County Schedules Public Forums On Community Needs Assessment - 10/01/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Community Services has scheduled four public forums in October 2026 to discuss and get feedback on its low-income community needs survey conducted earlier this year. This feedback will be included in the final Community Needs Assessment report and will help determine spending decisions countywide.

These events are open to all. Registration is encouraged at  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MPRG2DL. Interpretation services will be provided upon request. Light refreshments will be available during in-person forums.

Community Forum in Battle Ground

• When: Monday, Oct. 5, 2026
  • Open house / data walk: 1–5 pm
  • Forum: 5:30–7:30 pm
• Where: Battle Ground Community Library
  • 1207 SE Eighth Way
  • Meyer Memorial Trust Community Room

Virtual Community Forum

• When: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026
  • 10 am – noon
• Where: Zoom, link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82914439966
  • Meeting ID: 829 1443 9966

Community Forum in Vancouver

• When: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026
  • Open house / data walk: noon–5 pm
  • Forum: 5:30–7:30 pm
• Where: Vancouver Community Library
  • 901 C St.
  • Columbia Room

Community Forum in Camas

• When: Monday, Oct. 26, 2026
  • Forum: 5:30–7:30 pm
• Where: Camas Public Library
  • 625 NE Fourth Ave.
  • Dual Meeting Rooms A & B

The confidential survey asked residents with low incomes about their family’s needs. Community Services will share data from the survey, and participants will have a chance to provide feedback and share their opinions on the findings.

Community Services is required to conduct a community needs assessment every three years. The results are used to help prioritize which programs and services will be funded in our community with Community Service Block Grant awards.

Clark County Residents Encouraged To Dispose Of Fallen Leaves Properly (Photo) - 09/30/26

Vancouver, Wash. – As colorful leaves begin to fall from trees, Clark County and the City of Vancouver encourage community members to properly dispose of leaves to keep them out of streets and the landfill.

Leaves should not be raked or blown into streets. Fallen leaves can clog storm drains and create areas of standing water on roadways, making roads unsafe for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. Instead, residents can use local disposal options that turn leaves into compost.

Leaves are a nutrient-rich, biodegradable material. But each year, millions of pounds of leaves end up in landfills. When organic waste, like leaves, rots in landfills, it creates methane, a toxic greenhouse gas.

Instead of sending leaves to the landfill, residents can place them in their curbside yard debris or organics cart, or in their own backyard compost. Fallen leaves can also be mulched and spread on lawns or distributed in landscaped areas, where they will suppress weeds and support pollinators with winter cover.

Residents can also dispose of their leaves for free through the Fall Leaf Coupon program courtesy of Clark County Public Works and the City of Vancouver Public Works. With a coupon, residents can drop off up to five cubic yards of leaves at one of five designated sites at no charge between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31.

Residents can get their coupon by:

• Printing a coupon from cityofvancouver.us/leafcoupon, clark.wa.gov/public-works/residential-yard-debris-and-organics-services, or wcnorthwest.com/leaves
• Clipping a coupon from Waste Connections’ annual recycling newsletter, which will be mailed to all Clark County residences in October
• Calling Vancouver Solid Waste at 360.487.7160 or emailing solidwaste@cityofvancouver.us to receive a coupon by mail
• Picking up a coupon from:
  • Vancouver City Hall, 415 W Sixth St.
  • Vancouver Utility Services, 2323 General Anderson Ave.
  • Vancouver Marine Park Engineering office, 4500 SE Columbia Way
  • Waste Connections Customer Service Office, 9411 NE 94th Ave., Vancouver
  • Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver
• Checking their mailed Waste Connections bill; residents who have not signed up for paperless billing and are billed directly by Waste Connections will receive a coupon in their October or November bill

The five sites where coupons are accepted for leaf disposal are H&H Wood Recyclers, McFarlane’s Bark, City Bark and West Van Materials Recovery Center in Vancouver, and Triangle Resources in Camas. Addresses and business hours for these locations and more information can be found on the coupon.

Coupons are also available in Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese.

The coupons are for residential use only and cannot be redeemed by businesses. Branches and other yard debris are not eligible for free disposal. Loads should be covered during transport, and residents must empty bags of leaves at the disposal site.

To learn more about backyard composting and for a schedule of free community workshops, visit the Clark County Composter Recycler website.

To report clogged drains and street flooding on roads in unincorporated Clark County, visit the Clark County Public Works website. Residents can also keep their local drain clear and protect water all year by adopting a neighborhood storm drain at wa.adopt-a-drain.org.

