City Council meeting summary

COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED: Strengthening governance, communication, and engagement CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A SUMMARY STATEMENT: The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocates federal funding on annual basis for the HOME Investment Partnerships and Community Development Block Grant programs. These funds are used for Low to Moderate income housing development, homeowner rehabilitation, public services, economic development, public facility improvements, economic development, and other eligible activities. As a requirement HUD mandates that the city submit an Annual Action Plan (AAP). The AAP informs HUD of planned activities that will use the allocated funding to ensure compliance with the City’s five-year consolidated plan. HUD requires that a public hearing be held to allow constituents to comment on the city’s AAP. STAFF CONTACT: Kenny Robinson. Program Coordination Specialist | attachments=1 | reports=1

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Based upon the authentication and certification of claims and demands against the city, prepared and signed by the City’s auditing officer, and in full reliance thereon, it is moved and seconded as shown in the minutes of this meeting that the following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment: FIRST HALF MAY 2026 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: $1,474,942.61 FIRST HALF MAY 2026 PAYROLL: $20,588.79, checks $1,115,176.28, direct deposits $686,067.90, wire transfers $1,821,832.97 Total STAFF CONTACT: Lindy Kennedy, Accountant Sara Rios, Payroll Specialist | reports=1

COUNCIL 2026 GOALS AND PRIORITIES ADDRESSED: Investing in Infrastructure CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A SUMMARY STATEMENT: This project provides for modernization of the existing passenger elevator at the Longview Public Library, including replacement of equipment, controls, electrical systems, safety features, and ADA upgrades. Work includes all components and incidental items necessary to complete the improvements in accordance with the Contract Documents. On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, three bids were received as follows: $117,186.01 – ATTA Elevators Portland, Inc, Portland, OR $129,603.04 – TK Elevators Corporation, Portland, OR $141,960.56 – Centric Elevator Corporation of Oregon, Portland, OR $212,000.00 - Engineer’s Estimate The low bid received was determined to be regular and responsive. FINANCIAL SUMMARY: This project is funded through a Washington Department of Commerce Grant. STAFF CONTACT: Steve Hansen, Assistant Public Works Director | reports=1

COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES: Investing in Infrastructure Advancing Economic Opportunity and Community Vitality SUMMARY STATEMENT: State law requires that each city update its Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) annually and file a copy of the adopted program with the Secretary of Transportation. Federal law also requires transit agencies receiving Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding to prepare a Program of Projects (POP) identifying the projects to be funded with FTA funding, and to conduct a public hearing and outreach process prior to adopting the POP. The TIP includes FTA funded projects and meets the requirements of the POP. After adoption, the TIP/POP can be subsequently amended to include new projects and funding sources. STAFF CONTACT: Chris Collins, Public Works Director | reports=1

DATE: May 28, 2026 COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED: Growth & Economic Opportunity CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A SUMMARY STATEMENT: The property owner of 4511 Ocean Beach HWY (studio west apartments) submitted a notice of intent to commence annexation proceedings to annex into the City from the County and seeking an R-4 High Density Residential zoning designation. Planning Commission recommended approval of the comprehensive plan amendment and zoning designation associated with the annexation at the May 7 th 2025 meeting. The boundary review board approved the annexation at their May 13 th , 2026 meeting. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to set a public hearing for June 25, 2026. STAFF CONTACT: Irene Rutikanga, Planner | reports=1

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DATE: May 21, 2026 COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED: Community Safety Responsible & Honest Governance CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A SUMMARY STATEMENT: Hope Village ceased operations on October 1, 2025. At the time of closure, City Council directed staff to return with a six-month follow-up discussion regarding observations and impacts following the closure of the site. Discussion Staff provided Council (attached) with four summary reports intended to help inform future policy discussions, should Council wish to provide direction moving forward. The reports include: - Community and partner observations gathered during a May 7, 2026 stakeholder meeting involving housing providers, outreach organizations, behavioral health professionals, faith-based organizations, and service agencies - City operational observations and response efforts related to the Hope Village transition, including Behavioral Health Unit outreach and ongoing homelessness response efforts - Legal and regulatory considerations associated with the pallet shelter site, including operational limitations tied to current state law and building code considerations The purpose of this item is to provide Council with information and observations gathered since the closure of Hope Village and to allow Council the opportunity to discuss whether any future direction or next steps are desired. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Review the information and provide direction to staff if desired STAFF CONTACT: Jennifer Wills, City Manager | attachments=5 | reports=1

