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News Release

City Launches Rental Registration With Waived Fees Through March (Photo) - 01/09/26

Vancouver, Wash. – On Jan. 1, the City launched a new Rental Registration System designed to improve transparency, support healthy housing conditions, and strengthen communication between the City, renters and rental housing providers.

 

The system creates a comprehensive inventory of rental properties across Vancouver. It will better track rental housing stock, help the City respond more efficiently to safety concerns, and share timely information with rental housing providers about inspections, code updates and tenant protections. Over 800 units have been registered to date.

 

“This is an important first step toward ensuring safe, well-maintained rental housing throughout Vancouver,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “Having accurate information allows the City to be more proactive, equitable and effective in how we support both renters and property owners.”

 

Under the new system, owners of residential rental properties are required to register their units with the City every year and can do so at https://www.cityofvancouver.us/rentalregistration. Property owners will be asked to provide basic information about their rental units, including ownership and contact details.

 

The program will roll out in phases to better support rental housing providers in meeting the new requirements. Early 2026 will focus on education, outreach and technical assistance to help property owners understand the registration requirements and successfully use the system. Fees are waived through March. Beginning April 1, the registration fee is $30 per rental unit. Property owners are encouraged to register early and reach out with questions.

 

Over the coming months, the City will host community information sessions and continue working with tenants, housing providers, and community partners to refine and improve the program.

 

Learn more at cityofvancouver.us/rentalregistration or by calling 360-487-7928 or emailing rentalregistration@cityofvancouver.us.

 

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Attached Media Files: Multi-family rental housing in Vancouver.,

City Launches Rental Registration With Waived Fees Through March (Photo) - 01/09/26

Vancouver, Wash. – On Jan. 1, the City launched a new Rental Registration System designed to improve transparency, support healthy housing conditions, and strengthen communication between the City, renters and rental housing providers.

 

The system creates a comprehensive inventory of rental properties across Vancouver. It will better track rental housing stock, help the City respond more efficiently to safety concerns, and share timely information with rental housing providers about inspections, code updates and tenant protections. Over 800 units have been registered to date.

 

“This is an important first step toward ensuring safe, well-maintained rental housing throughout Vancouver,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “Having accurate information allows the City to be more proactive, equitable and effective in how we support both renters and property owners.”

 

Under the new system, owners of residential rental properties are required to register their units with the City every year and can do so at https://www.cityofvancouver.us/rentalregistration. Property owners will be asked to provide basic information about their rental units, including ownership and contact details.

 

The program will roll out in phases to better support rental housing providers in meeting the new requirements. Early 2026 will focus on education, outreach and technical assistance to help property owners understand the registration requirements and successfully use the system. Fees are waived through March. Beginning April 1, the registration fee is $30 per rental unit. Property owners are encouraged to register early and reach out with questions.

 

Over the coming months, the City will host community information sessions and continue working with tenants, housing providers, and community partners to refine and improve the program.

 

Learn more at cityofvancouver.us/rentalregistration or by calling 360-487-7928 or emailing rentalregistration@cityofvancouver.us.

 

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Attached Media Files: Multi-family rental housing in Vancouver.,

Residents Encouraged To Apply For Traffic Calming Measures On Vancouver Streets (Photo) - 01/07/26

Vancouver, Wash. - Vancouver community members are invited to submit traffic concerns and champion project locations for consideration through the 2026 Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program. The program will award approximately $300,000 for traffic calming projects this year. 

 

Residents interested in a traffic calming project for their neighborhood street must apply online by Saturday, Feb. 28. 

 

After the application period, community-identified projects will be reviewed through a competitive selection process. Final projects will be selected this fall. Locations are evaluated and ranked based on information such as traffic speed and volume, sidewalks, mobility/bike lanes, bus stops, vicinity to schools and collision history. 

 

This program supports the City’s Strategic Plan and core values for livability, community relationships, distinct neighborhoods and transportation/mobility. Past projects have included signing and surface striping, speed cushions/tables, radar feedback signs, pedestrian safety islands and street trees. 

 

More information about Vancouver’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program, past projects, details and requirements can be found at cityofvancouver.us/TrafficCalmingProgram. 

