We believe that providing access for citizens to communicate with the Council is vital for a strong representative local government.
All council meetings are open to the public to attend in-person or electronically by watching live on local cable Mesa 11, YouTube and Facebook.
The Mayor conducts Council meetings to accomplish the public’s business in a fair, efficient and orderly manner.
Participating in a Council Meeting
Members of the public may share comments with the Council in the following ways:
Request to Speak
Participants may submit a request-to-speak form using one of the digital kiosks available in the City Hall lobby upon arrival. The form may also be accessed on a mobile device by scanning QR codes located throughout the lobby. We are no longer able to accept paper request-to-speak forms, but help is available for individuals in need of assistance with the digital system.
The request form becomes available at 5:00 p.m. on City Council meeting nights and must be completed prior to the start of the meeting. Each speaker must be present and is limited to three minutes, unless otherwise determined by the Mayor. Groups with similar comments are encouraged to designate a spokesperson.
For “Items from Citizens Present,” up to three speakers may address the Council on items not listed on the agenda.
To ensure a fair and equitable process, speakers under "Items from Citizens Present" are selected at random from all requests submitted before the start of the meeting. Selected speakers will be announced at the beginning of the meeting. This provides equitable access for residents and removes advantages based on sign-up timing. Watch a video about this process
Submit Comments Online
Residents may submit an online comment card for Council review.
Comments submitted prior to 2:00 p.m. on the day of the City Council meeting will be provided to Councilmembers and posted publicly on this page before the start of the meeting. Comments received after 2:00 p.m. will be shared with the Council and posted the following day.
At the beginning of each Council meeting, the City Clerk's Office will provide one kiosk for attendees who wish to submit a written comment to the City Council rather than request to speak.
Email the Council
Written feedback to the Council regarding agenda items or general issues may be sent to council@mesaaz.gov. Emails are not published on this page.
Limited-Bag Policy and Security Screening
To help ensure safe and efficient entry during City Council meetings at City Hall, a limited-bag policy is in place.
Allowed
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to 12” × 6” × 12”
- Small clutches or bags approximately the size of a folded 8.5” × 11” sheet (maximum 8.5” × 5.5”)
Not Allowed
- Backpacks, large purses or totes, laptop or camera bags, and other non-clear bags exceeding 8.5” × 5.5”
Notes and Exceptions
- Mesa does not use X-ray screening machines; bag limits and clear bag requirements help reduce manual searches and keep entry lines moving efficiently
- Medically necessary items, infant/diaper supplies, and assistive devices are permitted and may be subject to visual inspection
- No on-site bag storage is available; attendees should plan accordingly
- This policy applies to all City Council meetings at City Hall and may be adjusted based on attendance and safety needs
Meeting Guidelines and Expectations
Effective July 9, 2026: Signs ARE NOT permitted inside City Hall or during public meetings held at City Hall.
All persons attending Council meetings are expected to observe rules of politeness, propriety and good conduct. Applause and audience commentary are not permitted. Individuals who disrupt the meeting may be asked to leave, removed and/or not permitted to return.
To help ensure a safe and respectful environment for all attendees, the following guidelines apply:
Signs and Presentation Materials
To help maintain a safe, accessible and orderly meeting environment for everyone, signs, flags, banners, posters, placards and other held or carried display materials ARE NOT permitted inside City Hall or during public meetings.
Individuals speaking on an agendized item may use presentation materials. Materials must be submitted to the City Clerk's Office (20 E. Main Street) at least one business day before the meeting. Materials will be provided during the speaker’s comment and returned after the meeting.
Attire
Visitors must wear basic attire, including a top, bottom and footwear (e.g., shirt, blouse, pants, shorts, skirt, shoes).
Restricted Activities
Protesting, petitioning, solicitation and leafletting are not permitted inside City Hall or in areas near entrances and parking lots. These areas must remain clear to ensure safe and unobstructed access for all visitors.
City Hall and Facilities Use Policy(PDF, 710KB)