Participating in Virtual Council and Committee Meetings

Below is information on how to participate in virtual council and committee meetings.

Effective March 1, 2023, Regular City Council and Committee meetings are being held in-person and teleconference via Zoom for the public.

The public may observe and/or participate in City Council and Committee meetings in multiple ways.

  • There are two ways to join meetings via Zoom; by video (computer/smart device) or phone (mobile or landline).
  • If participating by phone, you would dial in using one of the phone numbers provided: US: +1 (669) 900-6833 (this number is the best number for accessing the meeting from within the Bay Area), (346) 248-7799, (253) 215-8782, (301) 715-8592, (312) 626-6799 or (929) 436- 2866. You can also access the meeting using the following toll-free numbers: (833) 548-0276, (833) 548-0282, (877) 853-5247, or (888) 788-0099. You would then enter the webinar ID number provided on the face of the agenda.

All members of the public wishing to provide public comment by speaking in person or via teleconference must fill out a speaker card for each agenda item they would like to speak on

There are also many ways to provide public comment on City Council and Committee agenda matters:

  • Email: To submit an Electronic Speaker Card to speak via teleconference or phone, Email - CityClerk@OaklandCa.Gov

Please add the name and date of the meeting and the Agenda Item Number(s) you would like to speak on in the subject line such as: Subject: Public Comment: for (date) (Council/Committee) Meeting; (Item No __, __, & __)

Once you have submitted your Electronic Speaker Card(s) you may provide verbal Public Comment in the meeting by Zoom (computer/smart device) or by Phone (mobile or landline)

To comment by Zoom teleconference or by Phone, your Zoom Profile Name or Phone Number will be acknowledged to speak when Public Comment is being taken on an eligible agenda item. You will be permitted to speak during your turn, allowed to comment, and after the allotted time, re-muted.

To participate by phone, please call one of the listed phone numbers provided above or on the ‘Public Participation’ page of an agenda

  • In Person: Members of the public wishing to provide public comment during a meeting must submit a separate speaker card for each item on the agenda they wish to discuss to the city clerk before being recognized by the presiding officer.
  • E-Comment: Go to City of Oakland - Calendar (legistar.com), click the e-comment hyperlink next to your preferred meeting and submit your comments. E-comments are delivered To Council Members. To allow councilmembers time to digest your comments, E-Comments must be submitted at least 24 hours prior to the meeting time.

You may also send emails to the entire City Council by emailing council@oaklandca.gov or emailing your Councilmember directly. Unsure of who your Councilmember is? Use the Councilmember locator found here.

Here are some additional resources on how to participate in Council meetings via Zoom:

Instructions on how to join a meeting by video conference are available at: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193

Instructions on how to join a meeting by phone are available at: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362663

Instructions on how to “Raise Your Hand” are available at: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/205566129