Public Hearings are open meetings conducted by public entitles to gather information from the public, and the survey public opinion as part of a local law-making or rule-making process.

Public Meetings in contrast, are meetings in which the citizenry may only observe the members of the municipal body as they conduct business.

At a public hearing the citizens are encouraged to speak and comment on the specific subjects addressed at the hearing. Usually such public discussion focuses on public support for or opposition to a particular action considered by the Board. Participation by the public is governed by rules of procedure established by the Board prior to holding the hearing.