County Seeks Volunteers For Development And Engineering Advisory Board - 12/04/25

Vancouver, Wash. – The county manager is seeking applicants to fill an expiring position on the Clark County Development and Engineering Advisory Board, DEAB.

The positions are for the following:

• Land developer who works or lives in Clark County

Members shall be appointed or reappointed to three-year terms. Members are eligible for reappointment after their terms expire.

The advisory board reviews policy and county code changes and works on process improvement and fees with the Community Development and Public Works departments. The board’s recommendations are routinely forwarded to the Clark County Council for use by final decision makers.

The board consists of three private-sector planners or engineers; one public-sector planner or engineer; one construction contractor; one land developer; one Building Industry Association representative; one professional associated with commercial or industrial development; and two professionals associated with development.

The Development and Engineering Advisory Board, commonly referred to as DEAB, typically meets at 2 pm the first Thursday of the month in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.

Anyone interested should submit a letter of interest and résumé to Victoria Abram, Program Coordinator, P.O. Box 9810, Vancouver, WA 98666-9810. Applications also can be emailed to victoria.abram@clark.wa.gov.

The application deadline is 5 pm Monday Dec. 31, 2025.

More information, including meeting agendas and minutes, is available at www.clark.wa.gov/community-development/development-and-engineering-advisory-board

Clark County Council Adopts 2026 Budget - 12/03/25

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council this week voted to approve the county’s annual budget for 2026. Overall, the adopted budget reflects a strong and financially sound position for the organization. For 2026, the total adopted expense budget is $883 million. This strategic financial plan is supported by $735 million in revenues and $149 million of fund balance.

The council voted to approve a 1% property tax levy increase, as well as any available banked capacity, for the General Fund, Road Fund, Conservation Futures Fund and Metropolitan Parks District Fund.

The county manages hundreds of individual funding sources, and when viewed collectively, its financial outlook remains stable so long as there is continued prioritizing of long-term sustainability, adherence to county financial policies, and alignment with strategic planning goals. Strategic planning is a major priority for both the county manager and the council, and a firm commitment has been made to advance a comprehensive strategic financial plan in early 2026.

While the county’s overall financial condition is solid, some funding sources—most notably the General Fund—are experiencing structural deficits. These areas require significant attention, and county staff continue to devote considerable time and resources to understanding the underlying issues and developing responsible long-term solutions. Even with these challenges, the adopted budget positions the county to maintain stability while proactively preparing for future needs.

“I want to acknowledge the tremendous dedication and hard work of every department and office across the county,” said County Manager Kathleen Otto. “Despite the continued growth in community needs and the increasing complexity of service delivery, our staff have demonstrated remarkable commitment and creativity in managing resources effectively. Their efforts have been instrumental in maintaining essential services, supporting residents, and advancing our shared goals for a thriving Clark County.”

“I want to recognize all the hard work from the Budget Office, county manager, department heads, and county elected officials,” said Council Chair Sue Marshall. “This has been a long hard process. I’d like to thank all of the councilors too, for their diligence in working on this budget.”

The hearing presentation and video are on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings under the date Dec. 2, 2025.

Jail Services Seeks Public Comment On Updates To Keep Washington Working Policy - 12/02/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Jail Services is asking for public comment on updates to the department’s Keep Washington Working policy.

The draft policy is available on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/jail-services. Deadline for comments is noon Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. Comments can be emailed to cntyjailservicesadmin@clark.wa.gov.

KWW was approved by the Washington State Legislature and signed into law in 2019. The law requires that law enforcement and jails in particular maintain practices and policies to ensure the privacy of all Washingtonians. 

Public Works Offers Tips For Properly Managing Holiday Waste - 12/02/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Holiday celebrations can generate more waste, and waste of different kinds. Clark County Public Works’ Solid Waste Education and Outreach program encourages the community to properly dispose of waste this holiday season. Proper disposal protects waste workers, the community and the environment.

To find out how to properly dispose of an item, residents can use the RecycleRight app or RecyclingA-Z.com. These tools provide local disposal options for hundreds of items, along with information such as curbside collection schedules, service reminder sign-up, holiday collection schedules, and winter weather service alerts.

