Boulder Reporting Lab: The Boulder City Council is considering new rules for public participation at council meetings following months of public comments, protests, sign waving and interruptions in the council chambers over the Israel-Hamas war. The new rules are likely to prompt a debate between the desire for accessible and orderly public meetings and the right to free speech. 

Following a request from councilmembers in April, city officials proposed a set of revisions to the council’s rules and procedures. The changes seem intended to address recent disruptions to city council meetings caused by residents calling on council to pass a resolution in support of a ceasefire in the war. Earlier this year, councilmembers voted 7-2 to abstain from opening a process to create such a resolution.  

Councilmembers have described chatter and arguments among attendees as distracting. Flag waving and poster displays have blocked people’s views and access to aisleways. Chants and shouts from the audience have prompted the mayor to call for recesses during public hearings. 

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