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News Release

Groundbreaking For East Mill Plain And MacArthur Greenbelt Project - 05/20/26

What: 

The City will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the East Mill Plain Boulevard and MacArthur Boulevard project with U.S. Sen. Patty Murray. The project marks the first of several planned infrastructure and redevelopment investments in the Heights District.

 

The project will transform the intersection of East Mill Plain Boulevard and MacArthur Boulevard into a safer multimodal corridor featuring a greenbelt with enhanced pedestrian pathways and dedicated bike lanes. The greenbelt is planned to extend the length of MacArthur Boulevard which will be completed in future phases. The project was funded through a $4 million federal appropriation supported by the Senator, along with local funds.

 

The project serves as one of the primary gateways to the future Heights District and represents the beginning of broader redevelopment efforts planned for the area. Upcoming projects include the Grand Loop, another federally funded project scheduled to begin construction next spring, as well as improvements to Devine Road, development of a civic plaza, and four housing projects expected to add approximately 300 affordable homes and new retail spaces adjacent to the plaza.

 

The Heights District is a City-led redevelopment initiative planned over the next 20 years that will bring affordable and market-rate housing, retail, restaurants, parks, community gathering spaces, and a new public plaza to the area.

 

Construction on the East Mill Plain Boulevard and MacArthur Boulevard greenbelt project is expected to be completed in late spring 2027, weather and construction conditions permitting.

 

Who:

Speakers include:

  • U.S. Sen. Patty Murray
  • Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle

 

When:          10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27

 

Where:         5005 East Mill Plain Boulevard, Vancouver, WA 98661

 

Limited off-street parking is available near the construction site.

 

Visit Public Works Projects to learn more about upcoming construction and visit The Heights District to learn more about the City’s long-range investment in the area.

 

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

 

RSVP:           tracie.ramirez@cityofvancouver.us

 

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Groundbreaking For East Mill Plain And MacArthur Greenbelt Project - 05/20/26

What: 

The City will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the East Mill Plain Boulevard and MacArthur Boulevard project with U.S. Sen. Patty Murray. The project marks the first of several planned infrastructure and redevelopment investments in the Heights District.

 

The project will transform the intersection of East Mill Plain Boulevard and MacArthur Boulevard into a safer multimodal corridor featuring a greenbelt with enhanced pedestrian pathways and dedicated bike lanes. The greenbelt is planned to extend the length of MacArthur Boulevard which will be completed in future phases. The project was funded through a $4 million federal appropriation supported by the Senator, along with local funds.

 

The project serves as one of the primary gateways to the future Heights District and represents the beginning of broader redevelopment efforts planned for the area. Upcoming projects include the Grand Loop, another federally funded project scheduled to begin construction next spring, as well as improvements to Devine Road, development of a civic plaza, and four housing projects expected to add approximately 300 affordable homes and new retail spaces adjacent to the plaza.

 

The Heights District is a City-led redevelopment initiative planned over the next 20 years that will bring affordable and market-rate housing, retail, restaurants, parks, community gathering spaces, and a new public plaza to the area.

 

Construction on the East Mill Plain Boulevard and MacArthur Boulevard greenbelt project is expected to be completed in late spring 2027, weather and construction conditions permitting.

 

Who:

Speakers include:

  • U.S. Sen. Patty Murray
  • Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle

 

When:          10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27

 

Where:         5005 East Mill Plain Boulevard, Vancouver, WA 98661

 

Limited off-street parking is available near the construction site.

 

Visit Public Works Projects to learn more about upcoming construction and visit The Heights District to learn more about the City’s long-range investment in the area.

 

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

 

RSVP:           tracie.ramirez@cityofvancouver.us

 

###

Vancouver Prepares For 2026 Pavement Season (Photo) - 05/07/26

This summer, the City of Vancouver will pave or preserve over 100 lane miles of street. Pavement work protects our infrastructure by extending the life of our roads. Preservation adds seven to 11 years to a street’s life, and resurfacing adds 15 to 20 years. Staff evaluate streets annually and identify the most cost-effective treatment to keep streets safe and in good condition.