Residents should follow these guidelines to properly dispose of items that cannot go in curbside garbage or recycling carts:

• Batteries: Batteries must be taken to designated disposal sites. Batteries cannot be disposed of in garbage or recycling carts. Batteries tossed in household garbage or recycling carts can explode or spark fires. Several retail stores across Clark County now offer free battery disposal for household batteries, including lithium-ion batteries and cell phones. Disposal locations can be found at RecyclingA-Z.com or on the RecycleRight app.
  • Household batteries can also be recycled by covering each battery terminal with tape, putting them in a clear sealable bag and placing them on top of curbside recycling carts. Batteries accepted for curbside recycling include single-use and rechargeable AA, AAA, C, D, button, hearing aid and watch batteries.
• Block foam: Block foam can be dropped off at Earth Friendly Recycling in Vancouver for recycling. Block foam can also be placed in curbside garbage carts, but it cannot go in curbside recycling carts.
• Air pillows, bubble wrap, bubble mailers and plastic packaging: These plastic film products can be placed in bins for recycling at many local grocery stores and all three Clark County transfer stations. Plastic film cannot go in curbside recycling carts because it can get tangled in the machinery that sorts recyclables.
• String lights: Holiday string lights can be taken to a specialty recycler or disposed of in the garbage. String lights cannot go in curbside recycling carts. Specialty recyclers are listed at RecyclingA-Z.com and on the RecycleRight app.
• Gift wrap and ribbon: Gift wrap with non-paper elements such as glitter, foil and plastic decorations should be disposed of in the garbage because the non-paper decorations are not recyclable. Plain gift wrap that does not have glitter, foil or other non-paper decorations can be placed in curbside recycling carts. Ribbon should always be disposed of in the garbage.
• Electronics: Electronic products contain valuable materials that can be recycled, and toxic chemicals that should be kept out of the landfill. Electronics should be taken to one of the free E-Cycle drop-off locations listed at RecyclingA-Z.com and on the RecycleRight app.
• Excess recycling and cardboard: Extra cardboard and other recyclables can be set out with curbside recycling carts on regularly scheduled collection days. Extras should be placed in a cardboard box or paper bag. Recyclables in plastic bags are not accepted. Extra recycling can also be dropped off for free at Clark County transfer stations.

For more information and holiday waste-reduction tips, visit the Clark County Green Neighbors website.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

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County Hosting Open House Dec. 11 And Opening Online Survey To Gather Feedback On Plan For Public Access Improvements At 78th Street Heritage Farm (Photo) - 12/01/25

Vancouver, Wash. – In early December, Clark County Public Works, Parks and Nature, will share the latest concepts for a public access improvement project at the 78th Street Heritage Farm. The community is invited to participate in an open house on Dec. 11 to learn more about the latest concepts and share feedback with the project team. A survey, also opening on Dec. 11, will be available at the open house and online.

This project includes the design and installation of a restroom and shelter pavilion, and a concept for a publicly accessible trail, to be constructed in the future. The future trail will provide opportunities for walking, wildlife viewing, relaxation and connection with farm programs. The project is the first step to implement the master plan update, approved by the Clark County Council in 2020. The plan’s goals include making the farm more welcoming and accessible for farm users and the greater community. The facilities included in this project will expand public access and support existing farm uses, helping the community enjoy the farm property and learn more about its rich cultural heritage.

78th Street Heritage Farm Public Access Improvements Project Open House

6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11

Presentation and Q&A (question and answer) session begin at 6:30 p.m.

Spanish language interpretation will be provided.

Attending the open house in person

Minnehaha Elementary School, 2800 NE 54th St.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Attendees are welcome to view project displays and discuss the project with staff.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Participating virtually

The presentation and Q&A will be streamed via Webex. The Webex meeting will start at approximately 6:15 p.m. Webex participants can participate in the Q&A session via the platform’s chat feature. Additional information about participating via Webex can be found on the project website.

Presentation slides, displays, and a recording of the presentation and Q&A will be posted on the project webpage five to ten business days after the event. Interpretation, translated materials, and other accommodations can be requested by contacting parks planner Lynde Wallick at lynde.wallick@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.5882.

More information about the project, including links to open house materials and the community survey, are available on the project website. 

Farm background

The county’s 78th Street Heritage Farm is a historic 80-acre property and center for education, community programs and sustainable agriculture. The farm connects the community with the county’s agricultural heritage, promotes healthy communities and provides access to nature.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

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Planning Commission To Hold Work Session On Draft Climate Change Chapter - 11/25/25

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Planning Commission will hold a work session on a draft climate chapter for the county’s comprehensive plan at 5:30pm on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025.

With the passage of HB 1181 during the 2023 Washington State legislative session, Clark County is now required to add a climate change element into its Comprehensive Plan. The new climate chapter will include actions the county can take over the next 20 years to improve community resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and benefit overburdened communities that will be disproportionately affected by the compounding environmental impacts and natural hazards due to climate change. This work will be integrated into the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review project.

The work session is intended as an informational briefing for planning commission on the draft new climate chapter proposed for addition to the comprehensive plan.

The work session is open to the public. However there will be no public comment as part of the event.