DATE: May 21, 2026 COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED: Growth & Economic Opportunity CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: REQUIRED SUMMARY STATEMENT: The City Council will review a proposed update to the City of Longview’s Lodging Tax Funding Policy. The proposed policy modernizes the City’s approach to distributing Lodging Tax revenues in alignment with RCW 67.28 and is intended to better support tourism-generating events while creating greater flexibility for both established and emerging community events. Historically, Lodging Tax funding was distributed through a biennial grant cycle focused primarily on marketing support for established events. While successful in supporting long-standing community traditions, the structure limited opportunities for new events and created challenges in addressing the increasing cost of required City services associated with hosting events. The proposed policy introduces several key changes, including: - Annual funding application opportunities rather than a biennial cycle - Creation of two funding categories: - Tourism Promotion Grants - Event Services Support Fund - Increased flexibility to support new and emerging tourism events - A structure to help offset required City service costs such as traffic control, police staffing, park support, and street closures - Recognition of “Heritage Community Events” that demonstrate long-standing community and tourism value The policy also establishes guiding principles for Lodging Tax investments focused on promoting tourism, supporting community traditions, lowering barriers for event organizers, encouraging new tourism opportunities, and ensuring responsible stewardship of public funds. The Lodging Tax Advisory Commission (LTAC) would continue reviewing and recommending Tourism Promotion Grant applications to the City Council, while the City would administer Event Services Support funding associated with operational City service costs. Staff is bringing forward this policy framework in advance of the 2027–2028 budget development process so that Council has an established policy direction in place as Lodging Tax funding decisions and budget priorities are considered during the upcoming biennial budget cycle. This discussion provides Council an opportunity to review the proposed policy direction and provide feedback prior to implementation within the City’s biennial budget and annual Lodging Tax application process. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to approve City of Longview Lodging Tax Funding Policy STAFF CONTACT: Jennifer Wills, City Manager | attachments=2 | reports=1

DATE: MAY 21, 2026 COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED: Empowered & Connected Community Growth & Economic Opportunity Community First Service Responsible & Honest Governance CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A SUMMARY STATEMENT: The City of Longview has undertaken a strategic brand uplift initiative intended to strengthen organizational consistency, improve public recognition, and present a more unified and professional identity across City departments and communication channels. This effort is not a full rebrand. Instead, the approach intentionally builds upon and modernizes existing City brand elements, including colors, typography, logos, and visual identity standards, in a way that is fiscally responsible and reflective of the City’s established identity. The purpose of the initiative is to support a more cohesive “branded house” approach, where departments and divisions are visually connected under a unified City identity while still maintaining operational distinctions where appropriate. A stronger and more consistent brand presence helps reinforce public trust, improve communication clarity, strengthen community recognition, and better position the City in recruitment, economic development, tourism, and community engagement efforts. Implementation of the updated brand standards will occur in phases and with a focus on minimizing costs. Initial rollout efforts will prioritize no-cost or low-cost updates such as email signatures, digital templates, presentation materials, and electronic communication assets. Physical materials and branded items, including business cards, apparel, signage, and printed materials, will transition over time as existing inventory is depleted or replacement becomes necessary through normal operational cycles. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Council Concurrence STAFF CONTACT: Jennifer Wills, City Manager | attachments=1 | reports=1

DATE: MAY 21, 2026 COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED: Growth & Economic Opportunity CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A SUMMARY STATEMENT: The City Council is being asked to consider the formation of a three-member Economic Development Committee to begin focused discussions on strategies that support thoughtful growth, economic opportunity, and long-term community vitality within the City of Longview. The intent of the committee would be to provide a collaborative forum for identifying opportunities, challenges, and policy considerations related to economic development and future investment within the community. The committee would serve in an advisory capacity and work alongside City staff and community partners to help shape a proactive and coordinated approach to economic development. Potential areas of focus for the committee may include: - Identifying barriers and opportunities related to economic growth and investment; - Exploring ways to improve the City’s readiness and responsiveness for future development opportunities; - Discussing infrastructure, permitting, land use, utility capacity, and policy considerations that may impact business attraction and expansion; - Engaging regional and local partners, including organizations such as the Cowlitz Economic Development Council, business leaders, educational institutions, utilities, ports, and other stakeholders; - Reviewing best practices and strategies used by comparable communities; - Evaluating how the City can better position itself to attract and retain businesses, industry, housing, and family-wage jobs; - Exploring opportunities to strengthen regional competitiveness and support redevelopment, industrial recruitment, and strategic investment; - Discussing potential legislative priorities and policy positions that support economic development efforts at the local, state, and federal levels; - Developing recommendations for a formal Economic Development Policy or framework for future Council consideration; and - Helping establish priorities that align with Council goals, infrastructure planning, legislative advocacy efforts, and the City’s long-term vision. The proposed committee would also provide an opportunity for early strategic conversations regarding emerging economic trends, economic resiliency, workforce development, infrastructure readiness, and partnership opportunities that may benefit the community over time. Staff is seeking Council direction regarding the formation of the committee, committee membership, and any additional priorities or areas of focus Council would like incorporated into the committee’s work moving forward. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to move forward with the economic development committee and determine which three council members STAFF CONTACT: Jennifer Wills, City Manager | reports=1