Elk Island Drops Lawsuit Against City of Roseburg, Citing “Path Forward” and Grants Pass Shelter Focus

Elk Island Trading Group has dismissed its lawsuit against the City of Roseburg in Douglas County Circuit Court.

In a written statement, Bernie Woodard said he asked the group’s attorney, Charles Woodward IV, to agree to dismissal before the scheduled court hearing.

Woodard said the decision was based on three primary reasons, including changes discussed at a recent Roseburg City Council meeting, concerns raised during a Grants Pass project selection process, and the need to focus on a new shelter project planned in Grants Pass.

Citing a possible path forward in Roseburg

Woodard said he believes there may now be a constructive way forward following discussion about changes to the Roseburg Homeless Commission at the Roseburg City Council meeting on Monday, January 12.

“Based on the changes to the Roseburg Homeless Commission discussed at the City Council meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026, I am hopeful there may now be a constructive way forward to genuinely address homeless solutions in Roseburg,” Woodard wrote.

He said the changes discussed include “fewer seats held by nonprofit service providers, a requirement that the commission meet monthly, a clearer process for receiving community input, and the City Manager’s statement that commission recommendations will be expedited to City Council for action.”

Woodard said those changes “create a framework that is more transparent, accountable, and workable,” and added: “At this moment, it is far better for all involved to focus on collaboration and outcomes rather than continued litigation.”

Grants Pass project concerns

Woodard said the lawsuit was raised during the Parker’s Place Village selection process in Grants Pass.

“During the Parker’s Place Village selection process in Grants Pass, a couple of City Councilors raised questions about Elk Island Trading Group’s lawsuit against the City of Roseburg,” he wrote.

He added, “I want to be very clear that our intent has never been adversarial for its own sake,” and said the group’s focus is “on solutions, not conflict.”

Focus on Parker’s Place Village

Woodard said he plans to devote his full attention to Parker’s Place Village, a 150 bed, low barrier, fully managed shelter project that Elk Island Trading Group has been awarded in Grants Pass.

“This is an extremely important project for that community,” Woodard wrote.

He said the project is expected to open June 1, 2026, and described it as a model that could be useful for other Oregon cities navigating HB 3115.

Woodard said the group’s priorities are focused on outcomes rather than continuing the court case.

“All of these priorities are far more important than continuing a court case that creates anxiety for all sides and concern within the community,” he wrote.