To ensure public participation during the Town of Oro Valley’s public meetings while in-person attendance is prohibited, the Town has updated its procedures.
You can watch Town of Oro Valley public meetings online by visiting the Town's "Meetings and Agenda" page and clicking on the specific meeting (live or archived) that you would like to watch.
Due to the prohibition of in-person public meetings, the Town is following new guidelines for the public to engage in and watch (or listen) to the Town’s public meetings using the Zoom video conferencing application. Residents can also dial in and listen to the meeting on Zoom using a telephone. You do not need a Zoom account to watch the Town's public meetings, but if you would like to actively participate in the meeting, you will. Instructions below.
Here's how to watch and participate in a Town of Oro Valley public meeting using the Zoom video conferencing application:
Before you watch a meeting on Zoom, you need to create an account.
Create a Zoom Account
Go to the the Town’s “Meeting and Agendas” page on the website.
Click on the meeting agenda
At the top of the meeting agenda, you will see the type of meeting (e.g., Oro Valley Town Council), the date and the type of meeting. Underneath the Agenda heading, you will see a link that will take you to the meeting. For example, see below for the May 6 Town Council meeting. The https://orovalley.zoom.us/j/99466388722 is a link to the meeting.
You can click on the link on the meeting's agenda or you can join by logging into Zoom and entering the last 11 numbers, which are the meeting ID.
Once you join the meeting, your camera and microphone will be muted, and you will be able to hear the Council/Commission running the meeting.
The audience at public meetings can submit a blue card to the presiding official for an opportunity to make a statement or submit a comment due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
You are not required to submit a request to speak in advance of the meeting, but it does help Town staff and the Mayor/Chair of the meeting organize public comments.
For Town Council meetings, persons interested in making a public statement during an Oro Valley Town Council meeting are encouraged to provide advance notice to the Town Clerk's office via an email to bluecard@orovalleyaz.gov or by calling the Clerk's office at 520-229-4700.
For Board and Commission meetings, persons interested in making a public statement during an Oro Valley Board or Commission meeting are encouraged to provide advance notice to the administrative assistant that oversees that specific board or commission. Contact information for that staff member can be found at the bottom of the respective board/commission agenda.
If you would like to make a statement during the public comment section of the agenda, click the “Raise My Hand” button on the Zoom application in order for the Mayor/Chair to call on you. You will have three minutes once you are called on and then your microphone will be muted.
If you submitted your request to comment prior to the meeting, please wait until the Mayor/Chair calls your name and then click the “Raise My Hand” button on the Zoom application in order for the Mayor/Chair to call on you. You will have three minutes once you are called on and then your microphone will be muted.
Once you have made your comment, please click on the “Lower My Hand” button to lower your hand.
It is highly recommend that you provide advance notice to Town staff prior to the meeting, although that is not a requirement to make a public statement. It just helps staff during the meeting.
To participate by telephone (audio only) in a Town Council public meeting using the Zoom video teleconferencing application, follow these instructions:
The audience at public meetings can submit a blue card to the presiding official for an opportunity to make a statement or submit a comment. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, persons interested in making a public statement during a Town of Oro Valley public meeting are encouraged to provide advance notice to Town staff via an email to bluecard@orovalleyaz.gov or by calling the Town Clerk's office at 520-229-4700.
Once you have joined the meeting you will hear the Council/Commission meeting in progress. Your telephone microphone will be muted and others on the call and attending the online meeting will not be able to hear you speak, unless the Mayor/Chair calls upon you.
When/if you hear your name called during the public meeting, press *9. This will show the Mayor/Chair that your hand is raised and they will be able to call on you. Once you are called on, your microphone will be unmuted and you will have three minutes to speak. Remember to provide the Town Clerk's office with advance notice of your intent to speak by emailing bluecard@orovalleyaz.gov or by calling the Clerk's office at 520-229-4700
If you wish to utilize Zoom for video conferencing click on the link below.
If a member of the public would like to submit written comments to the Town Council for their consideration prior to the meeting, please
Comments need to be received no later than 60 minutes before the public meeting begins.
Once received, your comment will be electronically distributed to the public body prior to the meeting.