At Mercantile Coffee Co., nestled inside Josephine’s Mercantile in downtown Port Orchard, the public has found a welcoming space to engage with City Council members.

Through the “Coffee with Council” events, held the first Saturday of every month, owner Samantha Smith is bridging the gap between officials and the community, creating a space where everyone is encouraged to voice questions and concerns.

“What inspired me was the election last year,” said Smith, who also owns Revival and Smith Metal Works. “I had customers asking who I was voting for, but as a business owner, I’m focused on helping people find their own information. During election season, I started hosting ‘Coffee with a Candidate,”’ which went on for 1 1/2 months.

Councilmember Eric Worden explained the origin of the event: “During the November 2023 election season, we frequently heard a common concern: citizens couldn’t put faces to the names of local elected officials. Many felt that elected officials, including council members, were not present or accessible enough.”

After the election, Worden approached Smith about continuing the events in a new form. “Coffee with Council” was born out of the need to bring the conversation to the community in a more approachable and convenient setting,” Worden said.

Now, up to three council members may attend each session to avoid forming a quorum. “All seven council members have committed to participating,” Worden added. “But to comply with regulations, we limit each session to three members, ensuring meaningful interactions while adhering to council protocols.”

The events cover a range of topics, from public safety and infrastructure to homelessness and transportation. “We address everything from, ‘What does a council member do?’ to more detailed discussions on city projects and issues like water rates, traffic concerns, and code enforcement,” Worden said.

Smith emphasized the informal nature of the gatherings. “You can go to a council meeting and speak for three minutes, but this event lets people come together for real conversations,” she said. “It’s a way to bridge the connection and foster mutual respect and understanding.”

Smith concluded, “The whole point of the Merc is to have coffee, community, and conversation. This isn’t a place for discord. It’s a place to understand and seek information.”

Both Worden and Smith hope the event series continues to grow and strengthen Port Orchard’s sense of community. “When you can look someone in the eyes, it makes a huge impact,” Smith said. “We’re human beings, and we’re meant to be in community.”