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News Releases
Vancouver Fire Department Honor Guard's formal
Vancouver Fire Department Honor Guard's formal "Presentation of Colors" at the award ceremony.
Vancouver Fire presents 2024 awards for lifesaving, extraordinary efforts (Photo) - 03/21/24

Vancouver, Wash. – This month, the Vancouver Fire Department celebrated the extraordinary contributions of Vancouver firefighters, City employees, public safety partners and community members at its 2024 Vancouver Fire Awards Ceremony. 

“Every day and night our dedicated first responders serve our community and often place themselves at risk to do so,” said Chief Brennan Blue. “This annual ceremony allows us to shine a light on those humble civil servants, public safety partners and the unsung community heroes whose efforts make Vancouver a safer, resilient place to live.”

18 awards were presented to a mix of Vancouver Fire and City employees and community members who went above and beyond to protect and preserve life and property and/or advance the mission of the Fire Department in 2023. 

Awardees earned recognition for a variety of incredible acts, such as a father and son who rescued a neighbor from an active apartment fire and the strategic response of Vancouver Fire’s Engine 8 to save the life of a 14-month-old child in severe distress. 

2024 awards and recipients included: 

  • Life-Saving Award – awarded to community members or off-duty employees for assuming a level of involvement or risk that result in the preservation of human life.
    • Josh Akers and Daniel Wornath 
    • Michael Shoemaker III
  • The Fire Medal – awarded to community members or off-duty employees for extraordinary effort in saving a human life, reducing a serious injury, or aiding in a significant reduction of property loss.
    • Officer Cole Rodriguez, Vancouver Police Department, Officer Corey Rose, Vancouver Police Department 
    • Joe Thompson
    • Michael Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Individual Commendation – awarded to employees who make an exceptional contribution to the department, take on extra responsibilities, or in other ways distinguish themselves. 
    • Captain Dave Sturbelle
    • Battalion Chief Nathan Hipple
  • Company Commendation – awarded to Vancouver Fire units or companies that distinguish themselves in the performance of their duties or provide an exceptional contribution to the progress of the Department by displaying superior teamwork, or a display of exceptional professional skill and conduct.
    • Engine 8 - Captain Scott Edwards, Firefighter Paramedic Jake Conley, Firefighter Ashley Ogdee and Firefighter Mikel Featherston
  • Meritorious Service Award – awarded to employees who distinguish themselves by a display of remarkable action, conduct, or achievement that reflects positively upon the department. 
    • Firefighter Paramedic Jake Conley
  • Citizen awards – awarded to community members or off-duty employees for good Samaritan activities or efforts to protect life, property and the environment
    • Mike McCallen and Evan Liddle of the Nutter Corporation
  • Chief’s Achievement Award – awarded to employees whose contributions to the department significantly improve Vancouver Fire’s ability to provide service to the community.
    • Capt. Shane Orem, Vancouver Fire

View and download the full ceremony video coverage from Clark Vancouver Television to learn more about the efforts of each honoree. View and download the ceremony photos

For additional information on any of the awards presented, contact Public Information Coordinator Raymond Egan at raymond.egan@cityofvancouver.us.

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Community members add their hopes for the future to an interactive panel outlining Vancouver's history
Community members add their hopes for the future to an interactive panel outlining Vancouver's history
Vancouver celebrates change and growth at 2024 State of the City address (Photo) - 03/19/24

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver’s annual State of the City event took place March 18 at the Firstenburg Community Center. Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle‘s speech reflected on the evolution and change of Vancouver from its earliest days, to now becoming an urban destination. The speech also highlighted some of the City’s key accomplishments in 2023 and offered a look ahead to what’s next for Vancouver. 

“Make no mistake. Vancouver is growing rapidly, and we’ve evolved from a suburban community to an urban destination, and that means we have to adapt, we have to grow, we have to learn from our mistakes and we need to try new things,” said Mayor McEnerny-Ogle.

