Clark County Solid Waste And Recycling Offers Tips To Reduce Cost And Environmental Impact Of Holiday Meals - 11/12/26

Vancouver, Wash. – This year, many residents are concerned about the cost of their holiday meals. Clark County Solid Waste and Recycling offers resources to help residents avoid throwing away food and wasting money.

The EPA estimates that reducing food waste could save a family of four nearly $3,000 annually, about $728 per person. On average, each Clark County household throws away more than 400 pounds of edible food each year.

Tossing food in the garbage produces methane in landfills, a greenhouse gas at least 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Landfilling food and other biological waste keeps the nutrients it contains from returning to the soil to support productive farmland and reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers.

Residents can reduce food waste this holiday season by taking some simple steps as they plan for and clean up after a holiday meal. 

• Shopping: Food waste prevention starts with not buying more than is needed or can be eaten before it spoils. Those planning holiday meals should review what they already have, use a tool like the “Guest-imator” to estimate food quantities needed and avoid over-buying. Buying more than what’s needed can also be avoided by making a grocery list and buying only what's on it.
• Storage: Properly storing groceries can keep food from spoiling before it is eaten. Dry goods should be stored in labeled, airtight containers. Onions and apples should be stored separately from other foods, as they emit a gas that can make other foods spoil faster. Local and in-season produce tends to last longer before spoiling because it requires less time for transport.
• Leftovers: Holiday meal guests should be sent home with leftovers in reusable containers. Using leftovers creatively can help ensure they are eaten before they spoil. Examples include using mashed potatoes to make shepherd’s pie, topping oatmeal with cranberry sauce, and boiling bones to create nutrient-rich broths. To prevent foodborne illness, leftovers should be eaten within three to four days or frozen in airtight containers to use later.
• Composting: Food scraps can be composted instead of tossed in the garbage. In Clark County, composting options for residents without backyard composting systems include:
  • Composting at the curb: Waste Connections customers in the cities of Vancouver and Ridgefield who subscribe to the organics service can dispose of food scraps in their organics carts.
  • Food scrap drop-off: All residents can drop off food waste at a We Compost Community Hub location for composting. The service is free and available at locations throughout Clark County. Locations can be found on the We Compost Community Hub webpage. 

More food waste prevention tips and resources are available on the Clark County Green Neighbors webpage, and on the county’s YouTube channel. 

Solid Waste and Recycling is a program of Clark County Public Works. 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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Charter Review Commission Seeks Applicants To Fill Vacant District 3 Position - 11/12/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Charter Review Commission is seeking applicants to fill a vacant position on the Charter Review Commission. The seat is in councilor district 3, position 1. Applicants must be registered voters currently residing in councilor district 3.

The unexpired term begins immediately upon appointment and ends Dec. 31, 2027, at the latest.

District 3 is primarily located in the urban area of Clark County east of Interstate 205 stretching from the Columbia River generally north to Northeast 99^th Street.

Registered voters can learn what district they reside in at www.VoteWA.gov or by contacting the Elections Office at [email protected] or 564.397.2345.

The commission meets from 5-7 pm on Wednesdays. Meetings are held in person on the sixth floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. and hybrid via WebEx.

The Charter Review Commission is tasked with reviewing the county’s home rule charter and potentially making recommendations for amendments.

The 15 commission members were elected in the November 2025 general election; three commissioners for each of the five county councilor districts.

Anyone interested in volunteering should send a letter of interest, resume, biographical statement of 100 words or less allocated between the four section headings below and a general statement limited to 200 words or less as would be required for the Local Voters’ Pamphlet. Section headings are not included in the word count. 

•          Elected Experience or Legal/Judicial Experience

•          Professional/Work Experience

•          Education

•          Community Service

Application materials should be sent to Michelle Pfenning, Council Administrative Assistant, at [email protected].  Materials also may be mailed to P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000.

Application deadline is 5 pm Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2026. The Charter Review Commission will discuss applicant appointments at its Thursday, Dec. 3, meeting and a possible special meeting on Friday, Dec. 4. Applicants should be available during the Dec. 3 and 4, meetings to provide a two-minute statement and answer questions from the Commission. 