To report clogged drains and street flooding on streets within Vancouver city limits, visit the City of Vancouver Public Works service request website.

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Applications For 2027 Clark County CDBG, HOME Funds Available Starting Oct. 1 - 09/30/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Applications for Clark County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds will be available beginning Thursday, Oct. 1. In 2027, Clark County expects to award approximately $2,374,000.

Applications will be completed and submitted through Neighborly Software. Applicants are encouraged to participate in a pre-submittal workshop to review application questions and program requirements:

Application Workshop Info

Friday, Oct. 9, Public Services Center, sixth-floor Training Room 679, 1300 Franklin St. or via WebEx.

• 9-10 am: asset and economic development
  • Single-family housing, business assistance programs
  • https://clarkwa.webex.com/clarkwa/j.php?MTID=m76c9b78a3f78f775d3b06fe3281f1b7e
• 10-11 am: public services
  • Staff and operating costs for priority service areas: physical health, mental health, dental assistance, transportation, childcare, food assistance, senior services, and subsistence payments
  • https://clarkwa.webex.com/clarkwa/j.php?MTID=md749c2c7b24b9ba8d4c03ae800afc4ce

• 11-noon: affordable housing and homelessness
  • Multi-family housing acquisition, construction or rehabilitation; tenant-based rental assistance
  • https://clarkwa.webex.com/clarkwa/j.php?MTID=m7d4a5a975747f016706151ede0d080ef

• 1-2 pm: public facilities and neighborhood improvements
  • Streets and sidewalks, water/sewer, parks, community center, nonprofit facility construction or rehab
  • https://clarkwa.webex.com/clarkwa/j.php?MTID=m26888e84c3fc76891d21a5cb926f6be0

The Applicant Information and Preliminary Eligibility Review sections of the online application must be completed by Monday, Nov. 2. Fully completed applications are due by Friday, Dec. 4. More information and a link to the applications are available at: https://www.clark.wa.gov/community-services/cdbg-and-home-applications.

All funding awarded must benefit Clark County neighborhoods and households with low- to moderate-income. Housing developers, nonprofit organizations and local government agencies are eligible to apply. For-profit entities are limited to applying for funding to provide micro-enterprise business assistance. All applicants are required to review the Funding Guide for the applicable application type found on the application website. Proposed activities must meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s funding requirements.

To be added to the stakeholders list, or if you need assistance or program information, please contact CDBGandHOME@clark.wa.gov or call 564.397.7834.

The City of Vancouver receives its own allocation of CDBG and HOME funds for projects inside the city limits. City of Vancouver staff can be reached at housing@cityofvancouver.us for more information.

Fire Marshal Lifts Outdoor And Recreational Burn Bans - 09/30/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Fire Marshal Donna Goddard announced today she will lift the ban on outdoor debris burning as well as recreational fires in unincorporated Clark County effective Oct. 1, 2026.  

To have predictable and consistent burn bans, Clark County implements a policy to ban outdoor burning from July through September each year. Designating this period was based on years of information about fuel conditions. However, under certain conditions, a ban can begin sooner or end later.

“Thankfully, favorable weather conditions have lowered the fire danger risk in the county”, said Goddard. However, Goddard urges that everyone remain cautious and responsible when burning outdoors. “Fire season isn’t over yet, so use extreme caution when burning and never leave a fire of any size unattended.”

Permits are required for burning yard debris and land clearing. Residents should ensure that they have the proper permits and follow permit conditions to prevent accidental fires. 

For more information on permit requirements and fire safety tips, visit the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-development/outdoor-burning.

Clark County Joins National Food Waste Prevention Week As Official Partner With “WasteBusters” Program - 09/29/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is joining more than 600 organizations as an official partner of National Food Waste Prevention Week. The event, from Sept. 28 through Oct. 4, inspires changes at home, work and throughout our community to reduce food waste.

Up to 38% of all food produced in the U.S. goes uneaten, and the value of food thrown out by the average household is around $3,000 per year. On average, each Clark County household throws away more than 400 pounds of edible food each year. Clark County Public Works, Solid Waste and Recycling, is hosting the WasteBusters 21-day program to help residents learn new habits to reduce food waste. By participating, residents can learn practical strategies to reduce food waste, save money and reduce their environmental impact while earning prizes.

