City councilors participate in small group conversation at a Council Community Forum

Vancouver, Wash. – Vancouver City Council will hold its next council community forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25 at Evergreen Public Schools Administrative Service Center, 13413 N.E. LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive. Community forums are held throughout the year at locations across Vancouver.

All community members are invited to attend and share their questions, concerns, and ideas directly with the City Council. The round-table forum will include small-group discussions hosted by pairs of councilors and time for informal conversation.

No RSVP or registration is required. For interpretation services or accommodations with a disability, please get in touch with the City Manager’s Office at 360-487-8600 or cityinfo@cityofvancouver.us. 

Vancouver cityscape

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver has extended the deadline to apply for volunteer positions on two advisory boards and commissions. The new deadline to apply for the following City boards is Dec. 20 (previously Nov. 1):

• Downtown Redevelopment Authority Board (DRA): A public corporation chartered by the City that owns the Vancouver Hilton Hotel and Convention Center (Hilton) downtown and oversees its operations, finances and promotion. DRA is also one of the major partners in the City’s Waterfront Gateway Project, a long-term redevelopment plan for the City-owned properties around the Hilton.
• Vancouver Public Facilities Board (VPFD): This volunteer board owns several parcels of land downtown, including the parcel under the Hilton in downtown Vancouver. The land is leased to the City’s DRA. The VPFD receives funding from the state sales tax credit program and transfers it to the DRA. The sales tax credit revenue funds a portion of the tax-supported bonds issued to finance the construction of the Hilton. The VPFD board is also responsible for approving annual budgets and monitoring the use of the funds. 

Learn more and apply for either board at www.cityofvancouver.us/boards. For a printed application or 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 by calling 360-487-8600.

###

Vancouver's Parking Management Area (PMA) is the focus area for the Downtown Access, Mobility and Parking Plan.

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver has released draft recommendations and actions for the “Downtown Access, Mobility, and Parking Plan – Focusing on People.” This plan outlines a series of planned actions to enhance downtown access and mobility, and manage parking from 2025 through 2030. Examples of proposed actions include repurposing private parking options for public use and expanding bike and small mobility parking options.

Designed with extensive community input, “Focusing on People” aims to help transform downtown Vancouver into a dynamic and walkable neighborhood that can support future growth while remaining accessible and enjoyable for all residents and visitors.

Development of this plan aligns with the City’s commitment to climate action and its Transportation System Plan. This work helps ensure that downtown is a vibrant and convenient place that embodies three key objectives:

• A great place: Downtown is a welcoming, lively destination for people, families and businesses.
• High functionality: Focusing on efficient, easy-to-navigate transportation and parking infrastructure will support people’s access to businesses, public spaces and amenities.
• Low congestion: Even with anticipated population growth, this plan aims to reduce congestion caused by parking and reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, ensuring a positive experience for all – no matter how they choose to travel.

As the City works to bring these changes to life, it is committed to keeping the community informed. Notices will be provided in advance as each phase of implementation unfolds, helping ensure that residents and businesses can prepare for – and benefit from – these improvements.

Get involved, stay informed 

Community members are encouraged to read the draft plan and share public comments in live or recorded meeting presentations. The next presentation will be at the City Center Redevelopment Authority board meeting from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21 at City Hall, Council Chambers, 415 W. 6^th St., Vancouver.

The plan is expected to be reviewed by City Council in January 2025. Updates and notices about these upgrades over the next few years will be available at Be Heard Vancouver and the City Parking Services webpage. 

###

Vancouver, Wash. – While election results have not been certified, preliminary results from last week’s election show that Vancouver voters have rejected Proposition 4, the Police Services Levy. 
 

“While we are disappointed that Proposition 4 did not pass, we understand that public safety continues to be a priority for our community,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “We remain committed to identifying solutions to ensure the safety and security of our community.”

“Although this did not pass, the community indicated underlying support. We will seek to understand why people may have chosen to vote no and see if there may be a path forward with some adjustments to our plans,” said City Manager Lon Pluckhahn. 

“Despite Proposition 4 not passing, I want to assure residents that the Vancouver Police Department remains committed to the safety of our city and dedicated to our core function and service, which is Patrol response to 9-1-1 calls for service,” said Interim Police Chief Troy Price. “Over the next few months, the department and City leadership will be looking at what services over time may need to be reduced while our population increases and the police department staffing remains the same. Your continued support will be needed as we navigate into the future.” 

Proposition 4 was developed with the 13-member Police Advisory Committee of Vancouver residents, convened by the City Manager. It would have funded additional sworn police officers, non-sworn police positions, efficiency-enhancing technologies, facility expenses, and costs related to police staff and services, including the impact of additional staffing on jail, corrections, and public defense. 
 

The election results will be certified on Nov. 22. 

###

Korey's Joy Drive 2024 logo

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver invites the community to support the 10th annual Korey's Joy Drive by donating toys and warm clothing for neighbors in need starting Wednesday, Nov. 13. 

