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Residents, performers and WorldMark representatives press council on downtown busking approach; ordinance still in development
Summary
Public commenters and representatives from WorldMark and the Oregon Coast tourism partnership addressed the City Council about proposals to regulate busking and street solicitation in downtown Seaside and along the Prom. Speakers urged the city to distinguish between problematic behavior and longstanding, responsible performers and asked the city
A public discussion on proposed regulation of street solicitation and “busking” drew several speakers at the March 10 City Council meeting, including long‑time performers who warned a broad ban would criminalize responsible artists, and representatives of WorldMark and the Oregon Coast tourism partnership who described efforts to tighten vendor supervision and reduce intrusive solicitation.
Nut graf: No ordinance has been finalized; councilors and staff said they are still gathering public comment and meeting with stakeholders. Presenters urged the city not to conflate repeat, aggressive solicitation with everyday street musicians and artisans, and WorldMark representatives said they are changing vendor practices to reduce intrusiveness.
What speakers told the council - Bert Adams (resident and public commenter) cautioned that a proposed ordinance would “effectively outlaw busking in the downtown core and all along the prom,” and said many long‑time performers who “have never caused a problem” would be excluded. He named local performers and argued the council should consider permit systems used elsewhere rather than an outright ban. - William Donald “Willow Bill” Gillard (public commenter) urged the council to allow performers to give to the community and framed busking as free speech and a community benefit. - Representatives for WorldMark and the Oregon Coast tourism organization presented their view that solicitation practices had sometimes felt intrusive to residents. Courtney Person Oz (identified as VP, Oregon Coast), Paul McGee (director of marketing, Oregon Coast) and Brian Bruni (director of sales and marketing at the resort) described changes WorldMark has made, including reducing vendor staffing levels, establishing clearer vendor boundaries and partnering with local businesses and Highlife Adventure Park to provide activities that bring people indoors.
Quotes and approaches Courtney Person Oz said WorldMark’s approach emphasizes partnerships with local businesses and added that owners typically “come back 2 to 3 times” in the same year, increasing local spending. WorldMark representatives said they have reduced the number of greeters and implemented stricter vendor guidance after complaints, and that some employees who had caused problems are no longer on site.
Public safety, resident experience and next steps Speakers and councilors agreed the city must balance resident comfort on the Promenade with the economic benefits of visitor‑oriented activities. Councilors said no ordinance had been formally introduced yet and that additional work sessions would be scheduled. One public commenter warned plainly: “Remember when you outlaw buskers, only outlaws will busk,” a line repeated during public comment.
Ending: Councilors and staff said they will continue receiving input and hold further work sessions before drafting any ordinance; staff reiterated there is not yet a proposal formally before council.
