06/11/2026
If you've never looked at a city council agenda, it's normal to be overwhelmed the first time you try.
That's why this week's small civic action is simple. You don't have to speak up at a meeting. You don't have to form an opinion on an issue you don't understand yet.
Just learn a couple key terms, so next time you look at a city council agenda, you're better equipped to interpret what you're seeing:
1️⃣ Consent Agenda
Items on the consent agenda are generally considered routine or noncontroversial—things like approving meeting minutes, renewing contracts, and accepting grants. City council members vote on them as a whole instead of discussing each one, and they're passed unanimously.
2️⃣ Resolutions
When you're scanning an agenda, resolutions are the juicy details: they give you a picture of the bigger decisions being considered. They usually require more discussion, making them a great opportunity for public involvement. Examples might include establishing a new city policy, approving a major project, or allocating funding for an initiative.
When you don't understand the jargon, civic involvement can feel inaccessible.
Remember that learning more about how the system works counts as taking action, too. After all, you can't engage meaningfully with issues until you understand them. Take the time you need. 🫶
