Emergency Messages as of 6:57 PM, Sun. Jan 4

No information currently posted.

Subscribe to receive FlashAlert messages from City of Vancouver.

Primary email address for a new account

Emergency Alerts

News Releases

Manage my existing Subscription

News Release

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.

###

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.

###

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,

Muddy Boots Tour Held At Site Of Future Bridge Shelter (Photo) - 12/10/25

Vancouver, Wash. – With construction work underway, policymakers, donors and partners gathered at the site of Vancouver’s future bridge shelter. The project, located at 5313 N.E. 94th Ave., will provide medication-assisted treatment and other support services to help people transition to stable housing.

PeaceHealth’s Liz Cattin, Michael Lynch of the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund - Community Foundation of Southwest Washington and Clark County Councilor Glen Yung joined Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and City Councilors Bart Hansen, Kim Harless and Ty Stober for a first-hand look at early construction progress. Completion is anticipated for fall 2026.

Attendees toured the site and spoke with project team members, including representatives from Scott Edward Architecture, construction leads at Tapani Inc. and future shelter operator, Do Good Multnomah.

Funds to establish the shelter come from the City’s 2025-26 general fund, as well as grants, donations and partner contributions. To date, funding partners have committed $7.55 million.

The Bridge Shelter is part of a broader network of City response efforts to address the homelessness emergency in Vancouver. Learn more at www.cityofvancouver.us/bridgeshelter.

B-roll from today's tour is available upon request.

###

Attached Media Files: Muddy Boots tour group, including City staff, project partners, policymakers and donors, Kevin Kearns, City Capital Projects Project Manager, provides tour of the Bridge Shelter site (1), Kevin Kearns, City Capital Projects Project Manager, provides tour of the Bridge Shelter site (2), Jamie Spinelli, City Homeless Response Manager, discusses design renderings with City Councilor Kim Harless and Clark County Councilor Glen Yung, Jamie Spinelli, City Homeless Response Manager, talks about the Bridge Shelter design renderings with City Councilor Ty Stober, site architect and Shannon Troy, Do Good Multnomah., Scott Edwards Architecture discusses sit finish samples with City Councilor Ty Stober and Shannon Troy from Do Good Multnomah, Bridge Shelter design documents and color/finish samples for Vancouver's new Bridge Shelter.,

Muddy Boots Tour Held At Site Of Future Bridge Shelter (Photo) - 12/10/25

Vancouver, Wash. – With construction work underway, policymakers, donors and partners gathered at the site of Vancouver’s future bridge shelter. The project, located at 5313 N.E. 94th Ave., will provide medication-assisted treatment and other support services to help people transition to stable housing.

PeaceHealth’s Liz Cattin, Michael Lynch of the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund - Community Foundation of Southwest Washington and Clark County Councilor Glen Yung joined Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and City Councilors Bart Hansen, Kim Harless and Ty Stober for a first-hand look at early construction progress. Completion is anticipated for fall 2026.

Attendees toured the site and spoke with project team members, including representatives from Scott Edward Architecture, construction leads at Tapani Inc. and future shelter operator, Do Good Multnomah.

Funds to establish the shelter come from the City’s 2025-26 general fund, as well as grants, donations and partner contributions. To date, funding partners have committed $7.55 million.

The Bridge Shelter is part of a broader network of City response efforts to address the homelessness emergency in Vancouver. Learn more at www.cityofvancouver.us/bridgeshelter.

B-roll from today's tour is available upon request.

###

Attached Media Files: Muddy Boots tour group, including City staff, project partners, policymakers and donors, Kevin Kearns, City Capital Projects Project Manager, provides tour of the Bridge Shelter site (1), Kevin Kearns, City Capital Projects Project Manager, provides tour of the Bridge Shelter site (2), Jamie Spinelli, City Homeless Response Manager, discusses design renderings with City Councilor Kim Harless and Clark County Councilor Glen Yung, Jamie Spinelli, City Homeless Response Manager, talks about the Bridge Shelter design renderings with City Councilor Ty Stober, site architect and Shannon Troy, Do Good Multnomah., Scott Edwards Architecture discusses sit finish samples with City Councilor Ty Stober and Shannon Troy from Do Good Multnomah, Bridge Shelter design documents and color/finish samples for Vancouver's new Bridge Shelter.,

Media Advisory: City Hosts Future Bridge Shelter Construction Site Tour (Photo) - 12/08/25

What

The City of Vancouver will host a “Muddy Boots Tour” of the Bridge Shelter site, offering a first look at construction plans and how the campus will serve people experiencing homelessness. Policymakers, donors and partners will tour the site with the project team.

In 2023, the City of Vancouver declared a homelessness emergency. A key component of the City’s emergency response action plan includes the opening of a bridge shelter with 120 beds. The shelter will provide medication-assisted treatment and other support services to help people transition to stable housing.

Construction is underway and is anticipated to be completed in fall 2026, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Who

Invitation-only guests include:

Liz Cattin, PeaceHealth – contributed funding to help build a commercial-grade kitchen at the shelter campus.
Michael Lynch, Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund, Community Foundation of Southwest Washington – contributed funding to support new, limited-term positions on the Homeless Assistance and Resources Team (HART) to provide outreach and help guide people into the shelter once it opens.
Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and City Councilors Bart Hansen, Diana Perez and Ty Stober.
Clark County Councilors Glen Yung and Wil Fuentes.

When

10 to 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10

Where

5313 N.E. 94^th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98662

Limited on-street parking is available in the neighborhood surrounding the construction site. Please wear closed toe shoes and dress for rain.

Visit Bridge Shelter to learn more about the future shelter, and visit Homelessness Emergency to learn more about the City’s emergency response efforts related to homelessness.

B-roll and photos will be available for media following the event.

###

Attached Media Files: Bridge Shelter property map, 5313 N.E. 94th Ave., Vancouver, Vancouver Bridge Shelter Commons Building interior rendering, Vancouver Bridge Shelter Dormitory Building interior rendering, Vancouver Bridge Shelter campus view from the south - rendering,