New Guidelines for Houston’s City Council Meetings

As the City of Houston and local health professionals work to blunt the progression of COVID-19, Mayor Sylvester Turner has implemented new guidelines for
Houston City Council meetings to comply with social distancing requirements.

Members of the media will be asked to spread out in the council chamber instead of standing by the media tables. Media can also watch the meeting on the Houston Municipal Channel. (Comcast Channel 16)


The following guidance was shared Monday afternoon with Houston City Council Members

Tuesday City Council Public Sessions

  • Meeting will begin at 2 p.m. instead of 1:30 p.m.
  • All proclamation presentations canceled
  • Only 10 public speakers at a time will be allowed in the Council chamber.
  • Overflow speakers will wait in the Houston City Hall Legacy Room.

Wednesday City Council Agenda Meetings

  • Only city council members will be allowed in the chamber.
  • Council aides will asked to remain in their offices.
  • Council Members  will be spaced around the horseshoe, at the podium, and at the media tables for the meeting. They can also sit in the audience, if they choose.
  • Council Members will not use the touchscreens to request to speak. The City will use a paper process.

The General Services Department has been assigned to disinfect and sanitize all touch points inside council chambers including doors, doorknobs, door push-pulls, light switches, elevators, stair rails, restrooms, restrooms’ faucets and flushing handles. GSD  will also wipe down the Council table top in the horseshoe.

For more information and updates about COVID-19, please go to www.HoustonEmergency.org.