Clark County’s WasteBusters program
To help participants make new food-saving habits stick, the WasteBusters program offers weekly activities, events and multiple opportunities to win prizes.

To register, residents can sign up on the website and choose a food-waste reduction pledge. Participants must sign up by Sept. 30. Completing weekly challenges and attending events earns raffle entries for weekly prizes, including a food dehydrator, vacuum sealer and produce storage set.

Low-Waste Chef workshop
All residents, including WasteBusters participants, are invited to the Low-Waste Chef Workshop on Oct. 7, hosted by the Composter Recycler program. Attendees will learn strategies for smart shopping, proper food storage, and creative ways to use leftovers. Participants will take home supplies to help reduce kitchen waste. Registration via clarkcountycomposts.org/workshops is required. The workshop is 6-7:30 p.m. at Waste Connections of Washington, 9411 NE 94th Ave. in Vancouver.

“WasteBusters inspires participation, builds community momentum, and reinforces sustainable behaviors that reduce food waste in measurable ways,” said Solid Waste and Recycling Division Manager Joelle Loescher.

More information is available at clarkgreenneighbors.com.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

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Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office - MEDIA RELEASE - 09/28/26

The following information is in reference to three deaths investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This release provides updated information in the investigations related to a crash July 5, 2026, on State Highway 503 in Battle Ground. Cause and manner of death information has been updated; this information was pending at the time of the previous media release.

Decedent 1:
This individual died on 07/05/2026 in Battle Ground, WA.

The name of the decedent: Haas, Annalena “Annie” Paige   Age: 27 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Blunt trauma

Manner of death:  Accident

Place of injury: Public highway

How injury occurred: Passenger of SUV that collided with other motor vehicle

Decedent 2:
This individual died on 07/05/2026 in Battle Ground, WA.

The name of the decedent: Allen, Andrew Hullette   Age: 46 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): unknown

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Blunt trauma

Manner of death:  Accident

Place of injury: Public highway

How injury occurred: Passenger of car that collided with other motor vehicle

Decedent 3:
This individual died on 07/05/2026 in Battle Ground, WA.

The name of the decedent: Parker, Kelly Jean   Age: 42 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): unknown

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Blunt trauma

Manner of death:  Accident

Place of injury: Public highway

How injury occurred: Driver of car that collided with other motor vehicle

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Washington State Patrol.

Media release issue date: 09/28/26 (previous media release date: 07/15/2026)

Clark County Announces Joint Lobby Grand Reopening On Oct. 2, 2026 - 09/24/26

Vancouver, Wash.  – Clark County invites residents to celebrate the grand reopening of the Joint Lobby on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. The celebration will provide an opportunity to see the updated space and enjoy an evening of art and community.

• Doors open: 4 pm
• Ribbon cutting: 4:30 pm
• Refreshments: Light refreshments will be served.

The celebration will transition to the KC Madsen Gallery opening reception at 5 pm. These events will coincide with the First Friday Art Walk and the opening reception for the Sixth Floor Anstine Gallery.

Residents are encouraged to join the celebration and explore the renovated lobby and gallery spaces.

The Clark County Joint Lobby is a collaboration between the Assessor’s Office, Auditor’s Office and Treasurer’s Office. Team members are cross trained to handle many of the most common services in one convenient location, providing efficient, accurate and timely service.

The remodel created a more welcoming, efficient and customer-focused space, with an improved layout and service areas designed to better support both residents and staff. The updated lobby strengthens the shared service model by helping reduce unnecessary handoffs and making it easier for residents to get the assistance they need.

“We’re excited to welcome our community back to the Joint Lobby,” said Clark County Treasurer Alishia Topper. “This renovation creates a safer, more functional workplace for our employees and a more welcoming, efficient experience for the customers we serve every day.”

For more information or to access services online, please visit www.clark.wa.gov or contact the appropriate office directly.

The Soft Light Of The Pacific Northwest Exhibition Illuminates The Rebecca Anstine Gallery This Fall (Photo) - 09/24/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Southwest Washington art lovers are invited to experience a stunning tribute to regional landscapes and atmosphere this autumn. The Rebecca Anstine Gallery is proud to present The Soft Light of the Pacific Northwest, a joint art exhibition featuring acclaimed local painters Randy Cole and Natasha Ramras. The exhibition will run from October through December 2026 on the sixth floor of the county’s Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. Gallery hours are 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.

A reception for the artists will be held 5-7 pm Friday, Oct. 2, at the Anstine Gallery.

