Longview officials, including City Manager Jennifer Wills and city council members, recently participated in the Association of Washington Cities’ “City in Action Days” in Olympia, accompanied by a legislative dinner with state legislators. The purpose: to gain insight into state-level policymaking and funding discussions that stand to impact Longview. The city frames this as a strategic effort to move from reactive responses to proactive influence over decisions that affect infrastructure, public safety, economic opportunity, and broader community wellbeing. The City Manager emphasized that being informed equips Longview’s leadership to ask sharper questions, engage early, and advocate more effectively on behalf of residents and businesses.

According to the city’s official “On the Move with the City Manager” update, this outreach is part of a broader commitment to staying engaged at multiple levels of government and building relationships with state legislators to ensure Longview’s needs are reflected in investments and policy outcomes. The communication underscores that strong communities don’t wait on the sidelines—they show up prepared, informed, and ready to shape the future. Signed by City Manager Wills and published on February 10, 2026, the message frames these actions as essential to translating knowledge into tangible benefits for Longview.

Why this matters

For Longview and Cowlitz County, state-level decisions on transportation funding, public safety resources, economic development grants, and infrastructure investments can have outsized local impact. Engaging directly with legislators increases the city’s visibility in Olympia and can influence which projects or initiatives receive attention—or funding—at the state level.

Moreover, this approach signals a shift from passive reception of policy outcomes to active participation. When local officials understand the legislative landscape, they can better frame requests, engage earlier in the policymaking process, and mobilize support effectively. For a mid-sized city like Longview, that capacity to translate understanding into action is vital for ensuring community priorities are not overshadowed by larger or better-resourced jurisdictions.

What we still need to know

• Which specific state legislators and committees did city leaders meet with during their Olympia visit? Were any concrete commitments made?
• Are there specific funding requests or proposals underway as a direct result of these meetings?
• How will the City of Longview report back to residents—beyond this City Manager communication—on outcomes, follow-ups, or opportunities to engage?

Reporting on these next steps would deepen public understanding of how local advocacy translates into results—or where efforts may fall short. This kind of transparency is vital for accountability and civic trust.

By participating in these Olympia engagements, Longview is claiming a seat at the table where decisions with local consequences are made. The challenge now is ensuring that engagement yields measurable results that strengthen infrastructure, services, and quality of life—while keeping residents clearly informed about how state-level activity affects them.

Sources
City of Longview: “On the Move with the City Manager – Longview at the Table”