Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Astoria public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in business jobs
Liquor license recommendations moving to staff
Ordinance 26-10 would let the City Manager make liquor license recommendations to the state directly, instead of bringing each new application before the council. It applies only to new applications and name or license-type changes — not renewals or special events.
Masquerade liquor license at 1020 Commercial Street
Seedborn LLC dba Masquerade is applying for a Limited On-Premises Sales License for its new location at 1020 Commercial Street. Police reviewed the application and raised no objections.
Arts & Culture strategic recommendations
Astoria now has a five-member Arts & Culture Advisory Commission to advise the council, review public art proposals, and advance the Arts & Culture Strategic Plan — a first step the arts community has long sought.
BPA funding cuts to Select Area Fisheries Enhancement Program
Councilor Adams asked the council to plan a special meeting with stakeholders and legislators about the loss of Bonneville Power Administration funding for the SAFE program, which matters greatly to Astoria's fishing economy.
Oregon Film Museum parking hurdle
The long-discussed Oregon Film Museum has roughly $10 million in seed money but is stuck on parking — the zoning analysis says 18 off-site spaces are needed, though a traffic analysis suggests fewer might work. No formal application has been filed yet.
Transportation network companies (rideshare) in Astoria
The Council advanced an ordinance letting transportation network companies operate in the city, after bar owners, rental hosts, and residents described unreliable taxi service, drunk driving risks, and seniors unable to get to appointments.
Uniontown storefront revitalization
The Storefront Improvement Program helps fix up aging commercial buildings along West Marine Drive using urban renewal funds. The Triangle Tavern is the ninth project, and staff hope visible improvements encourage more business owners to apply.
Vermifiltration Feasibility Study for Brewery Wastewater
Sisu Brewing gets the city's seventh industrial wastewater permit, treating its waste to residential-strength standards. Councilors wanted assurance odors won't bother neighboring downtown businesses.
Downtown food access concerns
Councilor Adams flagged that downtown business closures, including a grocery market, could create food access problems for unhoused and EBT-dependent residents downtown.