Randy Cole's masterfully rendered paintings explore the region's diverse environments, capturing a distinct sense of place and quiet wonder. His work hangs in harmonious balance with the expressive, light-filled paintings of Natasha Ramras, whose impressionistic touch and vibrant eye for contrast bring regional scenery and quiet moments to life on canvas.

Together, Cole and Ramras offer a visual journey through the shifting seasons, misty mornings, and glowing horizons that define the Pacific Northwest identity.

"We are delighted to bring Randy Cole and Natasha Ramras together for this beautiful autumnal show," said Rhonda Spencer, Curator. The Soft Light of the Pacific Northwest celebrates the unique visual poetry of our home, and both artists show an incredible ability to translate that delicate light and landscape into powerful works of art."

The exhibition is free and open to the public, offering an inspiring cultural destination for residents and visitors to Vancouver throughout the fall and winter months.

For more information about the exhibition or gallery accessibility please contact Rhonda Spencer at rhondaspencerre@gmail.com.

Acclaimed Local Artists Russell Ford And KC Madsen Headline Exhibition At Newly Opened Second Floor KC Madsen Gallery (Photo) - 09/24/26

Vancouver, Wash. — A powerful new artistic collaboration is coming to Southwest Washington this fall. The KC Madsen Gallery is proud to present a joint exhibition featuring premier figurative sculptor Russell Ford and versatile painter and sculptor KC Madsen. The highly anticipated show, Silent Gestures, Wild Blooms will run from October through December 2026, offering visitors a deep dive into contemporary form, texture and expression.

The new KC Madsen Gallery is located in the county’s recently remodeled Joint Lobby on the second floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. It is free and open to the public from 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Thursday.

A reception for the artists will be held at the gallery 5-7 pm Friday, Oct. 2.

This dynamic exhibition brings together two distinct artistic voices who masterfully manipulate space and visual storytelling. Russell Ford’s evocative figurative sculptures capture the nuance, emotion and complexity of the human form with profound sensitivity. His pieces create a striking dialogue alongside the work of KC Madsen, whose dual mastery of vibrant painting explores texture, movement and the interplay of color.

From the tactile elegance of Ford's figures to the rich, layered dimensions of Madsen's floral environments, the exhibition celebrates the depth of regional fine art.

"We are thrilled to bring Russell Ford and KC Madsen together for this extraordinary showcase," said Rhonda Spencer, Curator "Their combined mastery of form and medium offers an incredible sensory experience for art lovers, honoring both the special exploration of sculpture and the dynamic story telling of painting."

For more information about the exhibition or gallery accessibility please contact Curator Rhonda Spencer at rhondaspencerre@gmail.com.

Clark County Seeks School Representative Volunteer For Law And Justice Council - 09/24/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is seeking applicants for an open seat on the Clark County Law and Justice Council.

The open position is for a superintendent or representative of a school district or ESD 112 within Clark County.

The Law and Justice Council is established by state law to help coordinate activities of the local criminal justice agencies and develop a community corrections plan for local and state corrections services in the county.

Meetings are currently held at 8 am on the second Thursday of each month in person at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., sixth floor, suite 680 and online via WebEx.

To apply, submit a brief letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver 98666-5000. Applications can also be emailed to michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.

Application deadline is 5 pm Friday, Oct. 23, 2026.

Two New Measles Cases In Clark County; School Identified As Exposure Site - 09/23/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is investigating two confirmed cases of measles in Clark County children who are unvaccinated.

A person who tested positive for measles was at a local school while they were contagious. People who were at the following location at the listed day and times may have been exposed:

• River HomeLink, 610A SW Eaton Blvd., Battle Ground: Thursday, Sept. 17, from 8 am to 3 pm.

Clark County Public Health is working with Battle Ground Public Schools to identify students and staff who are not protected against measles. Those individuals will be excluded from school, child care and other public settings for 21 days.

People who were at the school and have not been vaccinated against measles or have not had measles in the past are at risk for getting sick. Anyone who was exposed and believes they have symptoms of measles should call their health care provider before visiting the medical office to make a plan that avoids exposing others.

People who have been vaccinated are well protected. Two doses of the vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. People who have questions about the vaccine or are unsure if they’ve been vaccinated should talk to their health care provider. Vaccination records are also available through the state’s MyIR Mobile system.

So far this year, Clark County has had 21 cases of measles. Nineteen of the 21 people were unvaccinated; the vaccination status was unknown for two of the people.

