Public Comment Rule Changes

At a glance

• What: Three ordinances would change how the public speaks at Council meetings. On October 19, 2026 Council filed two earlier versions and introduced a new Committee on Council ordinance (26-O-1589) amending Sections 2-41 (proclamations and citations) and 2-104 (remarks from the public) on public comment, sign-up and proclamations.
• Where it stands: 26-O-1589 was referred to the Committee on Council by 14 to 1 (Martin opposed).
• Update (11/2): the Committee on Council held 26-O-1589, unanimous. The next Committee on Council meeting is November 16 at 11:30 AM.

The three ordinances

• 26-O-1344 (Amos, as substituted by the Committee on Council; held June 1): modify procedures on public comment, sign-up and proclamations. Amos moved to file, seconded by Martin; filed 15-0 on October 19.
• 26-O-1483 (K. Bond and Bakhtiari, as substituted; held September 8 at the sponsor's request): let members of the public speak in order of sign-up. Filed 15-0 on October 19.
• 26-O-1589 (Committee on Council, first reading): Amos moved to refer, seconded by Bakhtiari; carried 14-1.

The minutes do not print the content of the new proposal or any public comment about it; Remarks by the Public are available only on the Channel 26 video.

Sources

• Action minutes (draft), City Council regular meeting, October 19, 2026: https://atlantacityga.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=15&ID=4149&Inline=True

Log

2026-10-19 - City Council

26-O-1344 and 26-O-1483 filed 15-0; replacement ordinance 26-O-1589 referred to the Committee on Council 14-1.

2026-11-02 - Committee on Council

26-O-1589 (changes to public-comment sign-up and proclamation procedures) was held in committee, unanimous.

• 2026-11-02: 2026-11-02 - Committee on Council held 26-O-1589 again (7-0). Advocacy groups opposed moving yielded-time speakers to the back; members discussed substitute language, an early-January effective date and further outreach before the next meeting.