Alder agenda item request process
Summary
A proposed ordinance change would let any two alders place agenda items directly on any committee, commission, board, or council agenda — bypassing committee chairs. The city attorney will draft language.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 5, 2026.
Impact analysis
No direct cost — this is about procedure, though opponents say slower routing wastes meeting time.
Alders seeking faster committee consideration of their items; potentially citizens if the process is later expanded.
Critics worry about inserting political items into bodies like the police and fire commission where alders are only liaisons.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Committee of the Whole - Oct 5, 2026
Staff proposed a new form and routing alder-proposed items through Committee of the Whole before they go to council or committees. Supporters say it streamlines and documents everything; opponents say it cuts their chances to schedule items from three times a month to one. The referral to council failed 3-4, though the council president can still schedule it.
Committee of the Whole - Sep 9, 2026
Alders debated whether two alders should keep the power to send items straight to committees and councils, or whether ideas should first get open discussion at Committee of the Whole. Staff will bring back proposed procedures.
Common Council - Mar 9, 2026
A proposal to let any two alderpersons place items directly on committee agendas — intended as a fail-safe against chairs shutting down topics — was sent to the city attorney to draft after tie votes and lengthy debate.
Common Council - Jan 26, 2026
A proposed ordinance change would let any two alders place agenda items directly on any committee, commission, board, or council agenda — bypassing committee chairs. The city attorney will draft language.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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