For more information about the measles investigation, visit the Clark County Public Health measles investigation webpage.

Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office - MEDIA RELEASE - 09/22/26

The following information is in reference to two deaths investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. These investigations are related to a shooting Aug. 30, 2026, in Vancouver.

Decedent 1:

This individual died on 08/30/2026 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Gomez Hernandez, Saul   Age: 28 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Gunshot wounds

Manner of death:  Homicide

How the injury occurred: Shot by other(s)

Place of injury: Other person’s residence

Decedent 2:

This individual died on 08/30/2026 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Hunter, Cody Wayne   Age: 30 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Gunshot wound of head

Manner of death:  Suicide

How the injury occurred: Shot self

Place of injury: Decedent’s residence

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Vancouver Police Department.

Media release issue date: 09/22/2026

County Council To Hold Hearing On Comprehensive Plan Update (Photo) - 09/16/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council will hold a hearing on the 2025-2045 Comprehensive Plan update on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at 4 p.m. The hearing will be held in a hybrid format. Attendees can join in person in the sixth-floor hearing room at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or virtually via Webex. Information on how to attend the Council hearing can be found on the County Council webpage: https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings .

The County Council will consider the following updates to the county’s comprehensive plan:

• Changes to the comprehensive and zoning plan map;
• Updates to policies and text in the comprehensive plan document;
• Changes to Clark County Code Title 40, the county’s unified development code, to implement map and policy changes;
• Changes to the Arterial Atlas;
• Updated Capital Facilities and Capital Facilities Financial Plans; and
• Updated traffic impact fees.

Additional tentative meeting dates are planned as follows:

• Friday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m.: Council hearing continued (if necessary)
• Tuesday, Oct. 13, 1 p.m.: County Council hearing and ordinance adoption

The staff report and related materials will be available 15 days prior to the hearing date on the county's website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/2025-update-meeting-and-event-information. Copies are also available by request to Jose Alvarez, Jose.Alvarez@clark.wa.gov, 564-397-4898. For other formats, contact the Clark County ADA Office at ADA@clark.wa.gov, voice 564-397-2322, Relay 711 or 800-833-6388, Fax 564-397-6165.

Written comments for the hearing can be submitted via online form via the county website at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/public-comment or via the US Postal Service to the Clark County Council, c/o Rebecca Messinger, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000.  Written comments may be submitted beginning on Sept. 16, at 8 am and must be received by the end of the hearing on Oct. 1.

Learn more about the county Comprehensive Plan Update project, Your Future. Your Voice. at: https://bit.ly/2025CPUpdate.

County Seeks Applicants For Community Action Advisory Board - 09/15/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The county manager is seeking applicants to fill a position on the volunteer Community Action Advisory Board. The position is a low-income representative from the county council’s fourth district.

The term period starts immediately and is three years, ending Dec. 31, 2028. Incumbents have the opportunity for re-appointment to two additional three-year terms.

The 15-member board makes recommendations about local government funding for basic needs, self-sufficiency, and housing programs. Members also advocate for services supporting low-income communities, families and persons at local, state and federal levels.

Clark County is looking to diversify the board composition and encourages people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to apply, especially people of color and from historically oppressed or under-resourced communities.

Interested residents must submit an application and résumé to Abby Molloy, Clark County Community Services, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or abby.molloy@clark.wa.gov.

Application information is available online at https://clark.wa.gov/community-services/caab-community-action-advisory-board or by calling Abby Molloy at 564.397.7832.

Deadline to apply is Friday, Oct. 9.

Commission On Aging To Confirm 2027 Work Plan At Annual Retreat - 09/14/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Commission on Aging will hold its annual retreat on Monday, Sept. 21, from 3:15 to 6 pm.

The in-person meeting will be held in the sixth-floor Training Room in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. The retreat will not include provisions for virtual attendance, and will not be recorded, but is open to the public. 

Topics at the retreat include the 2027 work plan and 2026 Silver Citizen nominees. 

The Commission on Aging, supported by the of the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members.

Charter Review Commission Schedules Town Hall Meetings To Discuss Proposed Amendments On The November Ballot - 09/12/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Charter Review Commission will hold a series of town hall meetings to discuss nine proposed amendments that will be on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. The town hall events will be held in each of the five county council districts.

