Vancouver, Wash. – An executive sponsors council formed nearly two years ago to help lead an initiative to build “A Stronger Vancouver” delivered its final report and recommendation to Vancouver City Council at a workshop on Monday afternoon.

Over the past 22 months, the executive sponsors council, whose members represent neighborhoods, nonprofits, businesses and more, has taken a deep dive into the City of Vancouver’s operations, budget and revenue sources. They also conducted stakeholder meetings, public forums and online surveys to gather input from citizens and businesses to help inform the development of their recommendation to council.

The City invites the public to review the Stronger Vancouver report and recommendations and provide feedback online at www.strongervancouver.org throughout the summer.

The city council will learn more about the details of the Stronger Vancouver report in a series of workshops occurring in April and May. Workshops are open to the public and occur on Monday afternoons at Vancouver City Hall. They can also be viewed on Clark/Vancouver Television at www.cvtv.org.

Following the workshops and public feedback period, Vancouver City Council will consider action on a final program and funding package.

The executive sponsors council’s recommendations includes more than 60 projects and programs that preserve, grow and improve the things that make Vancouver a safe, welcoming and prosperous city for everyone—now and in the future. The recommendation includes:

Capital improvements

• Investments in commercial districts citywide
• Replacement of the Public Works Operations Center
• Replacement of two fire stations and renovations/upgrades to three more fire stations
• Enhancements to Vancouver’s parks system to increase safety and access and attract private development

New and enhanced services and programs

• Development and implementation of long-range district development plans
• Citywide bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements
• Increased support for homeless services
• Increased support for programming that helps at-risk youth, access to summer playground program, community events, and reduced financial barriers to participating in City recreation programs
• Increased support for proactive crime and fire prevention programs
• Establish a cultural, arts and heritage program
• A new downtown improvement district

The recommendation proposes using a combination of revenue sources, including business taxes, a voted property tax levy lid lift, and other taxes and fees (details can be found on the Stronger Vancouver website).

For more information and to provide feedback, please go to www.strongervancouver.org.

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