Recently, several cities in Orange County have been debating whether to continue allowing residents to participate in public comment by phone — a common practice that emerged during COVID and has persisted since. That debate reminds us of something more important: many people in the Vietnamese community do not realize they have the right to speak at these meetings, and do not know how to speak in a way that actually creates an impact.
This article will explain from the beginning: what city council meetings are, how your right to speak is protected, and how to make your two minutes at the podium truly valuable.
City council members represent only tens of thousands of residents — your voice carries far more weight than when you write a letter to a federal senator.
What are city council meetings — and why do they matter to you?
City council is the local legislative body where decisions that directly affect your daily life are made and voted on: approving new commercial development projects, adjusting rental regulations, allocating budgets for local police, or changing park operating hours in your neighborhood.
If you are waiting for federal or state policy to change to make life easier, city council is actually where you can have the fastest and most direct impact. City council members typically represent only tens of thousands of residents — meaning your voice carries far more weight than when you write a letter to a federal senator.
How is the right to public comment protected?
In most city council meetings in the United States, there is a section called public comment — this is the time when anyone can step up to the podium and speak, usually for two to three minutes, about any topic within the council's jurisdiction.
This right is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution — guaranteeing freedom of speech and the right to petition the government. The council can regulate the time and manner of speech, but cannot discriminate based on the speaker's views.
Important to know: you do not need to be a U.S. citizen to attend and speak. In most public meetings at the city level, any resident — including those with a green card or valid visa — can speak. Some cities do not even require you to prove residency.
How to register to speak
The registration process is usually quite simple, but requires advance preparation.
Most cities require you to fill out a speaker card before the meeting begins or right when the public comment section starts. This card typically only asks for your name and the topic you wish to speak about. Some cities allow online registration before the meeting date.
To find out meeting schedules and how to register, you can:
- Go to the city's official website (search for "city council meetings" or "agenda")
- Call the city clerk's office — this is the department that specializes in answering these types of questions
- Go directly to city hall about 30 minutes before the meeting
If you want to speak about a specific agenda item, write it clearly on the speaker card. You will be invited to speak when the council discusses that item.
Your two minutes — how to use them
Two to three minutes may sound short, but with good preparation, it is enough time to make a real impression. Think of it as a brief speech with three clear parts.
Opening — 20 seconds: Introduce yourself and state your position right away. For example: "My name is Nguyen Minh Hai, I own a nail salon on Bolsa Street and I oppose the parking lot redesign project in this area.
Middle — 1 minute 20 seconds: Present your reasons using one or two specific points. Real data, personal stories, or impacts on the community — these are far more convincing than general opinions. For example: "This parking lot serves over 40 small business owners, mostly Vietnamese. If we lose it, we will lose an average of 30% of customers according to estimates from the local Chamber of Commerce.
Closing — 20 seconds: Call for specific action. Do not just say "I am concerned" — be clear about what you want the council to do: "I propose that the council postpone the vote to consult further with the business community.
Language barriers — not a reason to stay silent
This section is especially important for the Vietnamese community. Many people hesitate because they are not confident in English — but there are many ways to overcome this barrier.
First, many cities have interpreters available upon request. If you need Vietnamese interpretation, contact the city clerk's office at least 72 hours before the meeting to arrange it. Some cities in Orange County and San Jose have this service regularly because the Vietnamese community is large.
Second, you can absolutely write your speech in English beforehand and read from paper — no one will judge you for that. Ask your children, friends, or community organizations to help translate and edit it first.
Third, if you do not want to speak directly, sending an email or handwritten letter to the council is also a valid form of public participation and will be recorded in the meeting minutes. This is a less stressful option but still valuable.
Do's and Don'ts
- Do: Prepare your speech in advance and stick to the time limit.
- Do: Bring supporters with you — when multiple people speak about the same issue, the impact multiplies.
- Do: Thank the council even if you disagree — maintaining a professional tone helps you be remembered next time.
- Don't: Attack individual council members personally — focus on policy, not people.
- Don't: Try to speak more after the chair says time is up — this backfires.
- Don't: Show up without knowing which items are being discussed — read the agenda first.
After the meeting — next steps
Speaking once is a good start, but continuous participation creates real change. After the meeting, follow up to see whether the council acts on your suggestions — meeting minutes are usually posted publicly on the city website within a few weeks.
If you want to build a long-term relationship, contact the office of the city council member who represents your district directly. A short meeting is often easier to schedule than you think, and this is the most effective way to ensure your community's voice is truly heard.
The Vietnamese community in the United States has proven many times — from Orange County to Houston to San Jose — that when they come together and speak in an organized way, they can completely change voting outcomes. The first step is simpler than many people think: fill out a speaker card and step up to the podium.