Mayor McEnerny-Ogle also shared the City’s 2023 Annual Report, including a full accounting of how taxpayer dollars were invested and more details on the City’s planning, work and accomplishments last year. A few highlighted accomplishments by the City in 2023 include:

  • Declaring a homelessness state of emergency allowing the city manager to immediately issue emergency orders that provide more tools and the speed needed to address the evolving issue of homelessness.
  • Extending the City’s Affordable Housing Fund at increased levels through the voters’ passage of Proposition 3, raising $10 million annually for the next 10 years.
  • Completing the implementation of the Vancouver Police Department’s body-worn and vehicle-equipped camera program.
  • Hiring 36 additional firefighters – increasing the department’s daily roster of firefighters on duty during every 24-hour shift from 43 to 53.
  • Working with its partners to celebrate the grand opening of Fourth Plain Community Commons, a first of its kind, mixed-use project that includes a commissary kitchen for emerging food-based businesses, along with shared office space and 106 affordable housing units.
  • Adopting an Urban Forestry Management Plan.
  • Adopting its Strategic Plan that serves as a road map for the next six years and beyond, offering clear direction to help the City Council and staff understand where to invest in services and projects to serve the community.  

The Vancouver: Making progress in 2023 video highlights some of the accomplishments and stories from last year. It also features interviews with City staff and community members who contributed to the City’s accomplishments in 2023.   

The mayor’s address was followed by a Council Community Forum, where guests joined in conversation and discussion with the mayor and City councilmembers. 

The State of the City address is available for on-demand viewing on Clark/Vancouver Television (CVTV) channel 23 and HD 323, and on the City’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

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City of Vancouver tree planting and award presentation at Volunteer Grove in Vancouver
City of Vancouver tree planting and award presentation at Volunteer Grove in Vancouver
Vancouver honors volunteers with tree planting (Photo) - 03/15/24

Vancouver, Wash. – City of Vancouver Volunteer and Urban Forestry programs added seven trees to the Volunteer Grove at Centerpointe Park (N.E. Fourth Plain Boulevard at Pacific Way). The Volunteer Grove recognizes civically minded residents and groups who donate their time to the City of Vancouver. Now in its seventh year, the Volunteer Grove tree planting was accompanied by an award ceremony to celebrate the honorees on March 9.

“Each year we plant trees to symbolize the commitment of our volunteers,” said Hailey Heath, volunteer coordinator for the City of Vancouver. “The Volunteer Grove reminds us of the legacy created by these residents who choose to donate their time to strengthen their community. Planting trees has never been more essential, and we are grateful for these volunteers whose dedication to our community has now inspired the planting of more trees that will be enjoyed for decades and beyond.”

The 2024 honorees and nominators are:

  • Evelyn Hallett, 50+ Recreation Programs
  • Kyle Roslund, Naturespaces Partner
  • Leah Jackson, Transportation and Mobility Commission
  • Mike Cavanaugh, Vancouver Fire Department
  • Skylar Dopps, Morgan Geddry & Sukyoung Kim; Parks Volunteers
  • Varun Rathi and Family, Naturespaces
  • Vancouver Police Department’s Interoffice Mail Delivery Team

Nominations for the Volunteer Grove are accepted year-round and submitted on behalf of individuals, organizations and businesses that have made a significant and positive impact in the Vancouver community.

Learn more at www.cityofvancouver.us/volunteergrove.

SOTC_2024_Evite.jpg
SOTC_2024_Evite.jpg
*Reminder* - Media Advisory: Vancouver's State of the City and Council Community Forum (Photo) - 03/15/24

Vancouver, Wash. – City of Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and the Vancouver City Council will host the 2024 State of the City and Council Community Forum at 6 p.m. Monday, March 18. Mayor McEnerny-Ogle’s speech will cover Vancouver's key accomplishments in 2023 and what the City will focus on in the future as the community continues to grow and change. 

Guests are invited to stay after the speech to meet, in person, with City Councilors at the first Council Community Forum of the year.

What: 2024 State of the City and Council Community Forum

The event will be accompanied by the release of the City's annual report, which includes additional details on City budgets and accomplishments during 2023. 

Who: Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle will present a brief State of the City address, highlighting some of the key accomplishments of 2023 and looking ahead to what’s next for Vancouver. The mayor’s remarks will be followed by the first quarterly Council Community Forum of the year.

When: 6 p.m. Monday, March 18. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. 

The State of the City address will be streamed live–and available for on-demand viewing–on Clark/Vancouver Television (CVTV) channel 23 and HD 323 and the City’s Facebook.  

Where: Firstenburg Community Center Community Room, 700 N.E 136th Ave., Vancouver. Media may park in the free lot at Firstenburg Community Center but should be aware that seating and space at the venue will be limited.

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Attached Media Files: SOTC_2024_Evite.jpg
Fine art vendors at the 2023 Vancouver Arts and Music Festival in downtown Vancouver.
Fine art vendors at the 2023 Vancouver Arts and Music Festival in downtown Vancouver.
Vancouver USA Arts and Music Festival announces 2024 call for artists (Photo) - 03/06/24

Vancouver, Wash. – Visual and performing artists are invited to participate in the Vancouver Arts & Music Festival, Aug. 2-4, in Vancouver, Washington. Applications are now open for the juried art exhibit, community stage performances, and art vendor and demonstration booths. Artists of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The festival is presented by Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA and the City of Vancouver. 

