Ridgefield Council Chats: Windy Hills Winery Oct 17
Councilmembers Katie Favela and Meghan Hamilton are hosting a drop-in chat at Windy Hills Winery on Saturday, October 17. Free small bites, zero agenda, and two of the most approachable people on City Council. Let's fill the room.
I was at City Council on Thursday night, and Katie Favela and Meghan Hamilton cornered me afterward to tell me they're hosting a Council Chat together at Windy Hills Winery and I should come. What I actually heard was: tell everyone. So here we are.
The City quietly brought Council Chats back this fall with four drop-in sessions at local businesses. Two have already happened (if you missed them, same, I'm only finding out now too). But the best one is still ahead: Saturday, October 17, 12:30 to 2 PM, at a winery, with complimentary small bites, hosted by two councilmembers who genuinely want to hear from you.
That's not a civic obligation. That's a Saturday plan.
Council Chat at Windy Hills Winery
Why You Should Go Talk to Katie and Meghan
Here's the thing about City Council: most people only show up when they're mad about something. That's fair, it's how democracy usually works. But it means the people making decisions about our roads, parks, and the absolutely relentless pace of growth around here mostly hear from the loudest three people in the room.
Katie and Meghan are trying to change that. They're sharp, they're approachable, and they actually want to hear what regular Ridgefield people think, not just the folks who know how to sign up for public comment. Walking up to them at a winery with a plate of small bites is about the lowest-pressure way to have a real conversation with your local government that has ever existed.
Bring a question. Bring an idea. Bring your opinion on the moratorium on new gas stations Council just adopted. Or bring nothing and just introduce yourself. Putting a face to a name counts, and they'll remember you next time.
The Full Fall 2026 Schedule
Four chats, four local spots, four complimentary treats courtesy of the City. Two are already in the books, two are coming up.
Hosted by Councilmembers Katie Favela and Meghan Hamilton. This is the one. Mark it, text a friend, go.
Hosted by Councilmembers Lee Wells and Clyde Burkle. The early-bird option for anyone who'd rather talk local government before work than on a weekend.
Hosted by Mayor Matt Cole and Councilmember Rian Davis.
Hosted by Mayor Matt Cole and Mayor Pro Tem Judy Chipman. The season opener.
Good to Know
Nope. Drop in for fifteen minutes or the full ninety. Come and go whenever works for you.
No registration, no sign-up, no agenda. You don't need a question ready. Saying hello is a completely valid reason to show up.
Please do. Every Council Chat is free and open to the public, and Katie and Meghan want a full room.
The full schedule is on the City of Ridgefield announcement, and you can find all your councilmembers on the City Council page.
More from Meanwhile in Ridgefield
So here's the ask: Saturday, October 17, 12:30, Windy Hills. Grab a friend, grab a small bite, and go tell Katie and Meghan what you love about this town and what you want them to fix. I'll be there. Come find me and say hi too.