More information on the Charter Review Commission can be found on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/charter/charter-review-commission-2026-2027.

Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office - MEDIA RELEASE - 11/10/26

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a vehicle crash at Northeast Padden Parkway and Northeast 94th Avenue on Nov. 6, 2026.

This individual died on 11/06/2026 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Shlyakhtich, Sergey V   Age: 39 years

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

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Pending

Manner of death:  Pending

Place of injury: Roadway intersection

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 Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Media release issue date: 11/10/2026

Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office - MEDIA RELEASE - 11/10/26

The following information is in reference to two deaths investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. The investigations are related to a crash involving vehicles and pedestrians at the intersection of Northeast Andresen Road and Northeast Van Mall Drive on Oct. 5, 2026.

Decedent 1:

This individual died on 10/05/2026 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Rasa, Teresa Yvette   Age: 34 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 force injuries

Manner of death:  Accident

How the injury occurred: Pedestrian struck by motor vehicle

Place of injury: Roadway

Decedent 2:

This individual died on 10/06/2026 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: O’Neal, Walter John M D   Age: 43 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 force injuries

Manner of death:  Accident

How the injury occurred: Pedestrian struck by motor vehicle

Place of injury: Roadway

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: 11/10/2026

Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office - MEDIA RELEASE - 11/09/26

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a vehicle crash on Northeast Blair Road in Washougal on Oct. 30, 2026.

This individual died on 10/30/2026 in Washougal, WA.

The name of the decedent: Dolan, Carol Marie   Age: 73 years

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

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Sudden cardiac death

Underlying cause / due to: Hypertensive heart disease

Other significant conditions: History of left bundle branch block

Manner of death:  Natural

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 Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Media release issue date: 11/09/2026

Commission On Aging To Present The 7th Annual Silver Citizen Award - 11/09/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County recognizes that older adults are valuable contributors to the vitality of this community. To encourage and support older adults for their contributions, the Clark County Commission on Aging has established a program to recognize older adults by means of an annual award. The COA celebrates 2026 by presenting the 7^th annual Silver Citizen Award at their final meeting of the year. This year’s award recognizes two deserved givers: Bernie Gerhardt and Ed Dawson.

Bernie Gerhardt is described as a “volunteer extraordinaire” by staff at the Fort Vancouver Regional Library. She has been a Library volunteer for more than 10 years, and her works have included time in the ESL English Conversation Circles, Art4Art, the Author and Illustrator Dinner, and many other notable events. Bernie has volunteered for the American Field Services and through that organization hosted many students in her home. Other volunteer efforts include her time as a board member for the Directors of Volunteer Programs Association, the Nonprofit Network Conference, Friends of the Carpenter and Open House Ministries.

Ed Dawson became an attorney at 64 years of age and has been a volunteer with the Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program (CCVLP) since 2010. Ed’s second career has included pro-bono work advising teachers and teachers unions, and helping his clients at CCVLP, regardless of income, race/ethnicity, immigration status, or gender/gender identity. Ed works on unlawful detainer (eviction) cases, and family law. He holds family law clinics and housing clinics each month. Since 2010, Ed has contributed almost 1,900 volunteer hours.

The meeting will begin at 4:30 pm Monday, Nov. 16, and is open to the public.

Commission on Aging meetings are currently held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in the sixth-floor Hearing Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join by phone or computer through information provided at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging-meetings.

Commission meetings are carried on CVTV Channel 23/323 and online at www.cvtv.org. To see replay times, go to www.cvtv.org.

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.

Board Of Health Seeks Applicants For Veterinarian Position On Public Health Advisory Council - 11/06/26

The Clark County Board of Health is seeking applicants to fill an unexpired term on the Public Health Advisory Council. The position is for a doctor of veterinary medicine who is working in Clark County. The term for the volunteer position begins as soon as it’s filled and ends Sept. 30, 2027.

Beginning in January, the Public Health Advisory Council will meet 5:30-7:30 pm via Zoom on the second Thursday of each month, except the month of December. One meeting each quarter will be in person at the Clark County Center for Community Health in Vancouver. Members may also join council committees that meet periodically throughout the year depending on committee scope and priorities.

