I am excited to announce that I am running for re-election for Ilwaco City Council to continue my effort to make our city an ideal place to live, work, recreate, and do business.

Eight years ago I moved back to the Long Beach Peninsula to start a family and live in a town where I could have a positive impact in the community where I was raised. Living in Ilwaco has afforded me many such opportunities, from serving as a volunteer in our fire department, a member of the parks and recreation commission, and serving as a city councilor for the past 5 years.

Since being appointed to city council in 2017 I have been honored to serve the community as a member of the Utilities/Streets & Finance/Planning committees, help draft legislation, and complete projects that have increased revenue for the City of Ilwaco. Most recently, my focus has been establishing the Bear Ridge Community Forest, where I worked with various non-profits, state and federal agencies, and our representatives to secure over $4.5 million to purchase the land within our source watershed and plan for its long-term conservation. This acquisition is a huge win for the city of Ilwaco, both protecting our drinking water, and creating opportunities to enhance the broader recreation economy of the Long Beach Peninsula.

If re-elected, I will continue to pursue opportunities to promote and enhance outdoor recreation in our region, something I believe will help strengthen and revitalize our economy by bringing year-round visitors and creating new business opportunities. Rural communities throughout the Pacific Northwest have leaned into outdoor recreation to help propel their economic growth and I believe there is the potential to do the same for Ilwaco.

Ilwaco is on the rise, with more people and businesses choosing to call it home, and more chances to make it even better. In order to capitalize on this momentum, we need city council members who have a clear vision for the future of Ilwaco, who care deeply about the community, and who have shown they can get things done. I ask for your vote in November so I can continue to work hard for Ilwaco and help it reach its full potential.

MATT LESSNAU

Ilwaco