Longview City Council plans stakeholder summit to enhance community engagement

The Longview City Council convened on March 27, 2025, to discuss several key issues affecting the community, including upcoming summits, policy changes regarding alcohol in public events, and safety measures for community gatherings.

The meeting began with a focus on community engagement, as city officials highlighted the importance of feedback from citizens. The Mayor announced an upcoming stakeholder summit scheduled for April 15, inviting small businesses, nonprofits, and other community members to discuss collaboration and address pain points in city services. This initiative follows previous citizen and employee summits aimed at improving communication and breaking down silos within the city.

Following this, Justin Brown, the recreation manager, presented recommended changes to the city’s alcohol policy for public events. He reported feedback from the Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA), which suggested reducing exposure to risks associated with alcohol consumption at events. The council discussed the current policy that only allowed beer, wine, and champagne, noting that it excluded other beverages like mead, ciders, and hard seltzers. Brown proposed a revised policy that would permit these additional alcohol types, provided that vendors obtain the necessary permits from the Washington State Liquor Control Board.

The council debated the proposed changes, particularly regarding fencing requirements for beer gardens. A suggestion was made to allow a 42-inch fence for gardens under 5,000 square feet, which would ease monitoring for safety concerns. Some council members expressed preferences for stricter regulations, particularly regarding the types of alcohol permitted, with a consensus emerging around allowing ciders and seltzers but excluding hard alcohol.

Public input was also a significant part of the discussion, with local business representatives advocating for the inclusion of craft spirits in community events. They emphasized the importance of safety and responsible service, citing successful past events without issues. The council acknowledged the need for clear guidelines and regulations to ensure community safety while fostering local business participation.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to enhancing community engagement and revising policies to better serve residents and local businesses. The council plans to finalize the alcohol policy changes and continue discussions on safety measures at future meetings.