The City of Grants Pass City Council convened on September 17, 2025, for a workshop focused on community engagement and funding allocations. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the allocation of lodging tax funds, which are intended to promote tourism and activities that attract visitors to the city.

A council member expressed disappointment over the decision not to fund a proposal from the NADA bar aimed at creating a non-alcoholic atmosphere for younger residents. The member highlighted community feedback indicating a need for more youth-oriented activities. However, another council member clarified that the lodging tax is specifically designed to support initiatives that generate revenue from visitors, thus justifying the committee's decision to deny the last two funding requests.

Following the funding discussion, the council moved to public comments, allowing residents to address issues not directly related to council action items. Several community members took the opportunity to voice their concerns and suggestions.

One resident, Sean Nelson, raised an issue regarding a children's book on gender identity found in the local library, arguing that it was inappropriate for young children to access without adult supervision. He expressed concern over the book's content and its placement in the children's section.

Another resident, Byron Robinson, commended the council for their efforts but suggested improvements to the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for homeless grants, noting that it had been problematic in the past. He recommended that the Public Works department assist in streamlining the RFP to ensure better outcomes.

Del Aldridge, a local resident, discussed the challenges posed by homelessness in city parks, emphasizing the need for clearer regulations regarding camping and the presence of drug use in public spaces. He urged the council to take action to address these issues.

The meeting concluded with additional public comments, including a statement from a resident advocating for civil rights and expressing concerns about local law enforcement practices. The council members listened attentively to all comments, demonstrating their commitment to engaging with community concerns.

Overall, the workshop highlighted ongoing discussions about funding priorities, community activities for youth, and the challenges of homelessness, reflecting the council's efforts to address pressing issues within Grants Pass. The council plans to continue these discussions in future meetings, aiming to foster a more inclusive and responsive local government.