Council member Cole touts "Cole's Corner" office hours to boost resident access

James Cole said Cole's Corner is an informal monthly forum where residents can meet the Ward 1 council member at a local restaurant to ask questions, raise complaints, or share ideas.

"Cole's Corner is a spot where I have informal office hours. I am in a spot every month on the same night um for the same set amount of time and you can come in and you can say hello, you can give me a complaint, you can give me your ideas," Cole said, describing the initiative as a resident-requested way to make outreach more approachable than formal City Hall meetings.

Cole said the format helps residents who find City Hall intimidating and provides a chance to support local businesses. He recommended residents attend the second Thursday of each month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at different restaurants.

The program did not include specific metrics on participation or outcomes; Cole said the sessions have improved his ability to hear constituent concerns directly.