The City of Grand Prairie has amended Chapter 2, Article II, Sections 2-30 and 2-32 of the City Code of Ordinances to modify the time limits and procedures for public comments during open meetings and the rules of decorum. The updated guidelines go into effect January 1, 2026, as follows:
A speaker comment card must be submitted in person before the City Council meeting is called to order.
Citizen comments will be taken at the beginning of the City Council meeting, following the consent agenda.
To allow everyone an opportunity to speak, the following time limits will apply:
Consent agenda items:
- Up to five (5) minutes total, whether speaking on one or multiple consent items.
Agenda items for individual consideration:
- Up to three (3) minutes per individual consideration item.
Public Hearings:
- Up to three (3) minutes per speaker per hearing.
Citizen Comments:
- Citizen Comments on Non-Agenda Items: Up to three (3) minutes total per speaker. In compliance with state law, the City Council will not discuss or deliberate these items but the presiding officer may provide factual information, refer citizen to policy or city staff for assistance.
Public Hearing Zoning Items:
- Applicants or Applicant’s Representative will have five (5) minutes to speak and will speak as requested or as needed.
- All other speakers will be limited to three (3) minutes per speaker per hearing.
Comments can be submitted directly to the Mayor and Council via their online contact page: https://us.openforms.com/Form/fc163f82-283c-4d0e-8d90-102932710e71 or may be submitted to the City Secretary at gpcitysecretary@gptx.org by 3:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Comments submitted by 3:00 pm will be forwarded to the City Council. Comments will be acknowledged in the minutes but not read into the record during the meeting.
Other Consideration:
- The time spent answering questions from the mayor or councilmembers will not count against a speaker’s time limit.
- Speakers who require the assistance of a translator will receive twice the standard time.
Additionally, modifications have been made to Section 2-32 “Decorum” stressing the importance of all speakers, including councilmembers and nonmembers, maintaining orderly and respectful conduct during open meetings. The Chief of Police, or his or her designee, is authorized to maintain order and decorum at council meetings.
The City of Grand Prairie appreciates the public’s compliance with the new guidelines that serve to effectively conduct City business. The City values the public’s input and appreciates Grand Prairie residents’ involvement in their local government.
For more information about City Council meetings, agendas and public participation, visit
www.gptx.org/citycouncilmeetings or contact the City Secretary’s Office at
972-237-8035. A video recording of each regular City Council meeting is posted the following day on
gptxtv.org, cable channel 16, and the
City’s channel on YouTube.