Committee adopts resolution urging civility in local government but acknowledges limits on policing public comment

The Committee approved resolution 372-2026 (as amended) urging civility, dignity and respect in public meetings and committing the council to promote civility in the community. The Law Department’s amendments inserted references to the National League of Cities and adjusted language in the title and sections to include a commitment to promoting civility.

Proponents described the measure as part of a national emphasis on civil public engagement. Councilman Brian Casey said the resolution echoed themes from the National League of Cities and urged other members to sponsor it. Councilman Kevin Bishop asked how the resolution would affect interactions with public commenters; presenters responded that while the council can request civility from public commenters, constitutional free-speech protections limit the council’s ability to bar or police public comment content following a prior court challenge. As one presenter said, "free speech... is a little bit harder to police from the public comment standpoint."

Committee members agreed to be added as sponsors and were asked to sign the resolution for a floor vote; the committee approved the amended resolution. The committee noted the resolution is intended as a framework for the council’s conduct and to encourage civility more broadly, while recognizing legal limits on restricting public comment.