Turn 3 Minutes Into Real Impact

 

Public comment can feel intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. You do not need to be an expert. You do not need perfect data. You need clarity, focus, and a message that decision-makers can’t ignore.

 

Most city and county meetings allow 2–3 minutes per speaker. That means you should aim for 150–250 words max.

 

The goal is not to argue everything.

The goal is to plant clear concerns into the public record.

 

 

How to Structure a Strong 3-Minute Statement

 

Use this simple 4-part structure:

 

1. Who you are (10–15 seconds)

Establish that you are local and affected.

 

2. What is being proposed (20–30 seconds)

Show you understand what’s happening.

 

3. Why it matters locally (1–1.5 minutes)

Focus on water, energy, health, infrastructure, or transparency.

 

4. What you’re asking for (30–45 seconds)

End with a clear request — not just frustration.

 

 

What Actually Gets Attention

 

Officials listen more closely when you:

 

• Tie impacts to local systems (water, power, roads, drainage)

• Reference cumulative strain, not just one project

• Ask specific questions they must answer later

• Put concerns on the record (this matters legally)

 

You do not need to yell. Calm and clear is more powerful.

 

 

Example Public Comment Template

 

(You can copy, personalize, and read this as-is)

 

Good evening. My name is ___, and I live in ___.

 

I’m here to speak about the proposed data center development being discussed or planned in our area.

 

I understand that data centers are being promoted as economic development, but they also come with very real local impacts — especially around water use, electricity demand, and long-term infrastructure costs.

 

Our region already faces water stress, flooding risks, rising utility costs, and significant public health challenges. Adding a large, high-demand facility on top of systems that are already strained raises serious concerns.

 

I’m particularly concerned about:

 

• Where the water will come from and how much will be used

• How increased electricity demand will affect local rates and grid reliability

• Who pays for infrastructure upgrades — residents or the developer

• And why so much information appears to be restricted or undisclosed

 

I’m not here to oppose technology. I’m here to ask for transparency, accountability, and protections for the community.

 

I respectfully ask this body to require full public disclosure of water and energy impacts, ensure that infrastructure costs are not passed on to residents, and allow meaningful public input before any approvals move forward.

 

Thank you for your time.

 

 

Shorter Version (90 Seconds)

 

My name is ___ and I live in ___.

 

I’m concerned about the proposed data center because of its water use, power demand, and long-term strain on local infrastructure.

 

Our region already faces water scarcity and rising utility costs. Before any approvals, the public deserves clear answers about where the water and electricity will come from and who pays for upgrades.

 

I ask this body to slow the process, require transparency, and protect residents from costs and risks we didn’t create.

 

Thank you.