City government works best when the people it serves take part. There are many ways for the public to share ideas, raise concerns, and influence decisions made by City Council. Below are some of the ways you can get involved.

Ways to make your voice heard

1) You can apply for a board or commission.  Boards and commissions advise City Council on important topics. Serving on one is a direct way to help shape City decisions.

2) You can email all of your councilmembers directly to share your thoughts or concerns.

3) You can email the City Council as a whole. The Policy for posting items to the public record applies.

a) For items on a City Council or Rules and Open Government Committee agenda, email city.clerk@sanjoseca.gov.  Please specify the date of the meeting and the agenda number in your email.  

b) For City Council subcommittees, email the contact on the agenda. Please specify the date of the meeting and the agenda number in your email. 

c) For items not on a Council or subcommittee agenda, email a letter to city.clerk@sanjoseca.gov. 

 4)  You can attend a city council, subcommittee, or board and commission meeting.  For agendas of all public meetings go to:  https://sanjose.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

5) You can run for office or support a candidate.

6) You can write an initiative for a ballot measure.

7) You can distribute the Guideline to Civic Engagement brochure to your neighborhood groups.

We want all members of the public to engage with their city government, so please see our language access page for information on translations.  

This is YOUR city, and YOUR VOICE MATTERS.