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Public hearings are one of the forums available to our communities, when a municipality or agency is considering a big decision.  It could be about a specific project, development, pollution, zoning, etc. These decisions can have a lasting impact on the people living int he communities as well as the health of our lakes, rivers and streams.  If you care about an issue, your voice matters—even if you don’t feel like an expert.

Considering attending a public hearing or community meeting meeting?  Here are a few ways to get your message across:

1. Get the Basics

You don’t need to know all the technical details to attend a meeting or share a comment.  By skimming the meeting announcement or posted agenda, you can at least walk in with the basics:

• What the issue or project is (e.g., a new development, permit change, or water quality plan)
• Where and when it’s happening
• How it might affect you, your community, or the health of our waterways

2. Show Up

Sometimes the most challenging part is just showing up!  Public hearings are, by design, open to the public. They are meant to be an opportunity for community members to share thoughts, concerns, ideas and to learn more about the issue at hand.  Some are held in-person, some virtually, and many now offer both.  By showing up, you help demonstrate public interest in the issue – which helps the hosts to understand the impact of the issue at hand.

When you arrive:

• Listen and observe even if you’re not speaking this time
• Bring a notebook, or take notes on your phone. Mark down important names, contact info, etc.

3.  Share your thoughts

Be sure to sign in or fill out the speaker form (if you want to speak), this is optional – but often the only way to ensure you will be called to speak.

You usually get 2–3 minutes to speak. Keep it simple:

✅ Say your name and where you live
✅ Share why clean water matters to you
✅ Express any concerns or support
✅ Thank the decision-makers

Not sure what to say? Write down a few bullet points ahead of time or bring a short written comment to read.  Often you can look to advocacy organizations for key points or background information before you attend.

Remember: You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be real.

4. Listen with Curiosity, Respond with Authenticity

Everyone at the hearing is there for a reason—even if they have a different viewpoint than yours. Listening respectfully helps build common ground and can even strengthen your message when you respond with empathy and understanding.  While folks can be passionate – even emotional when delivering their message, it’s often most effective to respond with clear, focused points.  Be sure to share any personal connections you may have to the issue, as well as how the issue will impact your life.

5. Follow Up

Didn’t get to speak? Thought of more you want to share? Most public hearings also accept written comments by email or mail.

After the hearing, you can:

• Submit a written comment or send an email to the meeting hosts
• Reach out to your local representative (s)
• Talk to friends and neighbors, information shared by trusted individuals is often better received than information from official sources.
• Stay connected with the issue and to groups advocating for issues you care about.

You Belong in This Conversation

You don’t have to be a scientist, lawyer, or policymaker to speak up for clean water. You just have to care.

Your story—why you love your local creek, stream or lake, why you’re worried about pollution, why you want to protect water for future generations—is powerful. Sharing it can make a real impact.

So next time your community holds a public hearing, don’t be afraid to show up and speak up—your voice matters.

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