 

The program will invest approximately $14 million in planning, design, and construction to improve pavement conditions. The City’s Street Fund, General Fund, and license fees collected through the City’s Transportation Benefit District are the main sources of funding for this annual program.

 

Pavement preservation helps keep streets in good condition at a lower cost than resurfacing. The City will preserve about 76 lane miles, including sections of St. Johns Road, Mill Plain Boulevard, Northeast Ninth Street, Northeast 136th Avenue, Southeast First Street, Northeast 18th Street, Southeast 164th Avenue, Northeast 172nd Avenue, and Southeast 192nd Avenue. Crews will also preserve residential streets in the Burnt Bridge Creek, Columbia River, Fircrest, Fisher’s Landing East, North Image, and Riveridge neighborhoods.

 

The program will resurface about 30 lane miles in the Cascade Highlands, Cascade Southeast, Edgewood Park, and Vancouver Heights neighborhoods, and on West Fourth Plain Boulevard.

 

Preparations began with vegetation and tree pruning to clear the way for pavement equipment. Before pavement work, crews will upgrade or add curb ramps at 70 locations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, seal cracks, and repair pavement.

 

Following pavement work, the City will add new safety elements along Northeast St. Johns Road from Northeast Petticoat Lane to Northeast 65th Street. The City will reconfigure on-street parking to create protected mobility lanes and improve sight lines. Community members have provided extensive input for this project. Additional project details will be available closer to construction.

 

The City will also reconfigure existing on-street parking into bike and small mobility lanes on Southeast First Street, from Northeast Hearthwood Boulevard to Northeast 160th Avenue, and Northeast 172nd Avenue, from Northeast Eighth Street to Northeast 18th Street. These corridors are part of the Bicycle and Small Mobility Network designated in the City’s Transportation System Plan. Bike and mobility lanes will improve access for people of all ages and abilities by physically separating vulnerable roadway users from vehicle traffic and reducing the risk of crashes and serious injuries.

 

Residents and businesses along streets with pavement work will receive notices with additional details. Watch for signage and flaggers, slow down, and be prepared for brief delays. Community members should not park or travel on streets when work is scheduled. Do not water or irrigate yards the day before or during work.

 

Crews will return after pavement work to refresh markings and striping. Pavement work is weather-dependent, and schedules may change.

 

Information about the 2026 Pavement Management Program is available at cityofvancouver.us/pavement.

 

Questions can be emailed to pwpavementmanagement@cityofvancouver.us.

 

###

 

Attached Media Files: Crews resurface a neighborhood street in Vancouver.,

Vancouver Prepares For 2026 Pavement Season (Photo) - 05/07/26

This summer, the City of Vancouver will pave or preserve over 100 lane miles of street. Pavement work protects our infrastructure by extending the life of our roads. Preservation adds seven to 11 years to a street’s life, and resurfacing adds 15 to 20 years. Staff evaluate streets annually and identify the most cost-effective treatment to keep streets safe and in good condition.

 

The program will invest approximately $14 million in planning, design, and construction to improve pavement conditions. The City’s Street Fund, General Fund, and license fees collected through the City’s Transportation Benefit District are the main sources of funding for this annual program.

 

Pavement preservation helps keep streets in good condition at a lower cost than resurfacing. The City will preserve about 76 lane miles, including sections of St. Johns Road, Mill Plain Boulevard, Northeast Ninth Street, Northeast 136th Avenue, Southeast First Street, Northeast 18th Street, Southeast 164th Avenue, Northeast 172nd Avenue, and Southeast 192nd Avenue. Crews will also preserve residential streets in the Burnt Bridge Creek, Columbia River, Fircrest, Fisher’s Landing East, North Image, and Riveridge neighborhoods.

 

The program will resurface about 30 lane miles in the Cascade Highlands, Cascade Southeast, Edgewood Park, and Vancouver Heights neighborhoods, and on West Fourth Plain Boulevard.