Located in historic Esther Short Park, the Vancouver Arts & Music Festival features award-winning musicians, visual artists and performers from Vancouver, the region and around the world. The three-day event hosts multiple stages, juried art shows, pop-up galleries, dance performances, family activities and food vendors. Each day of the festival will culminate in a symphonic performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA. 

Call for visual artists
The visual arts component of the festival includes a juried art show administered by Columbia Arts Network. Selection for the exhibit is based on originality, creativity, the elements and principles of design, and technical skill.  Cash prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories. 

Applications for the juried art show are open now through June 30, for two-dimensional and three-dimensional artists working in any medium. Artists selected for the juried art show will be notified by July 15.

Call for art vendors and demonstrators
Vendor booth applications are open to artists who wish to sell original artwork or provide live art demonstrations on the festival grounds. Two types of vendor opportunities are available to artists. 

  • Fine art vendors are experienced artists who have also been selected to exhibit their work in the juried art show. Their booths will be in prime position, near the juried art exhibit. Applications are open now through June 30. Selected Fine Art Vendors will be notified by July 15.  
  • Artist in the Park vendors may be emerging or experienced artists who are not participating in the juried art show. Their booths will be stationed in Esther Short Park. Applications are open now through April 15. Selected Artist in the Park vendors will be notified in May. 

Call for performing artists
Musicians, dancers, storytellers and performing artists of all genres are encouraged to apply and be featured on the festival’s community stages. There is no fee to apply, all selected performing artists will be compensated. The performing artists' application is open now through March 31. Selected performers will be notified in April.

Interested artists can learn more and apply at www.vancouverartsandmusicfestival.com

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Planes at Pearson Field Airport
Planes at Pearson Field Airport
City seeks volunteers to serve on Aviation Advisory Committee (Photo) - 03/05/24

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver is seeking applicants to fill three vacancies on the Aviation Advisory Committee. Applications must be submitted by April 12.

The Aviation Advisory Committee is appointed by the Vancouver City Council to provide advice and recommendations to the Airport Manager, City Manager, City Council and other City departments regarding the management and operations of the Pearson Field Airport (101 East Reserve Street, Vancouver, WA 98661) and other aviation-related issues affecting the airport and the City of Vancouver. 

Applicants for this vacancy should demonstrate interest in the airport, and/or aviation and aeronautical activities, and preferably have skills in one or more relevant areas such as airport management, legal, marketing, finance, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) knowledge, real estate, business and/or engineering.

There is no city residency requirement to serve but interested applicants must be available for a virtual or phone interview with Vancouver City Councilmembers. This recruitment is for three full-term positions starting May 15, 2024 and expiring May 15, 2027.

To apply online and learn more about the City’s boards and commissions, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/boardsandcommissions. To request a paper application or for more information, contact the boards and commissions coordinator at Vancouver City Hall, P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668, bc_coordinator@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8600. 

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About Pearson Field Airport:

Pearson Field is one of the oldest operating airfields in the U.S. Located directly east of I-5 and just north of Highway 14 and the Columbia River, the airport is easily accessible by land and air. Each year, Pearson Field and Museum attracts 39,500 visitors to Vancouver, generates $26,998,080 and supports roughly 460 jobs. The City of Vancouver operates the airport, which owns 61.8 acres of the 134.4-acre airport site. The remaining 72.6 acres are owned by the National Park Service and lie within the Vancouver National Historic Reserve.

Attached Media Files: Planes at Pearson Field Airport
Hilton Hotel and Convention Center in downtown Vancouver
Hilton Hotel and Convention Center in downtown Vancouver
City seeks volunteer to serve on Vancouver Public Facilities Board (Photo) - 03/05/24

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver is seeking applicants for one vacancy on its volunteer Vancouver Public Facilities District (PFD) Board of Directors. Applications must be submitted by April 12.

The PFD owns the land under the Hilton Hotel and Convention Center in downtown Vancouver which it leases to the City’s Downtown Redevelopment Authority (DRA). The PFD receives funding from the state sales tax credit program, which it then transfers to the DRA. The sales tax credit revenue funds a portion of the tax-supported bonds issued to fund the construction of the Hilton/Convention Center. The PFD board is also responsible for approving annual budgets and monitoring use of the funds.

