Astoria leaders said the abrupt closure of Tongue Point Job Corps has left the community racing to assist students and staff, and the City Council on June 2 voted to express support for keeping the program open.

City Manager Scott Spence told the council the program — a long-standing local Job Corps site specializing in seamanship — closed suddenly and could displace roughly 300 students and about 160–170 faculty and staff statewide numbers vary; the city manager said roughly 23 students may be at risk of immediate homelessness because they rely on on-site housing. Spence said federal funding guidance suggested a closure window as short as the end of the business week.

“I think everyone is devastated by hearing the news,” Spence said, noting the program’s 60-plus year history in Astoria and its unique seamanship training. He described outreach already under way to the U.S. senator’s office and local partners.

Councilor Davis proposed and the council unanimously approved a formal statement of support for continuing the Tongue Point Job Corps program in Astoria and for federal assistance to preserve the program’s operations. The motion directs city staff to draft a letter for council signatures to send to the federal delegation. Councilor Davis said a council-level statement “takes more weight” than individual messages.

Council members and staff also discussed immediate community needs for people losing housing. Council consensus directed the city manager to coordinate with community partners to identify short-term housing and services; Spence said staff had begun outreach to Clatsop Community College, local faith groups and state agencies. The council asked staff to convene a public meeting Wednesday evening at City Hall to gather community input and coordinate immediate assistance for students and employees who will be displaced.

Speakers in the chamber emphasized the urgency. Shannon Fitzpatrick, who identified herself as a local property manager, urged the council to meet quickly and to compile statistics and personal statements to pass along to federal decision-makers. Several councilors, including Mozzarella and Adams, said they were available to participate in an emergency session.

Councilors and staff warned that the housing needs of Job Corps students can be specialized and that supportive oversight is often required; the council flagged the possibility of coordinated sheltering and casework with community partners and state agencies. The city manager said he and staff would act as a clearinghouse for offers and requests and would continue liaison with the federal delegation and the Job Corps contract office.

The council’s formal action instructs staff to draft supportive correspondence and to expedite a public follow-up meeting to coordinate emergency housing and case management for displaced students and employees. Councilors asked staff to report back to the council on outreach results and any immediate needs identified.