 

Preparations began with vegetation and tree pruning to clear the way for pavement equipment. Before pavement work, crews will upgrade or add curb ramps at 70 locations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, seal cracks, and repair pavement.

 

Following pavement work, the City will add new safety elements along Northeast St. Johns Road from Northeast Petticoat Lane to Northeast 65th Street. The City will reconfigure on-street parking to create protected mobility lanes and improve sight lines. Community members have provided extensive input for this project. Additional project details will be available closer to construction.

 

The City will also reconfigure existing on-street parking into bike and small mobility lanes on Southeast First Street, from Northeast Hearthwood Boulevard to Northeast 160th Avenue, and Northeast 172nd Avenue, from Northeast Eighth Street to Northeast 18th Street. These corridors are part of the Bicycle and Small Mobility Network designated in the City’s Transportation System Plan. Bike and mobility lanes will improve access for people of all ages and abilities by physically separating vulnerable roadway users from vehicle traffic and reducing the risk of crashes and serious injuries.

 

Residents and businesses along streets with pavement work will receive notices with additional details. Watch for signage and flaggers, slow down, and be prepared for brief delays. Community members should not park or travel on streets when work is scheduled. Do not water or irrigate yards the day before or during work.

 

Crews will return after pavement work to refresh markings and striping. Pavement work is weather-dependent, and schedules may change.

 

Information about the 2026 Pavement Management Program is available at cityofvancouver.us/pavement.

 

Questions can be emailed to pwpavementmanagement@cityofvancouver.us.

 

###

 

Attached Media Files: Crews resurface a neighborhood street in Vancouver.,

Inspire Vancouver Grant Program Debuts With $6M For Local Arts, Culture, Heritage, And Science (Photo) - 05/04/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver is launching Inspire Vancouver, a new grant program designed to spark creativity and create more arts, culture, heritage, and science experiences for the community.

 

Inspire Vancouver has five grants to support a wide range of projects and needs:

  • Innovation Grants ($5,000–$25,000) for new ideas and creative experiments.
  • Impact Grants ($10,000–$75,000) for events, programs, and short-term projects.
  • Comprehensive Grants ($100,000–$300,000) for ongoing operations and sustained impact.
  • Capital Grants ($300,000+) for facilities, equipment, and infrastructure.
  • School Grants, dedicating at least 10% of annual funding to support field trips and admission fees for Vancouver and Evergreen Public Schools students.

Innovation, Impact, and Comprehensive Grant applications will open this summer, for funding in 2026-27. Application timing for Capital Grants will be announced this fall for funding in 2027. School grants will begin with the 2026-27 school year.

 

“Inspire Vancouver opens the door for more people to experience arts, culture, heritage, and science in ways that feel accessible and relevant to our community,” said Stacey Donovan, cultural services manager. “At the same time, it creates a reliable foundation for the organizations and creatives who make that work possible, strengthening Vancouver’s cultural ecosystem for the long term.”

 

Eligible applicants include nonprofits and individuals with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor whose work focuses on arts, culture, heritage, or science and primarily serves Vancouver residents.

 

Inspire Vancouver is funded through the Vancouver Cultural Access Tax, a 0.1% sales tax adopted by City Council in December 2024. The program is expected to generate $6-7 million annually.

 

Visit www.inspirevancouver.org to learn more, join the mailing list, and view upcoming events and workshops. Follow Inspire Vancouver on Instagram and LinkedIn for updates.

 

###

Attached Media Files: Children participating in a stargazing event at the Fort Vancouver National Historic site., Vietnamese Community of Clark County lion dancers., Graffiti art at the Vancouver Arts and Music Festival., Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's Youth Virtuosi Orchestra, Inspire Vancouver program logo.,

Inspire Vancouver Grant Program Debuts With $6M For Local Arts, Culture, Heritage, And Science (Photo) - 05/04/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver is launching Inspire Vancouver, a new grant program designed to spark creativity and create more arts, culture, heritage, and science experiences for the community.