The Public Health Advisory Council reviews priority public health needs and makes periodic recommendations to the Board of Health to enhance community health and wellbeing. The council may provide community forums or establish community task forces, as assigned by the Board of Health. And the council reviews and makes recommendations to Clark County Public Health and the Board of Health for the annual budget and fees.

Clark County Public Health promotes healthy communities and environments, health equity, and disease and injury prevention. With community partners, Public Health works to promote healthier choices; ensure the safety of food and water; reduce environmental waste and contamination; and protect people from disease outbreaks through monitoring, early detection and swift response.
 

Those interested in an appointment to the advisory council should submit a brief letter of interest and résumé to Jake Goodwin, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver 98666-5000. Applications can also be emailed to [email protected]. For questions about council participation and what to expect as a member, email [email protected].

The application deadline is 5 pm Monday, Nov. 30, 2026.

Clark County Finance Committee Meeting Scheduled For Nov. 12 - 11/05/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The next Clark County Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for 9:30 am Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Room 243.

Pursuant to RCW 42.30.030(2), which encourages public agencies to provide for public access to meetings, this meeting can also be viewed via Teams or joined telephonically.

• Dial-in number: 1-213-262-7043
• Phone ID: 858 015 830#
• Meeting ID: 281 852 099 631 13
• Passcode: wQ2PN3da
• Join online here.

See the agenda for the meeting on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/treasurer/investment-reports-meetings.

County Auto License Office Will Be Closed Nov. 2 And Nov. 3 - 10/30/26

Vancouver, Wash.—The Clark County Auto License office will be closed Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, and Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.

Regular office hours will resume Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026.

The Auto License office is located on the first floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. There are nine additional vehicle licensing subagent locations in Clark County. A complete list of the locations and hours of operation is on the county’s website a https://clark.wa.gov/auditor/auto-license-overview.

Many transactions can be completed online. Visit https://clark.wa.gov/auditor/auto-license-overview for more information.

Charter Review Commission Resumes Weekly Meetings In January - 10/29/26

Commission has three meetings left in 2026

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Charter Review Commission will resume weekly meetings beginning Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2027. Meetings will be 5-7 pm each Wednesday. 

Anyone wishing to attend can do so in person in the sixth-floor hearing room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. or virtually using a Webex link from this web page: https://clark.wa.gov/charter/charter-review-commission-2026-2027.

Currently, the group meets every other week. The remaining meetings for 2026 are as follows, all meetings are 5-7 pm:

• Tuesday, Nov. 10
• Thursday, Dec. 3
• Wednesday, Dec. 16

Reach out to the Commission

Charter Review Commissions would like to get feedback from residents as they work on potential amendments for 2027. A comment form is available on the county website at https://clark.wa.gov/charter/charter-review-commission-public-comment. Comments also can be sent to their email address: [email protected].

Commissioners also are available to speak to community groups. To invite a commissioner to speak at an event, use this online form.

About the Charter Review Commission
The Charter Review Commission is tasked with reviewing the county’s charter and potentially making recommendations for amendments. Fifteen commissioners were elected to the commission in November 2025; three from each of the five County Councilor districts. In 2026, the commission approved nine amendments to be placed on the General Election ballot.

Public Facilities District Board To Hold Online Meeting Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 - 10/28/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The board of the Clark County Public Facilities District will hold a public meeting 4-5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.

The meeting will be on the Teams platform. Anyone wishing to attend the meeting can click here to join the meeting and use the meeting password b6Bg3UJ3 or call 1.213.262.7043 and use the access code 581 926 630.

The Public Facilities District was formed in 2002 for the purpose of participating in the study, planning and development of one or more regional centers that would promote tourism, such as the convention center in downtown Vancouver and exhibition hall at the Clark County Fairgrounds.

The board is comprised of five members and an alternate member.

The board typically tries to meet on the first Monday of February, May, August and November. 