Korey’s Joy Drive honors the memory of Korey Cochran, a City employee who passed away from brain cancer in 2017. He received the rare cancer diagnosis just before the holiday season.  

“Since establishing Korey’s Joy Drive, we’ve collected more than 12,000 items to support families in need during the holidays,” said Jen Thomas with the City’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services department. “Thanks to the generosity of our community and local business partners, we’ve doubled the number of charities we can support.” 
 
From Nov. 13 to Dec. 11, City employees will collect new, unwrapped toys and new youth, teen and adult winter coats, gloves, socks and hats. All donations will be delivered to eight local non-profits: Children's Justice Center, Children's Center, Open House Ministries, Sea Mar Parent-Child Assistance Program, Share of Vancouver, Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, YWCA Clark County and Fosterful. 

Community members can contribute at one of 14 public drop-off sites:  

• Edward Jones - Greg Hiatt – 5512 N.E. 109th Court, Suite D
• Firstenburg Community Center – 700 N.E. 136th Ave.
• Latte Da Coffee House & Wine Bar – 205 E. 39th St.
• Marshall Community Center – 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd.
• Park Crest Commons Apartments – 14913 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd.
• The Al Angelo Company – 400 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Suite 500
• Vancouver City Hall – 415 W. 6th St.
• Vancouver Fire Department Station 5 – 7110 N.E. 63^rd St.
• Vancouver Operations Center front desk – 4711 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.
• Vancouver Police West Precinct – 2800 N.E. Stapleton Rd.
• Vancouver Police East Precinct – 520 S.E. 155th Ave.
• Vancouver Utilities front desk – 2323 General Anderson Rd.
• Water Resources Education Center – 4600 S.E. Columbia Way
• West Vancouver Dental – 117 E. 39^th St.

Donors may also contribute to Korey’s Joy Drive online via Amazon Wish List. Local businesses interested in hosting a collection site may contact Jen Thomas at 360-487-7019 or jen.thomas@cityofvancouver.us. Learn more at www.cityofvancouver.us/koreysjoydrive. 

### 

Last night should have been an evening of Halloween fun at Vancouver Mall. Instead, it turned to fear as reports of shots being fired spread.

We want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our community is our top priority. The Vancouver Police Department, Fire Department, and other law enforcement partners responded swiftly.

As we learn more, I am hearing stories of mall employees ushering people into stores to shelter behind security doors and in back offices. Thank you for your help and bravery in keeping mall patrons safe.

The Vancouver Police Department will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Anyone with information about this incident that may be helpful is asked to call the Vancouver Police Department Tip Line at 360-487-7399.

In times like these, it is crucial that we come together as a community to support one another and help those in need as they process the shock of this unexpected event. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this senseless act of violence.

Cyclist_Putting_Ballot_into_Box.jpg

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark/Vancouver Television (CVTV) will provide the only live television coverage of local general election results in Clark County starting at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5. 

Viewers can tune to Comcast channel 23/323HD for up-to-the-minute Clark County election results, analysis and commentary. Live streaming CVTV election coverage will also be available to viewers online at www.cvtv.org. 

CVTV’s election coverage will be hosted by City of Vancouver Strategic Communications Manager Tim Becker and tax preparation business owner Paul Montague. Becker and Montague will also conduct candidate interviews.   

CVTV is the local government, non-commercial cable access channel operated and funded by the City of Vancouver and Clark County, Washington. 
 

###

Vancouver City Hall in the fall

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver is currently seeking applicants to fill volunteer positions on three different advisory boards and commissions. The deadline to apply for each position is Nov. 22. 

The following is a list of – and brief descriptions for – boards and commissions with seat vacancies the City is seeking to fill:

• City/County Telecommunications Commission (TCC): The TCC advises the Vancouver City Council and the Clark County Council on telecommunications and cable television matters. This recruitment is for one full-term position beginning Dec. 31, 2024, and ending Dec. 21, 2028. The commission makes reports, monitors compliance with the City and County cable franchise agreements and establishes rules and regulations regarding cable television and associated telecommunications issues. Learn more and apply. 
• Transportation and Mobility Commission (TMC): The volunteer TMC is an 11-member commission that advises the City on a variety of transportation and mobility-related projects, programs, and policies. It also provides ongoing feedback and guidance on implementing transportation policy through the City’s Transportation System Plan. One mid-term and four full-term appointments are available. Learn more and apply.
• City Center Redevelopment Authority (CCRA) Board:  The CCRA board oversees downtown redevelopment consistent with the Vancouver City Center Vision plan. In addition to CCRA’s role in leading downtown development, the board advises City Council on public-private partnerships, public assistance to private developments, and the business aspects of redevelopment projects and agreements in downtown Vancouver. Two full-term vacancies are available. Learn more and apply.

Applications may also be submitted online at www.cityofvancouver.us/boards. For a printed application or 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.

###