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Councilman Anderson warns of communication breakdown between downtown protesters and police, urges better coordination
Summary
Councilman Anderson said a recent downtown protest largely did not coordinate with law enforcement, occupied much of the downtown and produced one written complaint; council members urged improved communication while noting the events were generally peaceful.
Councilman Anderson told colleagues he had not attended the recent utility board meeting but reported that police described a lack of coordination with the larger downtown protest group.
"Just not coordinating with the police department, not communicating," Anderson said, describing a breakdown in communication that he said can be "detrimental to the law and order of our downtown." He added that a smaller group organized by Paul did communicate with officials and that only one written complaint had been received. Council members acknowledged both the economic upside—downtown patrons visiting after events—and the disruptions to through movement and businesses when large groups occupy streets without permitting or advance coordination.
No enforcement actions or formal directions to staff were recorded in the meeting; council members suggested bridging communication between organizers and city staff for future events.
