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Residents urge Cowlitz County to consider tougher camping controls after Longview resolution; no county action taken
Summary
Public commenters and some commissioners discussed Longview’s recent resolution adopting a zero‑tolerance approach to camping in public spaces and asked Cowlitz County to adopt similar measures. The board took no formal action; commissioners said Longview has asked the county whether it can host day‑use camping space.
Several residents used the public comment portion of the meeting to urge the Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners to consider policy changes after the City of Longview adopted a resolution to increase enforcement of its camping rules.
A longtime local resident (identified in the meeting as Tim) said Longview’s change to a zero‑tolerance posture on public camping could displace people to surrounding areas and urged the county to adopt similar ordinances or enforcement approaches so that Longview would not be unduly burdened. The commenter described visible camps along the river and argued the county should prepare for an influx if other states strengthen enforcement.
Commissioners acknowledged receipt of a letter from Longview asking whether the county had space for day campers; presenters in the hallway had told commissioners that Longview was not changing law but strengthening enforcement of existing rules. No county motion or ordinance was proposed at the meeting; commissioners discussed watching developments and coordinating with Longview and county law‑enforcement partners.
The board did not take formal action on homelessness policy at this meeting.
