Start with the question you have
Civic Basics is a set of short guides for reading local government records in context. You do not need to read this section front to back. Pick the guide that matches what you are trying to figure out.
I want to know what stage this is in.
Use the issue movement guide to understand first readings, hearings, delays, votes, and follow-up steps.
How an issue movesI want to verify the record.
Use the records guide to decide whether the agenda, packet, minutes, ordinance, or resolution is the right source.
RecordsI want to respond or ask a question.
Use the take-part guide to decide what kind of attention is useful before, during, or after a meeting.
Take partGuides
How an issue moves
How proposals move through agendas, packets, hearings, readings, delays, votes, and follow-up action.
Open guideRecords
What agendas, packets, minutes, ordinances, resolutions, and hearing notices usually tell you.
Open guideTake part
When resident attention, questions, comments, and follow-up are most useful.
Open guideTerms
Plain-language definitions for common meeting, record, and zoning terms.
Open guideWho decides what
How to tell whether a body is deciding, reviewing, advising, or carrying out an issue.
Open guide