Land Board Meetings: How to Give Testimony

• Which agenda items allow testimony
• How to submit testimony (written and spoken)
  
• How to prepare effective testimony

Questions? Contact Arin Smith at Arin.N.Smith@dsl.oregon.gov

Which agenda items allow testimony

The Land Board considers three types of items in a typical meeting:

• An action item is when the Land Board votes on an item.
• When routine or administrative items are before the Land Board for action, DSL may place them on the consent agenda. The Land Board takes a single vote on the passage of all items on the consent agenda.
• Informational items support the Land Board’s oversight and stewardship of the agency, but the Land Board does not vote on these items. The Land Board may also hear informal informational updates from the Director. 

The meeting agenda identifies which items are eligible for testimony. Agendas are posted one week in advance on the DSL website. Testimony is typically accepted for action items only. Testimony is not taken on informational items unless specifically indicated on the agenda. 

The consent agenda is approved by a single vote without Land Board discussion or testimony. At the discretion of the Chair, items on the consent agenda may be changed to action items to allow for testimony and Land Board discussion prior to the vote. To request an item on the consent agenda be considered as an action item, email your name and the agenda item number by the deadline (typically 10 a.m. the day before the meeting) to landboard.testimony@dsl.oregon.gov.

How to submit testimony

You may submit written testimony or sign up to provide spoken testimony (or both). Whether written or spoken, all testimony becomes part of the public record. Testimony typically opens one week prior to the meeting, sign up for State Land Board meeting notices here.

Written Testimony

• Written testimony submitted to landboard.testimony@dsl.oregon.gov by the posted deadline (typically 10 a.m. the day before the meeting) will be shared with Board members in advance and is posted online with meeting materials. Late submissions may not be distributed before the meeting.
• When submitting testimony, please identify which agenda item your testimony is regarding.

Spoken Testimony (live during the meeting)

• You may testify in-person or remotely (online via Zoom or phone).
• Advance sign-up is required by the deadline (typically: by 10 a.m. the day before the meeting), and the sign-up link posted to the DSL website.
  
• Standard speaking time is typically up to three minutes per person, but the Chair may adjust time limits depending on the number of speakers and needs of the agenda. If time is reduced, speakers will be notified at the beginning of the testimony period.
• If more people sign up than time allows, speakers will be selected by random drawing. Equal opportunity will be given to in-person and remote participants. We encourage people to also submit their testimony in writing in case time is limited for spoken testimony.
• Testimony is taken during the item’s presentation, before the Land Board votes. Please review the meeting agenda and be present and prepared to provide testimony at the appropriate time. 

How to prepare effective testimony

Strong testimony is clear, relevant, and specific. In both written and spoken testimony, it’s recommended to:

• State your name (and affiliation, if any).
• Identify the agenda item.
• Clearly state your position (support, oppose, or neutral), and reasoning.

Accessibility and language services 

DSL is committed to accessible public meetings. If you need:

• Disability accommodations
• Assistive listening devices
• Language interpretation
• Materials in alternative formats

Please contact DSL in advance of the meeting: Arin Smith, Arin.N.Smith@dsl.oregon.gov. Early requests help ensure services can be arranged.