 

 

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Attached Media Files: Four Seasons neighborhood traffic calming project.,

Residents Encouraged To Apply For Traffic Calming Measures On Vancouver Streets (Photo) - 01/07/26

Vancouver, Wash. - Vancouver community members are invited to submit traffic concerns and champion project locations for consideration through the 2026 Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program. The program will award approximately $300,000 for traffic calming projects this year. 

 

Residents interested in a traffic calming project for their neighborhood street must apply online by Saturday, Feb. 28. 

 

After the application period, community-identified projects will be reviewed through a competitive selection process. Final projects will be selected this fall. Locations are evaluated and ranked based on information such as traffic speed and volume, sidewalks, mobility/bike lanes, bus stops, vicinity to schools and collision history. 

 

This program supports the City’s Strategic Plan and core values for livability, community relationships, distinct neighborhoods and transportation/mobility. Past projects have included signing and surface striping, speed cushions/tables, radar feedback signs, pedestrian safety islands and street trees. 

 

More information about Vancouver’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program, past projects, details and requirements can be found at cityofvancouver.us/TrafficCalmingProgram. 

 

 

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Attached Media Files: Four Seasons neighborhood traffic calming project.,

Vancouver Rolls Out New All-access Community Center Membership (Photo) - 12/30/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Beginning January 2026, Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services will launch a new Vancouver Community Center Membership, providing full access to both Firstenburg (700 N.E. 136th Ave.) and Marshall (1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd.) community centers.   

 

Under the new Vancouver Community Center Membership, members can take full advantage of the extensive amenities at both centers. From the impressive 25-yard lap swim area at Marshall to the exciting water play area and relaxing lazy river at Firstenburg, both centers offer unique opportunities for fitness and fun. With access to more than 60 group classes, impressive fitness centers, and gymnasiums with drop-in pickleball, basketball and volleyball, members can now choose activities based on their schedule, location or interests, near work or closer to home.   

 

“We’re excited to offer the community even more value and flexibility,” said David Perlick, director of Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. “This streamlined membership makes it easier than ever to find fitness programs you love, connect with neighbors and stay active, wherever you are in the city.”   

 

This new combined membership aims to increase opportunities for fitness, recreation, and community building across Vancouver, making it simpler for individuals, families and seniors to stay active and connected. Memberships range from $22-$41 a month for Vancouver residents based on age; family memberships are also available.  

 

Stop by for a tour or sign up for a membership at either Firstenburg or Marshall center, starting Jan. 2, 2026. Staff are happy to answer questions and interpretation services are available. Current members will automatically receive access to both centers in the new year.  

For more information and full pricing details, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/community-center-membership.

 

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Attached Media Files: Firstenburg and Marshall community centers offer more than 60 group exercise classes a week, Firstenburg and Marshall centers host a variety of water exercise classes, Enjoy welcoming fitness centers and set goals with an on-site personal trainer,

Vancouver Rolls Out New All-access Community Center Membership (Photo) - 12/30/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Beginning January 2026, Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services will launch a new Vancouver Community Center Membership, providing full access to both Firstenburg (700 N.E. 136th Ave.) and Marshall (1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd.) community centers.   

 

Under the new Vancouver Community Center Membership, members can take full advantage of the extensive amenities at both centers. From the impressive 25-yard lap swim area at Marshall to the exciting water play area and relaxing lazy river at Firstenburg, both centers offer unique opportunities for fitness and fun. With access to more than 60 group classes, impressive fitness centers, and gymnasiums with drop-in pickleball, basketball and volleyball, members can now choose activities based on their schedule, location or interests, near work or closer to home.   

 

“We’re excited to offer the community even more value and flexibility,” said David Perlick, director of Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. “This streamlined membership makes it easier than ever to find fitness programs you love, connect with neighbors and stay active, wherever you are in the city.”   

 

This new combined membership aims to increase opportunities for fitness, recreation, and community building across Vancouver, making it simpler for individuals, families and seniors to stay active and connected. Memberships range from $22-$41 a month for Vancouver residents based on age; family memberships are also available.  

