You may share your comments, preferences and recommendations to the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation (JPACT) in a number of ways. Your input may influence policy decisions. It would become a part of the permanent record for decision-making in our region.
You may give testimony during JPACT meetings
At the beginning of every JPACT meeting, the Chair invites people to offer testimony on topics that are on the agenda. This portion is called “public communication on agenda items.”
You may also share written comments via email
You may submit testimony to JPACT via email at any time. To submit your testimony, email your written testimony to [email protected]. Submit comments by 4 p.m. on the day before a scheduled JPACT meeting of your interest in order for your comments to be part of that meeting’s record. Before meetings begin, JPACT members receive comments turned in by the deadline.
How to give comments at a meeting
JPACT meetings are always online, and sometimes use a hybrid format. Hybrid meetings take place in the council chamber at Metro Regional Center.
View the JPACT schedule of meetings
JPACT meetings occur once a month at 7:30 a.m. and the meeting materials can be found on the calendar page. If you need assistance accessing the meeting online, please call the Legislative Coordinator at 503-813-7591 or email [email protected] at least two business days before the meeting.
To give comments to JPACT during an online meeting:
Before a meeting
- View meeting agendas to see if your topic of interest would be covered.
- (Optional) Sign up in advance by emailing the Legislative Coordinator at [email protected]. Signing up in advance is not required to give public comment.
- Public testimony is generally limited to three minutes per person. It can be helpful to practice beforehand to make sure you have enough time, and to prepare an outline so you do not read your testimony word for word. If a significant number of individuals signs up to testify, then the three-minute testimony length per person may be reduced to ensure everyone has an opportunity to speak.
At the online meeting
- On the day of the meeting, visit the JPACT calendar of meetings. Find the meeting you’d like to attend and click the location link to join on your computer. If you prefer to join by phone, then dial the phone number listed on the web page. Give yourself a few extra minutes to log in if this is your first time participating in an online meeting.
- Wait for the public communications portion of the agenda, which will happen in the beginning of the meeting. Your name will be called when it’s your turn, if you signed up in advance. If you did not sign up in advance, listen for instructions to “raise your hand” virtually.
- Begin your testimony by saying, “For the record my name is ______.”
- If you are sharing input about a scheduled JPACT recommendation, say whether you support or oppose the action. Briefly explain why. Support your personal opinions with as many facts as possible.
How to give your comments in person
The council chamber is located within Metro Regional Center, 600 NE Grand Ave. in the Lloyd District of Portland.
Before a meeting
- View meeting agendas in advance online or in the council chambers to see if your topic of interest is on the agenda, and to make sure that JPACT is meeting in person. If you are unsure of whether JPACT will be meeting in person, email the Legislative Coordinator at [email protected].
- Public testimony is limited to three minutes per person. It can be helpful to practice beforehand to make sure you have enough time, and to prepare an outline so you do not read your testimony word for word. If a significant number of individuals signs up to testify, then the three-minute testimony length per person may be reduced to ensure everyone has an opportunity to speak.
- If you would like to add additional written testimony to the public record, you can bring a copy of any supporting material, such as maps or other literature, and an extra copy of your written. Give the copy to the Legislative Coordinator when you are called to testify.
At a meeting
- Fill out a testimony card with your name, address and agenda item (if applicable). Turn in the card to the Legislative Coordinator. JPACT allows only one card per person, per meeting.
- When you are called to testify, go to the open table with the microphone. Begin your testimony by saying, "For the record my name is ______."
- If you are sharing input about a scheduled JPACT recommendation, say whether you support or oppose the action. Briefly explain why. Support your personal opinions with as many facts as possible.
How to give your comments by mail
- Mail written testimony to 600 NE Grand Ave. Portland, OR 97232 with attention to JPACT.
- Include your name and contact information.
- Include any supporting materials, such as maps or other literature.
- Testimony must be received before the start of the meeting to be a part of the meeting’s record.
- Copies of your testimony will be provided to committee members if it is received before the scheduled meeting.