Skip to main content

About different types of public meetings

Staff sitting at an EGLE table at an event, handing out brochures to members of the community
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

About different types of public meetings

The public plays a vital role in the decisions we make to protect the environment. We encourage everyone in Michigan to attend informational meetings, public hearings, open houses, listening sessions, and workshops, and to provide comment on agency actions.

What are the different types of EGLE public meetings?

Public meetings bring the general public, interested parties, and/or environmental partners together for a specific purpose.

They can be used to increase awareness of an issue or proposal, and can be a starting point for, or an ongoing means of engaging, further public involvement.

  • Informational session

    The format of an informational session has flexibility depending on the needs of the audience. It is recommended to open the informational session with an informal presentation summarizing “who we are” and “what we are there for”. An opportunity for the public to ask questions follows this short presentation by EGLE.

    Depending on the circumstances questions and answers from the informational session may not be part of the public record. This is announced/made known by the meeting moderator. When scheduled in relation to a public hearing or public comment period, an informational session is a way for questions to be asked and answered to help formulate a comment for the record.

    Informational sessions can be hybrid, in-person, or virtual.

  • Open house

    A type of informational meeting - the community is invited to engage with EGLE staff directly. Questions and conversation with staff are welcome.

    This may be used in conjunction with a panel if the venue has separate areas to facilitate this. This format is limited to an in-person meeting.

  • Listening session

    A structured gathering or meeting in which EGLE actively solicits input and listens to the concerns, ideas, opinions, and feedback of community members about specific topics.

    Listening sessions do not have a question-and-answer segment.

  • Public hearing

    A public hearing is an opportunity for the public to provide verbal or written comment and testimony regarding a proposed agency action under consideration by EGLE. A public hearing is scheduled during a public comment period.

    Requirements for public hearings vary depending on the nature of the action under consideration and the different statutes and administrative rules that apply.

What is the difference between an "informational session" and a "public hearing"?

Informational sessions are intended to share information, discuss issues, answer questions, and receive feedback from community members and interested parties. Decisions are not made during an informational meeting. Informational sessions are often less formal than public hearings, and the format depends on the topic being discussed and community recommendation. Sometimes an informational session is held at the same meeting, right before the official public hearing starts.

Public hearings are required by law or regulation to be held to provide a formal opportunity for the public to present comments on proposed EGLE actions for the record. Comments made during a public hearing are entered into the public record. 

Find upcoming public meetings

Find recordings of past public meetings

What can I expect at a public hearing?

  • An EGLE staff member leading the hearing usually starts by introducing the staff who are there and gives a short presentation to explain what the hearing is about.
  • Before the public comment period starts, there may be time for people to ask questions and get answers from staff. This part is informal and isn’t part of the official hearing.
  • When it’s time for the public to comment, the staff person running the hearing will usually read a short statement explaining why the hearing is being held and how people can also send in written comments, including the deadline and where to send them.
  • Public hearings are recorded so that EGLE has an accurate record of what people said.
  • A public hearing is not the only way for an official comment to be made on the record.

Public comments and public comment periods

Public comment periods are an essential component of transparent and equitable public participation, allowing EGLE to gather input from the community and affected parties before making final decisions on agency actions.

Learn more about public comment at EGLE
  • Engage with EGLE logo with a digital illustration of a group of diverse people conversing

    Part of our Engage with EGLE series

    Community involvement and public participation are an essential part of EGLE’s mission, vision, and values