The meetings are scheduled as follows:

• District 1: 11 am to 1 pm Saturday, Oct. 10, Vancouver Community Library, Columbia Room, 901 C St.
• District 2: 3 - 5 pm Sunday, Oct. 11, Bud Van Cleve Room at Luke Jensen Sports Complex, 4000 NE 78^th St.
• District 3: 3 - 5 pm Sunday, Oct. 4, Cascade Park Library, 600 NE 136^th Ave.
• District 4: 12:30 - 2:30 pm Saturday, Oct. 3, Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4^th Ave.
• District 5: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Saturday, Sept. 26, Ridgefield Community Libryary, Allene Wodaege Community Room, 210 N. Main Ave.

Charter Review Commissioners will present information and answer questions on the proposed amendments to the county’s charter. Anyone wishing to provide written comment to the commission may do so via the county’s website.

More information on the Commission’s events is available at https://clark.wa.gov/charter/events.

Clark County’s home rule charter is the county’s rulebook for how its government is set up and how it operates. It defines roles, powers, elections and processes. It doesn’t set day-to-day policies and cannot override state and federal laws or constitutions.

Fifteen commissioners were elected in November 2025 to serve on the Charter Review Commission. The commission will resume its weekly meetings beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 5 pm with both in person and online attendance options. The meetings are held on the sixth floor of the county’s Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. To learn how to join online and provide public comment during a meeting visit https://clark.wa.gov/charter/charter-review-commission-2026-2027. Meeting agendas and video recordings are available on the same web page.

County Seeks Volunteers To Serve On The Bicycle And Pedestrian Advisory Committee - 09/11/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking applicants to fill two volunteer positions, including one youth member position, on the thirteen-member Clark Communities Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Members age 18 and older serve four-year terms and youth members age 11 – 17 may serve a one-year term. The terms for these positions will begin on Jan. 1, 2027.

The committee advises the county and participating city and state government staff on matters relating to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure planning and implementation of the county’s bicycle and pedestrian master plan. The committee reviews proposed road construction projects to identify ways to ensure safe access for all pedestrians, including those with disabilities, and cyclists; advises agencies on ways to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety; and focuses on encouragement and educational programs and other ways to promote countywide bicycle and pedestrian activities.

Applicants must be residents living anywhere in Clark County. People with experience bicycling, walking, traveling by public transit, or using other modes of active transportation are encouraged to apply.

The committee meets 6-8 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month, and meetings are held with both in-person and online participation options. In addition to regular meetings, subcommittees may meet as work groups and could require spending additional time outside of the regular meeting times. 

Applications can be found at: www.clark.wa.gov/community-planning/bpac-members. To apply, interested residents should submit a completed application to Jake Goodwin, County Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000. Applicants also may send information by email to jake.goodwin@clark.wa.gov.

Deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.

Free In-person Workshops Help Residents Reduce Waste And Save Money (Photo) - 09/11/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s Composter Recycler program is hosting a series of free in-person workshops about composting and sustainable living strategies. In these sessions, participants learn how to shrink their environmental impact through hands-on composting, green cleaning, smarter recycling and preventing food waste. Many workshops feature hands-on activities. The series kicks off with three workshops in Camas/Washougal. Attendees can register for any number of workshops in the series.

• We Compost: Community Action for Zero Food Waste, 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at the Washougal United Methodist Church
• Zero Waste: Everyday Ways to Cut Household Trash, 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24 at the Camas Public Library
• DIY Eco-Friendly Cleaners: Create a Healthier Home, Save Money, 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at Waste Connections in Vancouver
• Low-Waste Chef: Reduce Food Waste, Save Money, 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Waste Connections in Vancouver
• Bokashi Composting: Ferment Food Scraps in a Soil Factory, 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Waste Connections in Vancouver
• Worm Bin Composting: Turn Scraps into Soil, 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at Waste Connections in Vancouver
• Backyard Composting: Find a Compost System to Fit Your Yard, 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Waste Connections in Vancouver
• Gardening with Compost: Feed Your Soil Naturally, 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at Waste Connections in Vancouver
• Low-Waste Holiday: Save Money, Make Memories, 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at Waste Connections in Vancouver

Detailed workshop descriptions are available on the website. Pre-registration is required for all workshops. Registration links are posted on the Composter Recycler website. Participants will receive a confirmation email after successful registration.

Recordings of previous workshops are also available on the Composter Recycler website.

The Composter Recycler program educates the community about easy ways to reduce waste, increase recycling and create healthier homes. For more information about the program, visit the website or email info@clarkcountycomposts.org. 

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

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