Your Right to Public Participation
Did you know that many government meetings are open to the public?
School boards, town boards, village boards, and other public bodies make decisions that can affect your community, including education, development, public spending, and local services.
You don't have to be an elected official to get involved.
How Can You Participate?
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Find upcoming meetings. Check your local government's website for meeting schedules, agendas, and public notices.
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Attend a meeting. Many government meetings are open to the public, allowing residents to observe discussions and decisions.
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Make your voice heard. Some meetings include public comment periods where community members can ask questions or share concerns.
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Stay informed. Review meeting minutes, recordings, and published decisions when available.
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Get involved. Contact your elected representatives, follow local issues, and encourage others to participate.
Can Anyone Attend?
Generally, public meetings covered by New York's Open Meetings Law are open to everyone, not just residents of a particular municipality.
However, attending a meeting and speaking at a meeting are different things. Public bodies may establish rules governing public comments, and not every meeting is required to include a public comment period.
Where Can You Find Meetings?
Start with the official website of your:
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Town, city, or village government
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Local school district
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County legislature
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Planning or zoning board
Look for sections labeled Meetings, Agendas, Public Notices, or Board Calendar.
Learn More
New York State Committee on Open Government
People's Voices United provides general civic education and public resources. Meeting procedures and opportunities for public comment vary by government body. Consult the relevant agency's official website for current information.