Composting Pumpkins In Clark County A Great Way To Give Pumpkins A Second Life After Seasonal Celebrations (Photo) - 10/27/26

Vancouver, Wash. – As seasonal celebrations end, Clark County residents are encouraged to compost pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns instead of tossing them in the garbage. Composting returns valuable nutrients to the soil and supports healthier gardens and landscapes.  

Millions of Halloween pumpkins end up in landfills throughout the United States each year. In landfills, pumpkins and other biological waste produce methane, a greenhouse gas at least 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Composting reduces landfilled waste and helps maintain fertile, productive soil.

Clark County residents have several options for composting their pumpkins.

• Pumpkins can be composted at a We Compost Community Hub for free. Community hubs are open to all residents year-round and accept all food scraps. Locations are available throughout Clark County and can be found on the We Compost webpage at ClarkWeCompost.org.
• Curbside yard debris service
  • Residents of unincorporated Clark County who subscribe to curbside yard debris service can dispose of pumpkins in their yard debris carts in October and November.
  • Residents in incorporated Vancouver and Ridgefield who subscribe to curbside organics service can dispose of pumpkins in their carts year-round.
  • Residents in Camas and Washougal cannot dispose of pumpkins in their yard debris carts.
• Pumpkins can be chopped into smaller pieces and added to backyard compost bins or piles. Residents can learn how to compost at home at a Composter Recycler fall workshop. Information is available at clarkcountycomposts.org/workshops.

Before composting carved or decorated pumpkins, all paint, glitter, decorations, wax and candles must be removed. Residents planning to paint their pumpkins and then compost them are encouraged to use water-based paint that washes off easily. If paint and decorations are not washable, the decorated skin should be removed using a vegetable peeler and disposed of in the garbage. If paint or other decorations cannot be removed, the pumpkin should be disposed of in the garbage.

To further reduce waste before composting, save and toast the pumpkin seeds for a healthy snack, and puree the pumpkin for fall recipes.

Residents can learn more about sustainable pumpkin disposal at clark.wa.gov/public-works/clark-county-green-neighbors.

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 Treasurer Alishia Topper Named 2026 Statesperson Of The Year (Photo) - 10/27/26

Greater Vancouver Chamber recognizes Topper’s public service, affordable housing leadership and commitment to Clark County residents

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Treasurer Alishia Topper has been named the Greater Vancouver Chamber’s 2026 Statesperson of the Year, recognizing her longstanding commitment to public service, collaborative leadership and efforts to expand opportunity for residents throughout Clark County.

Topper received the honor at the Greater Vancouver Chamber’s 2026 Business & Leadership Awards, presented by Riverview Bank on Oct. 14 at The Heathman Lodge. The annual awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership and contributions help strengthen Southwest Washington’s economy and communities.

With a career spanning local government, public finance and affordable housing, Topper has built a record of bringing public agencies and community partners together to address local priorities. Her service includes two terms on Vancouver City Council, her election as Clark County Treasurer in 2018 and her appointment to the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, where she served from 2017 through 2025.

One of Topper’s most significant accomplishments has been helping expand access to affordable homeownership. At her request, the Clark County Council approved a partnership with the Washington State Housing Finance Commission in 2023 to establish the county’s first homebuyer down payment assistance program. The initiative built on a $2 million county investment approved in 2022 and was designed to help eligible moderate- and low-income households overcome a significant barrier to homeownership.

“Working with County Council and the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, elected officials across political differences came together around one shared goal: helping more families achieve the dream of homeownership,” said Topper. “Expanding affordable housing opportunities is one of the accomplishments I’m most proud of because it demonstrates what we can achieve when we focus on shared priorities and work together to meet the needs of our community.”

During her tenure on the Housing Finance Commission, Topper also served as chair of its Audit Committee and represented Washington nationally through the National Conference of State Housing Boards. Her work connected local priorities with broader efforts to expand affordable housing and homeownership opportunities across the state.

As Clark County Treasurer, Topper brings that collaborative approach to the stewardship of public funds. Since taking office in 2019, she has focused on improving operational processes, strengthening transparency, delivering efficient treasury services and providing residents with convenient tax payment options. She holds the Certified Public Funds Investment Manager and Certified Government Finance Officer credentials, along with a Master of Public Administration from Portland State University.