 

Inspire Vancouver has five grants to support a wide range of projects and needs:

  • Innovation Grants ($5,000–$25,000) for new ideas and creative experiments.
  • Impact Grants ($10,000–$75,000) for events, programs, and short-term projects.
  • Comprehensive Grants ($100,000–$300,000) for ongoing operations and sustained impact.
  • Capital Grants ($300,000+) for facilities, equipment, and infrastructure.
  • School Grants, dedicating at least 10% of annual funding to support field trips and admission fees for Vancouver and Evergreen Public Schools students.

Innovation, Impact, and Comprehensive Grant applications will open this summer, for funding in 2026-27. Application timing for Capital Grants will be announced this fall for funding in 2027. School grants will begin with the 2026-27 school year.

 

“Inspire Vancouver opens the door for more people to experience arts, culture, heritage, and science in ways that feel accessible and relevant to our community,” said Stacey Donovan, cultural services manager. “At the same time, it creates a reliable foundation for the organizations and creatives who make that work possible, strengthening Vancouver’s cultural ecosystem for the long term.”

 

Eligible applicants include nonprofits and individuals with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor whose work focuses on arts, culture, heritage, or science and primarily serves Vancouver residents.

 

Inspire Vancouver is funded through the Vancouver Cultural Access Tax, a 0.1% sales tax adopted by City Council in December 2024. The program is expected to generate $6-7 million annually.

 

Visit www.inspirevancouver.org to learn more, join the mailing list, and view upcoming events and workshops. Follow Inspire Vancouver on Instagram and LinkedIn for updates.

 

###

Attached Media Files: Children participating in a stargazing event at the Fort Vancouver National Historic site., Vietnamese Community of Clark County lion dancers., Graffiti art at the Vancouver Arts and Music Festival., Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's Youth Virtuosi Orchestra, Inspire Vancouver program logo.,

City Of Vancouver And Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber Launch Grant Program For Fourth Plain Businesses (Photo) - 04/30/26

Vancouver, Wash.—The City of Vancouver, in partnership with the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber, has launched a new Small Business Resiliency Grant Program to support businesses in the Fourth Plain corridor facing significant financial challenges. Applications are due Monday, June 15.

 

“Small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods,” said Anne McEnerny-Ogle, mayor, City of Vancouver. “When they’re under pressure, our entire community feels it. This program is a direct response that helps stabilize local businesses, protect jobs and support recovery from the economic impacts tied to recent ICE activity in Vancouver.”

 

With $300,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, the program will provide grants of up to $10,000 to eligible small businesses. The funding reflects priorities identified through the City’s Fourth Plain for All community engagement process. The initiative is part of the City’s ongoing response to economic disruptions and its commitment to support communities impacted by recent immigration enforcement activity, as outlined in City Council’s Jan. 20 declaration. Without support, these disruptions can lead to permanent closures, job losses, vacant storefronts and reduced access to neighborhood services.

 

The Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber will administer the program, building on its longstanding track record of supporting small, immigrant- and minority-owned businesses in southwest Washington.

 

“Small businesses in the program area are dealing with several challenges at once, including higher costs, staffing challenges, lower customer spending, and sudden drops in income. For many, even short-term losses can lead to doors closing,” said Nicole Leon, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce executive director. “We have trusted relationships in this community and understand the barriers many business owners face when accessing traditional support. Our role is to ensure these resources reach business owners quickly and in ways that work for them.”

 

Resiliency Grants program details

 

Grants may be used for essential business expenses, including rent, payroll, utilities, marketing, and other operating costs. The goal is to help businesses remain open and retain employees during periods of revenue loss.

Eligible businesses must:

  • Be located within the Fourth Plain investment area—address verification checker.
  • Have fewer than 25 employees.
  • Operate full time.
  • Hold a valid City of Vancouver business license.
  • Demonstrate at least a 40% loss in recent revenue.

Full eligibility requirements and application details.