The meeting will be held in a hybrid format. Attendees can join in person in the sixth-floor training room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or virtually via Webex.

Meeting materials and information on how to attend the meeting will be available on the Planning Commission’s meeting page at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/planning-commission-hearings-and-meeting-notes. A recording of the meeting will also be posted on the webpage for viewing later.

To learn more about the 2025 update and to sign up for project updates, please visit the project website at www.clark.wa.gov/2025update

To learn more about county climate planning, please visit the project website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/climate-change-planning.

The county’s Climate Project is being funded by a state grant. The Washington Department of Commerce climate planning grant is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office – MEDIA RELEASE - 11/24/25

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a vehicle crash near the 26600 block of NE 182nd Ave in Battle Ground on Nov. 12, 2025.

This individual died on 11/12/2025 in Battle Ground, WA.

The name of the decedent: Miguel, Cecille   Age: 55 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Multiple blunt force injuries

Manner of death:  Accident

How the injury occurred: Passenger in vehicle in collision with another vehicle

Place of injury: Roadway

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Media release issue date: 11/24/2025

County Council Appoints Ron Barca And Alicia LeDuc Montgomery To The Planning Commission - 11/24/25

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council this month appointed Ron Barca and Alicia LeDuc Montgomery to two open seats on the county’s volunteer Planning Commission.

LeDuc Montgomery’s term is six-years and begins Jan. 1, 2026, and ends Dec. 31, 2031. Barca will serve a four-year term that begins Jan. 1, 2026, and ends Dec. 31, 2029.

Barca is a resident of Battle Ground and works as a Lean Practitioner in the building industry at Wolf Industries Inc. in Battle Ground. He previously worked at Boeing and has prior experience serving on the Clark County Planning Commission. Barca was a volunteer participant in the county’s Housing Options Study Action Plan and has participated in land use policy advocacy since 1994.

Amboy resident LeDuc Montgomery is the managing attorney at LeDuc Montgomery LLC. She has experience representing public entities and advising and litigating matters involving government affairs and land use. LeDuc Montgomery earned a bachelor’s degree in arts in business administration from Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, and a master’s degree in public administration from The Evergreen State College in Olympia. She earned a Juris Doctor from Willamette University College of Law in Salem, Oregon.

The seven-member Clark County Planning Commission serves as an advisory board on matters related to development of land in the unincorporated area.

More information on the Planning Commission including its meetings is on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/planning-commission. Commission public hearings are aired on CVTV channel 23/323 and CVTV.org.

Clark County Public Works, Solid Waste, Shares Tips To Help Residents Save Money And Reduce Their Environmental Impact By Reducing Food Waste This Holiday Season - 11/21/25

Vancouver, Wash. – While residents are preparing for holiday meals, they may not know that food waste is a big problem. Each year, 30-40% of the food supply in the United States is thrown away. Clark County residents alone generate an average of 35,000 tons of edible food waste each year. The EPA estimates that reducing food waste could save a family of four nearly $3,000 annually, about $728 per person. In addition to wasting money, tossing food in the garbage contributes to climate change. As food breaks down in landfills, it releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Wasting food is one of the biggest contributors to a person’s environmental footprint.

Residents can reduce food waste this holiday season by taking some simple steps as they plan for and clean up after a holiday meal.

• Shopping: Food waste prevention starts with not buying more than is needed or can be eaten before it spoils. To prevent over-buying, recommendations include taking inventory of what is available on hand, using a tool like the “Guest-imator” to know how much is needed for parties of various sizes, making a list, and only purchasing items on the list when at the grocery store.
• Storage: Properly storing groceries can minimize spoilage. Dry goods should be stored in labeled, air-tight containers. Onions and apples should be stored separately from other foods, as they emit a gas that causes other foods to spoil faster. Local and in-season produce tends to last longer before spoiling because it requires less time in transport.
• Leftovers: Waste from leftovers can be reduced by sending guests home with leftovers in reusable containers. Using leftovers creatively can also reduce food waste. Examples include using mashed potatoes to make shepherd’s pie, topping oatmeal with cranberry sauce, and boiling bones to create nutrient-rich broths. To prevent foodborne illness, leftovers should be enjoyed within three to four days or frozen in air-tight containers to be enjoyed later. 
• Composting: Food scraps can be composted instead of tossed in the garbage. Composting returns nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Composting also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In Clark County, composting options for residents without backyard composting systems include:
  • Composting at the curb: Waste Connections customers in the cities of Vancouver and Ridgefield who subscribe to the organics service can dispose of food scraps in their organics carts.
  • Food scrap drop-off: All residents can drop off food waste at a We Compost Community Hub location for composting. The service is free and available at locations throughout Clark County. Find locations on the We Compost Community Hub webpage.

