Ever Wanted To Address Metro Council? Starting Tuesday, You Can

NASHVILLE, TN -- For years, the only issues on which citizens could address the Metro Council were land-use and zoning and that public-comment period is mandated by state law. When a group of Nashvillians filled the council chambers in February, wanting to speak about the fatal shooting of Jocques Clemmons by Metro Police officer Joshua Lippert, there was actually no method in the rules to allow it.

Ultimately, at the urging of then-Vice Mayor David Briley, the council suspended the rules and allowed a public comment period that night, but it exposed what many activists and council watchers have considered a flaw in the council's rules for years: but for those planning and zoning issues, public comment isn't part of the council process.

Starting Tuesday, it will be. Once a month and for two minutes each.

Nashvillians who sign up by the close of business on the Thursday before the second council meeting of every month (typically these are on the third Tuesday) may speak on a topic of their choice for two minutes, provided they follow guidelines, which bar personal attacks and require speakers - who must be Nashville residents - to stick to the topic for which they declared their intention to speak. Individuals speakers will be limited to one public comment every 90 days and must follow a rigid registration and check-in process.

See the full set of guidelines.

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