Beyond her elected and appointed roles, Topper has contributed to the region through civic and financial leadership, including service with the Washington State Association of County Treasurers, Columbia Credit Union and the Vancouver Housing Authority.

The Statesperson of the Year award recognizes an elected official who represents the interests of the business community while balancing the broader priorities and responsibilities of the communities they serve. Topper’s recognition reflects a career dedicated to public service, responsible financial management and partnerships that help address Clark County’s long-term needs.

For more information about the Clark County Treasurer’s Office, its services and its commitment to responsible stewardship of public funds, visit clark.wa.gov/treasurer.

For more information on all of the Greater Vancouver Chamber 2026 Business & Leadership Awards Honorees visit the Chamber’s website.

Property Taxes Due Monday, Nov. 2 - 10/23/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Treasurer’s Office reminds taxpayers that property taxes are due Monday, Nov. 2, this year because Oct. 31, falls on a weekend.

“Taxpayers have until Monday, Nov. 2, to pay their property taxes this year,” said Treasurer Alishia Topper. “For the final two days of the tax season, we’re offering a convenient drive-through payment drop-off option. Those who choose to pay by mail should make sure their payment is postmarked by Nov. 2, to be considered on time.”

The drive-through payment kiosk is located at the east entrance of the parking structure at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. It will be open from 9 am to 4 pm on Friday, Oct. 30, and Monday, Nov. 2. This kiosk accepts prewritten checks only. No other forms of payment will be accepted at the kiosk.

For added convenience, taxpayers may also use the secure drop box on the first floor of the Public Service Center. Check payments must be sealed in an envelope and may be dropped off between 8 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

Taxpayers can pay their property taxes online using the following methods:

• E-Check: Free when paid from a checking or savings account
• Debit card: $3.95 flat fee
• Credit card: 2.39% vendor fee

To make an online payment, visit: www.clark.wa.gov/treasurer/payment-options or call 1.833.440.8685.

To receive tax statements electronically and manage property taxes online, visit: www.paydici.com/clark-county-wa/search/landing.

Tax payments may be mailed to:
Clark County Treasurer
PO Box 35150
Seattle, WA 98124-5150

Taxpayers are encouraged to use the return envelope and payment coupon included with their tax statement.

The Treasurer’s Office is available by phone and email Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm. Visit clark.wa.gov/treasurer or call 564.397.2252 for more information.

Tax payments must be postmarked by Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, to avoid interest charges.

County Cancels Oct. 26 Open House Event For Propositions 12 & 13 - 10/22/26

Tour of county jail still available, capacity is limited

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is canceling an open house on Propositions 12 & 13 originally scheduled for 6 pm Monday, Oct. 26, at the Public Service Center in downtown Vancouver.

Jail tour still available on Oct. 26
A jail tour that was scheduled to take place after the open house is still available and will begin at 6 pm Oct. 26. Tour capacity is limited to no more than 30 people, and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Anyone wishing to take the jail tour must complete a Jail Clearance Application and Agreement.

To schedule a tour, contact [email protected] to get detailed information.

Battle Ground open house
The county will still hold an open house in Battle Ground. The open house will be 6 pm Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Battle Ground Community Center, 912 Main St.

Jail Services and representatives from the Sheriff’s Office will present information regarding the propositions and answer questions from attendees.

Proposition 12

Bond Proposition 12 would allow Clark County to:

• Remodel current jail to ensure safety of those housed in the jail as well as those who work in the jail.
• Connect incarcerated people to treatment and re-entry services.
• Add/expand capital infrastructure to increase the beds available in the jail.
• Provide new headquarters for the Sheriff’s Office; which is currently located in the basement of the jail.
• Add courtrooms in the jail.

The cost of Proposition 12 is $366 million. Based on the median home value of $550,000, the estimated cost would be approximately $86 per year or $7.17 per month.

