Participating in Virtual City Council Meetings
Berkeley City Council meetings will be held virtually for the duration of the Health Officer's stay home order. The Mayor, Councilmembers, staff, and the public will participate in the meeting remotely. These virtual meetings are part of a broader effort by the City to keep and expand access to services while sheltering at home - the most critical act to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Questions regarding this matter may be addressed to Mark Numainville, City Clerk, (510) 981-6900 or clerk@cityofberkeley.info.
Ways to watch, listen, and participate
You have multiple options for viewing and participating from home. City Council meeting agendas and materials are posted online. Start by downloading the agenda to see what items will be discussed, find the Meeting ID used to participate in the virtual meeting online or by phone, and read general information about the meeting.
Non-interactive options – radio, cable TV, and internet
- Listen on KPFB, 89.3 FM radio
- Watch from Cable B-TV (Channel 33)
- Watch streaming online
Interactive options – comment by phone, internet, or email
There are three ways for you to comment during the meetings - using your phone, using the Zoom app to participate by internet, or sending written comments by email.
Phone
Call into the meeting using your phone. Dial 1-669-900-9128 and enter the Meeting ID (see the first page of the agenda for that meeting). To speak during the meeting, press *9 and wait for your turn.
The meeting Chair will announce when it is your turn to speak by reading your phone number.
Online
Use your computer or mobile device to participate by internet using Zoom, an online meeting application. You will need to know the Meeting ID to participate. The Meeting ID is listed on the first page of the agenda for that meeting.
To use this option, you will need to install the Zoom app. Zoom provides instructions that you can review in advance, including joining a test meeting.
You are not required to provide your name to participate in the meeting. Instead, your name will appear on the screen however you enter it into the app.
To speak during the meeting, use the "raise hand" icon near the bottom of the screen and wait for your turn. The meeting Chair will call your name when it is your turn. Read more about using the "raise hand" feature.
Email
During the meeting, submit your comments to clerk@cityofberkeley.info with the subject line "PUBLIC COMMENT ITEM ##" and your comment will be read during the meeting by the City Clerk (within the same time limits that apply to other speakers). Please limit your email to 150 words or less.
Please be mindful that virtual meetings are public and will be recorded. All meeting rules of procedure and decorum, including speaker time limits, will apply.
Last updated April 20, 2020