 

Supporting a critical business corridor

 

The Fourth Plain corridor is home to a high concentration of microenterprises (businesses with 10 or fewer employees), including many immigrant- and BIPOC-owned businesses that rely heavily on local customers and consistent foot traffic.

By stabilizing small businesses, the program aims to:

  • Preserve local jobs. 
  • Reduce commercial vacancies.
  • Maintain access to neighborhood goods and services.
  • Support surrounding businesses through sustained foot traffic.

Fourth Plain for All

 

Funding for the grant program was made available as part of the City’s larger Fourth Plain for All community investment strategy, a plan to invest more than $25 million in central Vancouver neighborhoods near Fourth Plain Boulevard thanks to federal funds received through ARPA. The plan outlines investments in housing, community building, public health, parks and public spaces, transportation, and economic development. 

 

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Attached Media Files: Mural by Michael Feliz on Fourth Plain Boulevard., Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce logo., Fourth Plain for All investment area.,

City Of Vancouver And Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber Launch Grant Program For Fourth Plain Businesses (Photo) - 04/30/26

Vancouver, Wash.—The City of Vancouver, in partnership with the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber, has launched a new Small Business Resiliency Grant Program to support businesses in the Fourth Plain corridor facing significant financial challenges. Applications are due Monday, June 15.

 

“Small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods,” said Anne McEnerny-Ogle, mayor, City of Vancouver. “When they’re under pressure, our entire community feels it. This program is a direct response that helps stabilize local businesses, protect jobs and support recovery from the economic impacts tied to recent ICE activity in Vancouver.”

 

With $300,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, the program will provide grants of up to $10,000 to eligible small businesses. The funding reflects priorities identified through the City’s Fourth Plain for All community engagement process. The initiative is part of the City’s ongoing response to economic disruptions and its commitment to support communities impacted by recent immigration enforcement activity, as outlined in City Council’s Jan. 20 declaration. Without support, these disruptions can lead to permanent closures, job losses, vacant storefronts and reduced access to neighborhood services.

 

The Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber will administer the program, building on its longstanding track record of supporting small, immigrant- and minority-owned businesses in southwest Washington.

 

“Small businesses in the program area are dealing with several challenges at once, including higher costs, staffing challenges, lower customer spending, and sudden drops in income. For many, even short-term losses can lead to doors closing,” said Nicole Leon, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce executive director. “We have trusted relationships in this community and understand the barriers many business owners face when accessing traditional support. Our role is to ensure these resources reach business owners quickly and in ways that work for them.”

 

Resiliency Grants program details

 

Grants may be used for essential business expenses, including rent, payroll, utilities, marketing, and other operating costs. The goal is to help businesses remain open and retain employees during periods of revenue loss.

Eligible businesses must:

  • Be located within the Fourth Plain investment area—address verification checker.
  • Have fewer than 25 employees.
  • Operate full time.
  • Hold a valid City of Vancouver business license.
  • Demonstrate at least a 40% loss in recent revenue.

Full eligibility requirements and application details.

 

Supporting a critical business corridor

 

The Fourth Plain corridor is home to a high concentration of microenterprises (businesses with 10 or fewer employees), including many immigrant- and BIPOC-owned businesses that rely heavily on local customers and consistent foot traffic.

By stabilizing small businesses, the program aims to:

  • Preserve local jobs. 
  • Reduce commercial vacancies.
  • Maintain access to neighborhood goods and services.
  • Support surrounding businesses through sustained foot traffic.

Fourth Plain for All

 

Funding for the grant program was made available as part of the City’s larger Fourth Plain for All community investment strategy, a plan to invest more than $25 million in central Vancouver neighborhoods near Fourth Plain Boulevard thanks to federal funds received through ARPA. The plan outlines investments in housing, community building, public health, parks and public spaces, transportation, and economic development. 

 

###

Attached Media Files: Mural by Michael Feliz on Fourth Plain Boulevard., Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce logo., Fourth Plain for All investment area.,