The Vancouver City Council appoints the board, which includes two at-large board members and three members appointed based on recommendations from local organizations, including the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, local economic development organizations and local labor councils. The City is recruiting for one at-large position that will be a mid-term appointment expiring Nov. 30, 2025. To be selected, applicants must participate in a virtual interview with Vancouver City Councilmembers.

The PFD board typically meets twice a year. Meetings are held in a hybrid format, with an in-person option at Vancouver City Hall, 415 W. 6th St. Board members prepare for meetings by reviewing information provided to them in advance. 

Applications may be submitted online at www.cityofvancouver.us/boards. For a printed application or for further information, contact the boards and commissions coordinator in the City Manager’s Office at P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995, bc_coordinator@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8600.

Visit www.cityofvancouver.us/boardsandcommissions to learn more about the City’s advisory boards and commissions. 

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Aerial view of downtown Vancouver facing north
Aerial view of downtown Vancouver facing north
City of Vancouver secures 58 new grants in 2023 (Photo) - 03/04/24

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver secured 58 new grants and pending awards totaling $46.9 million in 2023 to support key ongoing initiatives at the City. City staff has also managed the implementation of 96 ongoing grant projects worth an additional $99.9 million, bringing the total grants portfolio for 2023 to 154 awards totaling $146.8 million.

The federal, state and local grants are helping fund projects which include addressing the affordable housing crisis, improving community safety, implementing water system improvements, promoting equity and inclusion and taking measurable climate action. So far, 21 grant projects have been completed in 2023, with more expected to be finalized in the coming months as remaining grant applications are processed.

"I am grateful for the success we have had in securing these grants," said City Manager Eric Holmes. "City staff have worked diligently to identify and pursue these funding opportunities. The recent federal and state investment in local climate, infrastructure and related initiatives has been described as a once-in-a-generation funding environment and Vancouver is committed to making the most of this exceptional opportunity. Thank you to staff from across the whole City for their incredible work to leverage our local funds in such a meaningful way".

City staff completed 21 grant projects totaling $11.3 million in 2023, including:  

  • Fourth Plain Community Commons 
  • Pearson Airport Runway and Taxiway Rehabilitation Construction
  • Urban Forestry Management Plan Development
  • Fire Department Hazardous Materials Training
  • Officer’s Row Roofing Improvements (Buildings 1 and 2)
  • Transportation safety improvements for Devine Road; also intersection improvements at Mill Plain Boulevard and 104th Avenue 

To further capitalize on the current funding environment, the City Manager's Office has established a new Citywide Grants Team. This team is working closely with City departments to identify new funding opportunities, assist with proposal development and improve post-award monitoring. As part of their efforts to improve operational effectiveness, communication, and tracking of outcomes, the Citywide Grants Team will also update and streamline grant policies, processes and systems in 2024.

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Join the City of Vancouver for the 2024 State of the City and Council Community Forum
Join the City of Vancouver for the 2024 State of the City and Council Community Forum
Media Advisory: Vancouver's State of the City and Council Community Forum (Photo) - 02/29/24

Vancouver, Wash. – City of Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and the Vancouver City Council will host the 2024 State of the City and Council Community Forum at 6 p.m. Monday, March 18. Mayor McEnerny-Ogle’s speech will cover Vancouver's key accomplishments in 2023 and what the City will focus on in the future as the community continues to grow and change. 

Guests are invited to stay after the speech to meet, in person, with City Councilors at the first Council Community Forum of the year.

What: 2024 State of the City and Council Community Forum

The event will be accompanied by the release of the City's annual report, which includes additional details on City budgets and accomplishments during 2023. 

Who: Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle will present a brief State of the City address, highlighting some of the key accomplishments of 2023 and looking ahead to what’s next for Vancouver. The mayor’s remarks will be followed by the first quarterly Council Community Forum of the year.

When: 6 p.m. Monday, March 18. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Due to space constraints at the venue, RSVPs for the event are encouraged and can be made at www.cityofvancouver.us/stateofthecity. The City will make every effort to accommodate those who arrive without previously RSVPing to the event.

The State of the City address will be streamed live–and available for on-demand viewing–on Clark/Vancouver Television (CVTV) channel 23 and HD 323 and the City’s Facebook.  

Where: Firstenburg Community Center Community Room, 700 N.E 136th Ave., Vancouver. Media may park in the free lot at Firstenburg Community Center but should be aware that seating and space at the venue will be limited.

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