More food waste prevention tips and resources are available on the Clark County Green Neighbors webpage, and a video is available on the county’s YouTube channel.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

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Commission On Aging To Present Annual Silver Citizen Award - 11/10/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County recognizes that older adults are valuable contributors to the vitality of this community. To encourage and support older adults for their contributions, the Clark County Commission on Aging has established a program to recognize older adults by means of an annual award. The COA celebrates 2025 by presenting the 6^th annual Silver Citizen Award at their final meeting of the year. This year’s award recognizes Sharon Wodtke.

Sharon is currently the President of the Board of Directors for Battle Ground Senior Citizens, Inc (BGSC). She has been involved with this group since 2018, and, under her leadership, the group has expanded their impact on the aging community. Since 2018, the BGSC has grown their roster from 90 to over 700 participants and serves up to 200 lunches to area seniors each week. Sharon actively spearheaded a revival of senior activities post-pandemic by recruiting volunteers and developing activities and cost saving programs and educational opportunities. The nomination for Sharon states, “Many seniors have even been moved to tears, expressing deep gratitude for the range of opportunities now available to them.”

The meeting will begin at 4:30 pm Wednesday, Nov. 19, and is open to the public.

Commission on Aging meetings are currently held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in the sixth-floor Training Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join by phone or computer through information provided at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging-meetings.

Commission meetings are carried on CVTV Channel 23/323 and online at www.cvtv.org. To see replay times, go to www.cvtv.org.

The Commission on Aging, supported by the of the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members.

Clark County Finance Committee Meeting Scheduled For Nov. 18 - 11/07/25

Vancouver, Wash. – The next Clark County Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for 9:30 am Tuesday, Nov.18, 2025, in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Room 243.

Pursuant to RCW 42.30.030(2), which encourages public agencies to provide for public access to meetings, this meeting can also be viewed via Teams or joined telephonically.

• Dial-in number: 1-213-262-7043
• Phone ID: 671 772 263#
• Meeting ID: 227 411 207 256
• Passcode: Vm9Un9VY
• Join online here.

See the agenda for the meeting on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/treasurer/investment-reports-meetings.

Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office - MEDIA RELEASE - 11/06/25

The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office contracts with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe to provide medical examiner services. The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a death at ilani hotel.

This individual was found on 10/05/2025 in Ridgefield, WA.

The name of the decedent: Arslan   Age: 38 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Lynnwood, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Pending

Manner of death:  Pending

Place of injury: Hotel

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Cowlitz Indian Tribal Public Safety Department.

Media release issue date: 11/06/2025

County Releases Agricultural Lands Study As Part Of The Comprehensive Plan Update - 11/05/25

Study will be discussed at a County Council work session, Nov. 12

Vancouver, Wash. - Clark County is revising its Comprehensive Growth Management Plan, a 20-year guide for managing growth and development with respect to the natural environment and available resources. As a part of the update, the county hired a consultant, ECONorthwest, to conduct an agricultural resource lands study which was released this week.

The study focuses on land within the unincorporated areas of the county, outside of the current urban growth areas, including areas that currently have agricultural and rural zoning. The study evaluates state and local criteria to help identify lands that are used or capable of being used for agricultural production. The county held two open houses in September and October to provide information on the study and gather feedback from community members.

The agricultural lands study does not include policy recommendations or recommend changes to land designations. The data within the report will be utilized to inform decision makers and the public in the selection of a preferred alternative that will be further analyzed as a part of the comprehensive plan update.

The consultant that produced it will give the Clark County Council an informational briefing as a part of a work session in November. The work session is open to the public, however there will be no public comment as part of the event. Public comment on the study will take place in early 2026 as a part of a discussion on the preferred alternative.

The work session will be held on Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format. Attendees can join in person in the sixth-floor hearing room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or virtually via Webex. Information on how to attend the meeting can be found on the council’s meeting page at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings.

Clark County has not performed a countywide agricultural resource lands study since the initial adoption of the county’s first comprehensive plan under the Growth Management Act (GMA) in 1994.

Comments on the agricultural lands study and the comprehensive plan update can be submitted in the following ways:

• On the county website: https://bit.ly/2025CPComments
• By email: comp.plan@clark.wa.gov
• By mail: Community Planning, Comprehensive Plan Update, P.O. Box 9810, Vancouver, WA 98666-9810

Learn more about the county Comprehensive Plan Update project, Your Future. Your Voice. at: https://bit.ly/2025CPUpdate

Learn more about the county agricultural resource lands study at: bit.ly/2025CPAgStudy