Multiple residents and local ministry leaders used the Nov. 24 public‑comment period to press the council on homelessness services, bridge housing and accessibility as downtown redevelopment moves forward.

Linda Keener (19 Juniper Loop) welcomed the newly elected council members and urged the city to consider nonpartisan municipal elections to expand voter interest and candidate participation. "I would like to see us move to nonpartisan elections," Keener said.

Local faith leaders described on‑the‑ground efforts. Curt Johnson, pastor of Lost Sheep Ministry, told council his outreach works to move unsheltered people into ID, rehab and mental‑health services and that the ministry operates in wooded areas and other locations where people congregate.

Lex Perry, pastor of C4 Impact Ministries, described a bridge‑housing model operating for about eight months at 316 Greenville St. NW and at other locations. Perry said the program currently houses 18 people and has four additional female spaces available at another site; he asked the council to help identify properties that could be repurposed and to consider partnerships with churches and nonprofits to expand capacity.

Several commenters raised safety and accessibility concerns tied to planned downtown redevelopment and a proposed parking garage connected to hotel plans. Jacob Ellis asked whether a security protocol would be in place for a parking garage, noting "statistically, crimes happen in them." City public‑safety staff responded that a formal protocol would be developed only if and when a garage is approved and that existing patrols would cover the area in the meantime.

Jensen Jennings, who said he works with Americans with Disabilities Act issues, urged council to ensure new development includes accessible parking and recommended investing in assistive technologies such as talking (audible) crossing signals to help blind pedestrians traverse downtown independently.

Speakers asked the council to continue partnerships with nonprofits and to think creatively about repurposing local properties to expand housing capacity; the council acknowledged the comments but did not take formal action during the meeting.