Proposition 13

Proposition 13 is a levy lid lift and will pay for law and justice staffing including, but not limited to:

• Employees (e.g. corrections officers, professional support staff, medical staff, etc.) to staff and operate the expanded jail.
• Additional Sheriff’s Office employees (e.g. deputies, professional support staff, etc.).
• Law and justice impacts for additional Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys, court staff, Deputy Clerks, public defense attorneys, etc.
• Four Prosecuting Attorney staff currently funded by one-time grant funding.
• Other law and justice staff.

The cost of Proposition 13 is $51.4 million which will fund jail staffing for the expanded jail, Sheriff’s Office staffing and other law and justice impacts. Based on the median home value of $550,000, the estimated cost would be approximately $242 per year or $20.17 per month.

Find more information at clark.wa.gov/prop12and13.

Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office - MEDIA RELEASE - 10/21/26

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a deceased person recovered from the Columbia River downstream from the I-5 bridge on Oct. 14, 2026.

This individual was found on 10/14/2026 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Thow, Molly Alee   Age: 25 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Portland, OR

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Pending

Manner of death:  Pending

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 Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Media release issue date: 10/21/2026

County Council Votes To Put Bond, Levy Lid Lift Measures On General Election Ballot To Fund Law And Justice Services - 10/20/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council voted this week to approve two resolutions for submittal of two propositions to voters related to funding critical infrastructure needs and criminal justice services.

One resolution authorizes placing a bond measure on the November 2026 ballot and the other resolution authorizes placing a levy lid lift also on the general election ballot.

General obligation bonds

If approved by voters, the bond measure would authorize the county to issue general obligation bonds not to exceed $366,204,000. The revenue would allow the county to acquire, construct, remodel and equip the county’s public safety capital infrastructure. This includes a remodel and expansion of the Clark County Jail, adding courtrooms, and a new Sheriff’s Office headquarters.

Levy lid lift

While the bond measure will pay for capital expenses, the levy lid lift will provide revenue to fund associated public safety positions which include correction deputies, Sheriff deputies, Prosecuting Attorney staff and other criminal justice staff.

The proposal is to increase the tax levy to $1.15 per $1,000 of assessed value beginning in 2027. This is an approximate increase of $.44 from the 2026 tax levy.

Background

County staff have engaged with community stakeholders and outside consultants over the past several years, reviewing current facilities and services to determine current and future public safety needs. The County Council has had many discussions regarding these needs over the past several years including several work sessions in 2026.

The law and justice system is a system where all parts need to function to be successful, including, but not limited to, a jail, law enforcement, courts, prosecution, and others.

The Clark County Jail was built in the 1980s. Much has changed in the last 40 years including a significant increase in the county’s population. The current structure and layout of the main jail need to be updated to accommodate current and future needs.

Clark County will provide more information to voters regarding the bond and levy measures in the coming weeks on the county’s website www.clark.wa.gov.

County Seeks Applicants For Three Openings On Animal Control Advisory Board - 10/19/26

Vancouver, Wash. – County Manager Kathleen Otto is seeking applicants for three open positions on the volunteer Animal Protection and Control Advisory Board.

The positions are for Clark County residents that represent:

• Does not own domestic animals
• Livestock owner
• At large

The terms for the livestock owner and at large positions begin Nov. 1, 2026, and the opening for someone not owning domestic animals is currently vacant. All terms are four years in length.

Currently, advisory board members meet every other month at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month. Meetings are currently being held in person or virtually using the Microsoft Teams platform.

Functions of the 10-member board include:

• Reporting to the County Council at least once a year on general operations of the Animal Protection and Control Program
• Recommending potential changes to services modifications to code that will promote animal welfare and the most efficient animal services possible
• Promoting the program, including its licensing of all dogs and cats.

Applications and a résumé can be mailed to Animal Protection and Control, P.O. Box 9810, Vancouver, WA 98666-9810 or emailed to [email protected].

For more about the board or to download an application, please go to www.clark.wa.gov/community-development/animal-control-advisory-board.

Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, 2026.  

Clark County Council Seeks Volunteers For Mosquito Control District Board - 10/19/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is requesting applications for an opening on the Mosquito Control District Board of Trustees.

The term is for an at-large position that begins Jan. 1, 2027, and ends Dec. 31, 2028.

