explain why. Written comments become part of the public record and are distributed to all councilmembers before the meeting.
4
Or sign up to speak in person
On the same Legistar page, sign up for public comment. You’ll get 3 minutes to speak at the meeting. Sign-ups typically close ~24 hours before the meeting starts. Show up at City Hall, Council Chamber, 107 N Nevada Ave, by 9:00 AM.
5
Or email a councilmember directly
Find the district representative on this site, then email them about the specific agenda item. Mention the item number (e.g., “Ord. 26-23”) so staff can route it. Emails to the district councilmember carry more weight than general comments.
What actually gets heard
Council members and staff consistently say that specific, issue-focused comments are more influential than general complaints. Here’s what works:
Be specific. Reference the agenda item by number. Say “I support Ord. 26-21 because trail access matters to my family” rather than “I like parks.”
Say what you want. “Vote yes,” “vote no,” or “amend section X to add Y.” Clear asks are actionable.
Keep it short. Three sentences can be more effective than three pages. Councilmembers read dozens of comments per meeting.
Identify yourself. Say your name, your neighborhood, and whether you’re a resident, business owner, or organization representative. Local voices carry more weight.
Show up. In-person speakers are visible to council and to the public watching the stream. It matters.
General public comment
Every regular meeting includes a general public comment period at the beginning, separate from comments on specific agenda items. This is your chance to raise any issue — even topics not on the agenda. You get 3 minutes. Council typically listens but does not respond or take action during general comment; items raised here may be referred to a future agenda.
Meeting details
When
2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 9:00 AM
Where
City Hall, Council Chamber · 107 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Parking
Street metered parking on Nevada Ave and nearby garages. The Cascade Ave garage is closest.
Livestream
Available on Legistar and the city’s YouTube channel
Sign-up deadline
~24 hours before the meeting (check Legistar for exact cutoff)
Speaking time
3 minutes per person
Next meeting
Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 9:00 AM (June 22–23 were cancelled)
Contact a councilmember
The most direct way to influence a vote is to contact the councilmember who represents the district. They want to hear from constituents — that’s the job. Find a representative: