The city meeting calendar is in legistar. This is where you find out about upcoming meetings, read agendas, read minutes from past meetings, etc. You can filter by individual bodies and/or by time period. https://a2gov.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Generally, there are two different kinds of opportunities for public input at meetings—Public Comments and Public Hearings. Public Comments are about whatever you want to talk about, even something that is not on the agenda. Public Hearings pertain to a specific item on the agenda.

City Council has the most complex rules for public comments. Meetings are in person, and can be joined via Zoom.

First, you must sign up in advance. You call the City Clerk’s office (734-794-6140) between 8am-5pm the day of the meeting to get on the list. They will ask you to give your name, address, phone number, and the topic(s) you will be speaking on (typically, this will be an agenda item, such as “DC-1”). They’ll also ask if you will be speaking in person or remotely.

Everybody gets three minutes to speak. You will be put on a list which is ordered first by whether you have spoken at one of the last two council meetings, then by whether you are speaking to an item on the agenda or making a more general comment. This list will be published in the Agenda some time after 5pm and before the meeting begins at 7. The first 15 speakers on the list are guaranteed to speak at the beginning of the meeting, as well as any additional speakers who can be fit in without going over 45 minutes. Any additional speakers spill to the end of the meeting.

When it’s your turn, walk up to the podium or raise your hand on Zoom.

There’s also usually Public Hearings on the agenda for specific agenda items. Also limited to three minutes per speaker. You simply walk up to the podium or raise your hand on Zoom. No advance sign-up.

Planning Commission does not require advance sign-up. Meetings are in person, and can be joined via Zoom.

At the start of the meeting anyone can speak for up to three minutes about anything that does not have a public hearing on that night’s agenda. At the end, there is a second public comment period where you can speak (again) about anything at all.

Throughout the meeting, there are often Public Hearings where you can speak for three minutes about that specific agenda item.

For any of these, you simply walk up to the podium or raise your hand in Zoom. The chair will first call on anyone in the room, then anyone with their hand raised on Zoom.

Transportation Commission meets virtually, on Zoom.

There’s just one opportunity for public comments, at the start of the meeting. Raise your hand, and you will be called on to speak for up to three minutes.

The most important tip: three minutes goes fast if you don’t organize your thoughts. Lots of people run out of time before making their point. Outline your key points, or even write it out word for word if that helps.

Keep your introduction minimal—you don’t have time to give your entire autobiography. On the other hand, relevant highlights and stories are great. Some of the most effective public comments are centered around a personal story that supports a call to action.

Make sure you have a clear call to action (e.g., “please vote YES on the rezoning for 1234 Wherever St. tonight”). Consider structuring your comment with your main request up front, followed by an explanation, ending with a recap of your request.

Responding to other commenters is usually not necessary and while it can be satisfying, it's also often counterproductive.

Be aware that you may find your comment quoted in MLive, as their reporter does often tune in for story ideas.

Don't eat the mic.