Open House Planned For 2026 Street Preservation Projects: May 27 (Photo) - 05/15/26

The City of Battle Ground invites community members to attend an open house for the City’s 2026 Street Preservation Program, an annual effort focused on extending the life of local roadways and maintaining safe, reliable transportation infrastructure throughout the community.

The open house will take place on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 5:00 - 6:30pm at Battle Ground City Hall – 109 SW 1^st Street, Second Floor.

This year’s project list includes planned preservation work on several city streets, including full reconstruction and/or mill and fill on portions of NW and SW 20^th Avenue, NE Grace Avenue, SW Scotton Way, SW Eaton Boulevard, and the Salmon Creek Bridge located on SE Grace Avenue.

The City Council budgeted $8.82 million for these improvements, a significant investment toward the long-term safety, reliability, and extended life of existing infrastructure. Contractor bid awards are scheduled to go before the Battle Ground City Council for consideration and approval during the May 18 City Council meeting.

Community members attending the open house will have the opportunity to:

• Meet with City staff and ask questions about the Street Preservation Program 
• View maps highlighting project locations and construction areas 
• Meet the project contractors 
• Learn about anticipated traffic impacts, construction access, and traffic control strategies
• Better understand the project timelines and construction process 

The City encourages residents, businesses, and commuters who may be impacted by construction activities to attend and learn more about the upcoming work.

Additional project information and location maps are available on the City’s Street Preservation Program webpage at www.cityofbg.org/our-streets.

Ongoing updates will also be shared through the City’s official social media channels throughout the project.

Now Enrolling - Battle Ground University “Class Of 2026” (Photo) - 05/04/26

The City of Battle Ground is now accepting applications for the Battle Ground University (BGU) Class of 2026!  BGU is designed to Educate, Engage, and Empower our community; providing “students” with an in-depth look at how the City of Battle Ground operates. 

City staff will serve as the “faculty”, providing information on a wide range of topics including:

• City Administration – September 1
• Finance – September 15
• Public Works – September 29
• Community Development – October 13
• Public Safety – October 27

Classes will be held from 6:30 – 8:00 pm on alternating Tuesdays, starting September 1, 2026.  A graduation ceremony for BGU students will take place during the November 2, 2026, City Council Meeting. 

Battle Ground University is a free program that is open to the public, pre-registration required.  Participants should be at least 18 years old. Registration is open until 5:00 pm (PST) on August 14, 2026.  Apply online at www.cityofbg.org/BGU.  There, you may also participate in a brief online survey that will help inform the program curriculum.  Share your insights about the city services and operations you are interested in learning more about.

For more information regarding Battle Ground University please contact Alisha Smith, Communications Manager, at 360-342-5004 or via email at pio.info@cityofbg.org.

Battle Ground Introduces Old Town Facade Improvement Grant Program (Photo) - 05/01/26

The City of Battle Ground is excited to introduce the Old Town Facade Improvement Grant Program (FIGP), a new investment opportunity in the heart of our community. This program is designed to help local businesses and property owners enhance storefronts and bring renewed energy to Old Town.

With $50,000 in funding approved by the City Council, the program offers 50/50 matching grants of up to $10,000 per eligible applicant for exterior improvements. This investment reflects the City’s commitment to supporting local businesses while strengthening the long-term vitality and character of historic Old Town Battle Ground.

From fresh paint and updated signage to new lighting, awnings, and murals, the program supports improvements that create a more vibrant and welcoming downtown experience for residents, visitors, and business owners alike.

Program Eligibility
Eligible applicants include commercial property owners and retail business tenants (with property owner approval) located in the Old Town area along E. Main Street and NE/SE 1st Streets, between Parkway and Fairgrounds Avenue.

Eligible Projects
Funding may be used for exterior building improvements only. Examples include doors and windows, exterior carpentry, storefront renovations, signage, painting, awnings, lighting, and murals or other exterior artwork. Grants are not retroactive and cannot be used for work already completed.

Application Process & Funding Details
Applications will be accepted from May 1 through June 30, 2026, and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are committed.

Approved grant funds are provided as reimbursement upon project completion. All construction and required documentation must be completed and submitted to the City by December 31, 2026.

Projects funded through this program are subject to prevailing wage requirements (RCW 39.12 and RCW 39.04.010).

To learn more or apply, visit www.cityofbg.org/OldTownGrant or contact Deputy City Manager Robert Ferrier at exec.info@cityofbg.org.

City Of Battle Ground Launches “BiG Heart” Citizen Recognition Program (Photo) - 04/21/26

The City of Battle Ground is proud to announce the launch of the BiG Heart Award, a new citizen recognition program established by the Battle Ground City Council to celebrate individuals, organizations, and businesses that make meaningful contributions to the community.

Through the BiG Heart program, community members are invited to nominate those whose service, achievements, and dedication help strengthen the spirit of Battle Ground. Selected recipients will be honored during a City Council meeting and presented with a commemorative heart-shaped stone, a lapel pin, and a certificate of recognition.

The heart-shaped stone symbolizes both strength and compassion—reflecting the foundation of a thriving community. Each honoree represents a unique contribution, and together, their efforts help shape the character and resilience of Battle Ground.

April BiG Heart Award Recipient: Virginia Mendez-Rodeman

On Monday, April 20, 2026, Mayor Eric Overholser presented Virginia Mendez-Rodeman, of the Battle Ground Martial Arts Academy, with the first BiG Heart Award.

Virginia was recognized for her outstanding achievements in competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and for representing our community with excellence on the global stage. She recently traveled to Lisbon, Portugal, to compete in the 2026 International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) European Championship. Through her dedication, resilience, and extraordinary work ethic, Virginia earned the gold medal in the Brown Belt Female Master 5 Open Division—an achievement that reflects determination and heart with no limits.

“As a member of the Battle Ground City Council, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many people in our community who are doing truly remarkable things,” said Mayor Overholser. “Through volunteer efforts and incredible achievements like Virginia’s, we are reminded that there is greatness all around us. The BiG Heart Award is a way to recognize and celebrate those contributions.”

Nominations & Awards

Nominees may be of any age and must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Be a Battle Ground resident
• Be an organization located within the City (including nonprofits, schools, and service clubs)
• Be an owner, operator, or employee of a business within Battle Ground city limits

Both individuals and groups are eligible. City staff and elected officials acting in their official capacity are not eligible. The BiG Heart Award will be presented to one recipient, selected by the Mayor, each month.

For additional information or to submit a nomination, please visit the City of Battle Ground website at: www.cityofbg.org/BiGHeart