Understanding the System: Tips to Keep Track of the Issues You Care About
Before diving into how to track the issues you care about, it’s important to identify what power level your issue falls into. Check out our “Who Do I Take My Concerns To?” resource for more information.
Keep Track of Local Issues
Start by tracking down your town or city council's meeting. Here's some additional information for communities in Eagle County:
Town of Eagle: You can access the Town of Eagle’s Agendas, here as well as guidelines on how to make a public comment.
Town of Avon: The Town of Avon has outlined a “"transparent government" page with a wide variety of commonly requested documents for residents to access town council meeting recordings, town council agendas, guidance for public comments/presentations, and a monthly newsletter about town initiatives.
Town of Vail: Check out Town of Vail's council meetings and agendas to stay up to date with local issues. You can also follow their twitter to stay up to date with council meetings. Explore their resources “How To Register for Town Council Virtual Meeting for Public Input” and “How To Register for Town Council Virtual Meeting for Public Input via Mobile Device” to learn more about providing public input at town council meetings.
Town of Minturn: View the town's Meeting Agendas and Participation + Public Comment Guidelines.
Town of Red Cliff: Agendas, Minutes, and other valuable information are posted at the entrance of the Town Hall Building, in the Town Offices and at the Post Office. Call 970-827-5303 or email clerk@townofredcliff.org to be added to the mailing list.
Keep Track of State Issues
Upcoming/Current Bills Trackers: Keep up to date with state legislation with Open States. Here, you can select your state and track bills, review upcoming legislation, and see how your local representatives are voting in your state.
Keep Track of Federal Issues
Upcoming/Current Bills Trackers: Follow upcoming/current bills and resolutions that are on the House and Senate calendars for the coming days on GovTrack.
Dome Watch: Designed to help House staff, the press, and the public better follow the latest developments from the House floor. Check out DomeWatch, here.
Following Specific Sectors Areas: Want to find federal legislation that affects you? Check out GovTrack to explore different subject areas like Health, Environmental Protection, and Energy.
Alerts: Did you know you can receive alerts about any major legislative activity, new bills, and resolutions? Sign up for GovTrack alerts.
Following Up After Making a Public Comment
If you want to increase the likelihood that your comment is addressed, it's a good idea to follow up after you’ve submitted it.
Local/County: Identify the person to talk to using our “Locally, Where do I Take my Issue?” flow chart. Next, find their contact information on their prospective websites.
Federal: When you submit a public comment through the online portal at Regulations.gov, you can sign up to receive email alerts when the agency responds to all substantive comments in the final rule.