 

Stop by for a tour or sign up for a membership at either Firstenburg or Marshall center, starting Jan. 2, 2026. Staff are happy to answer questions and interpretation services are available. Current members will automatically receive access to both centers in the new year.  

For more information and full pricing details, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/community-center-membership.

 

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Attached Media Files: Firstenburg and Marshall community centers offer more than 60 group exercise classes a week, Firstenburg and Marshall centers host a variety of water exercise classes, Enjoy welcoming fitness centers and set goals with an on-site personal trainer,

City Hires New Fire Chief Following National Search (Photo) - 12/24/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Following a nationwide search, City Manager Lon Pluckhahn has named John L. Drake II as Vancouver’s new fire chief, starting Dec. 29. Drake succeeds Fire Chief Brennan Blue, who retired earlier this year after 38 years of fire service.

 

Chief Drake brings 38 years of leadership and operational experience in fire and emergency services to Vancouver. He is a retired chief deputy of emergency operations for the Los Angeles City Fire Department and served as acting fire chief, overseeing one of the nation’s largest fire departments. His career includes directing large-scale emergency operations, managing multi-million-dollar budgets, and leading more than 3,400 personnel across organizational services, safety, and community resilience advancements.

 

Drake holds a doctorate in policy, planning, and development from the University of Southern California, where he also taught public-sector performance management and emergency services improvement.

 

“I am excited to have Chief Drake joining Vancouver,” said City Manager Lon Pluckhahn. “With his extensive public safety experience, commitment to strengthening emergency operations, and drive to advance community resilience, he will inspire and challenge our fire service. As fire and emergency service needs grow and evolve, Chief Drake’s insight and strategic approach will be invaluable.”

 

“I am truly honored to serve the Vancouver community as your next fire chief,” said Chief Drake. “I am grateful to our city leaders, public safety personnel, and community members for their support throughout the selection process. I look forward to serving not only as your fire chief, but as a collaborative public safety partner working to ensure a safe and prepared community."

 

As fire chief, Drake will lead a department focused on meeting the evolving needs of Vancouver’s growing community. Drawing on his background in strategic planning and performance management, he will work to further strengthen service delivery, operational readiness, and community response.

 

 

Read full bio.

Attached Media Files: Headshot of John L. Drake II, Vancouver Fire Chief,

City Hires New Fire Chief Following National Search (Photo) - 12/24/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Following a nationwide search, City Manager Lon Pluckhahn has named John L. Drake II as Vancouver’s new fire chief, starting Dec. 29. Drake succeeds Fire Chief Brennan Blue, who retired earlier this year after 38 years of fire service.

 

Chief Drake brings 38 years of leadership and operational experience in fire and emergency services to Vancouver. He is a retired chief deputy of emergency operations for the Los Angeles City Fire Department and served as acting fire chief, overseeing one of the nation’s largest fire departments. His career includes directing large-scale emergency operations, managing multi-million-dollar budgets, and leading more than 3,400 personnel across organizational services, safety, and community resilience advancements.

 

Drake holds a doctorate in policy, planning, and development from the University of Southern California, where he also taught public-sector performance management and emergency services improvement.

 

“I am excited to have Chief Drake joining Vancouver,” said City Manager Lon Pluckhahn. “With his extensive public safety experience, commitment to strengthening emergency operations, and drive to advance community resilience, he will inspire and challenge our fire service. As fire and emergency service needs grow and evolve, Chief Drake’s insight and strategic approach will be invaluable.”

 

“I am truly honored to serve the Vancouver community as your next fire chief,” said Chief Drake. “I am grateful to our city leaders, public safety personnel, and community members for their support throughout the selection process. I look forward to serving not only as your fire chief, but as a collaborative public safety partner working to ensure a safe and prepared community."

 

As fire chief, Drake will lead a department focused on meeting the evolving needs of Vancouver’s growing community. Drawing on his background in strategic planning and performance management, he will work to further strengthen service delivery, operational readiness, and community response.

 

 

Read full bio.

Attached Media Files: Headshot of John L. Drake II, Vancouver Fire Chief,