The Board of Trustees oversees the work of the Clark County Mosquito Control District. The board establishes policy, manages expenditures, and approves contracts for services.

The Board of Trustees is comprised of one member from each city or town in Clark County and three at-large members appointed by the Clark County Council. 

The board meets every other month on the second Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December. The meetings begin at 7 pm and are currently being held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual attendance available.

Applicants should send a résumé and letter of interest to Jake Goodwin, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver 98666-5000. Applications also can be sent by email to [email protected].

Application deadline is 5 pm Friday, Nov. 6, 2026.

For more information, visit the Board of Trustees website.

Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office - MEDIA RELEASE - 10/15/26

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a three-vehicle crash involving a bus on Northwest La Center Road on Oct. 8, 2026.

This individual died on 10/08/2026 in Ridgefield, WA.

The name of the decedent: West, Alyssa   Age: 38 years

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

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Blunt trauma

Manner of death:  Accident

How the injury occurred: Driver of car that was involved in motor vehicle collision

Place of injury: Roadway

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 Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Media release issue date: 10/15/2026

Clark County Adopts 20-year Growth Plan - 10/14/26

Vancouver, Wash.  ̶  Capping more than three years of work, the Clark County Councilors this week adopted a plan that will guide growth in Clark County over the next 20 years.

The more than 400-page Comprehensive Growth Management Plan final update now goes to the Washington State Department of Commerce.

On Tuesday, Oct. 13, the council adopted ordinance 2026-10-01, reflecting their decisions on the plan update. The county will issue a Notice of Adoption of the Comprehensive Plan Update on Oct. 23, which kicks off the 60-day appeal period. Appeals are submitted to the state Growth Management Hearings Board.

The council approved the plan after listening to public comment and discussing the options.

The plan includes a new Climate Element, multi-modal transportation standards, and updated housing policies and zoning code with an emphasis on providing housing at all income levels.

Additional highlights of the plan include:

• 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 school and transportation impact fees, and new fire impact fees.

The Growth Management Plan Update covers the 20-year period ending in 2045, when the population is projected to be 718,154 and 73,500 more people will be employed in Clark County. Currently, the county’s population is approximately 577,431, and there are approximately 180,900 jobs.

By state law, the update must include a capital facilities plan that outlines the public facilities, such as roads and schools, needed to support the additional population and how they will be financed.

The Growth Management Act requires state and local governments to manage growth by identifying and protecting critical areas and natural resource lands, designating urban growth areas, preparing comprehensive plans, and implementing them through capital investments and development regulations.

The act applies only to Washington’s quickly growing counties.

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

Media Advisory: East Fork Lewis River Restoration Project Reaches Completion, Partners To Mark The Occasion At Oct. 15 Event (Photo) - 10/13/26

When: Noon – 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15

Where: Project site near the end of Bjur Road in Ridgefield

What: The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership and Clark County have invited project partners to celebrate the completion of the $23.5 million East Fork Lewis River Reconnection Project on Thursday, Oct. 15. After two years of construction, crews completed the earth-moving and infrastructure work this week. Students and community volunteers will help replant the project area during the winter months

The project restored three miles of river habitat, improved conditions for salmon and wildlife, reduced flood and erosion risks for nearby homes and businesses, and enhanced recreation opportunities along the river. The project aimed to recreate historic river conditions in a stretch of river that once flowed through seven abandoned gravel mining pits. More information on the project’s benefits, state, local and federal funding is available on the project website.

The event will include a program followed by optional site tours. Program speakers will include State Representative Ed Orcutt (WA LD-20), Clark County Council Chair Sue Marshall, and leaders from state and local agencies and organizations.

The project site and event location have uneven, rocky ground. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are required. Potable water and restrooms are not available at this location.

After parking at the end of Bjur Road, attendees will be shuttled to the project site in all-terrain vehicles. Please allow extra time for the ride to the site from the parking area.

Because of the unique features of the site, limited space and access, participating media are strongly encouraged to contact Kaley McLachlan-Burton, Clark County Public Works public information officer, at [email protected] or 360.946.7584 (call or text; text messages are more likely to go through at the project site on the day of the event).