Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Council Chair Karen Dill Bowerman will present the 2023 State of the County address in a video to be released on Tuesday, April 4. The video will be available beginning at 9 am on the county’s website at www.clark.wa.gov. CVTV will begin airing the video later that day at 7 pm on channel 23/323 and www.CVTV.org.
In her speech, Chair Bowerman will discuss local topics of interest including the new Jail Services Department, the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update, the county budget, homelessness in the community, and other matters.
“The State of the County offers an annual opportunity to address recent accomplishments and provide updates on the biggest issues facing Clark County,” said Council Chair Karen Dill Bowerman. “Together, as a community, we are writing the next chapter in an even stronger Clark County – one that is emerging with strength and resilience from the long period of COVID’s effect. It has indeed been a long phase for our families and our businesses, so please join us in watching the address as we think about where we have been and about the future we are forging together.”
UPDATE: The previous version of this release listed the hearing date incorrectly. The council hearing was held on Tuesday, March 21.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council at a public hearing this week approved the Public Participation Plan for the Comprehensive Plan 2025 Update. The Comprehensive Plan is a long-range policy guide for how the county plans to manage growth and development over a 20-year period.
The goal of the Public Participation Plan is to clearly identify the scope of the proposed update, when legislative action is expected, and how the public can participate or comment.
“The Public Participation Plan is a framework for how we plan to engage with the public during the project,” said Jacqui Kamp, program manager in Community Planning. “It serves as an overview of the update process, so residents know when and how to participate in the decision-making process.”
The approved resolution, staff presentation, and submitted public comments are available under the March 21 hearing information on the council’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings. The March 21 hearing can be viewed on CVTV.org.
To learn more about the 2025 update and to sign up for project updates, please visit the project website at www.clark.wa.gov/2025update.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is seeking applicants to fill a position on the Clark County Board of Equalization.
The three-year position runs from April 30, 2023, to April 29, 2026.
The Board of Equalization is a three-member, impartial citizen panel that hears and decides property owners’ appeals of assessed property valuations and exemptions. Members are paid $100 per day while attending hearings and meetings. Board hearings usually are held in alternating weeks, Tuesday through Thursday mornings in a virtual format.
Applicants must be Clark County residents. They cannot hold any elective office or be an employee of any elected official. Persons who have been employed by the Clark County Assessor’s Office are not eligible to be a board member for two years after leaving their employment.
Applicants also should have knowledge of Clark County real property and personal property appraisal techniques and property tax law. Knowledge of building trades is helpful. Computer skills are helpful.
Applicants should submit a letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.
Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, April 21, 0223.
To learn more, visit https://clark.wa.gov/internal-services/board-equalization.
Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office - MEDIA RELEASE
The following information is in reference to a death investigated
by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. The investigation is related to a December 15, 2022, mobile home fire in Ridgefield, WA.
These two individuals died on 12/15/2022 in Ridgefield, WA
Decedent 1:
The name of the decedent: Rhodes, Belinda Age: 62 Yrs
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Ridgefield, WA
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Pending
Manner of death: Pending
Decedent 2:
The name of the decedent: Hemry, Devin Age: 63 Yrs
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Ridgefield, WA
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 the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Media release issue date: Prepared 03/22/2023
Doreen Gunderson
Operations Manager
Vancouver, Wash. – The intersection of Northeast 99th Street and Northeast 94th Avenue will be closed beginning Monday, April 17 for construction of a roundabout. The closure is expected to last at least 25 days but may be extended as needed. Exact closure start and end dates are weather dependent.
Drivers will be diverted onto a detour route. To reduce the impact of traffic along the detour route, the construction contractor will place temporary bumps. The temporary speed bumps are owned by the contractor, who will remove them when the closure ends.
Upon completion Northeast 99th Street will be connected between Northeast 94th and 105th Avenues. This project is part of a larger effort to improve traffic circulation on Northeast 99th Street between Northeast 94th Avenue and Northeast 117th Avenue/SR-503. Information about these projects is available at clark.wa.gov/public-works/ne-99th-street.
For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.
Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works and click on “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 y haga clic en “Noticias” 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 и нажмите на "Новости". Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.
Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office
MEDIA RELEASE
The following information is in reference to a death investigated
by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.
This individual died on 3/10/2023 in Vancouver, WA
The name of the decedent: Brown, Kory Age: 54 Yrs
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Longview, WA
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 the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Media release issue date: Prepared 03/20/2023
Doreen Gunderson
Operations Manager
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Green Neighbors is accepting applications for host gardens in the 2023 Natural Garden Tour. The annual tour features gardens across the county that are maintained using earth-friendly techniques.
Clark County residents with urban and rural gardens of all sizes can apply to have their property included in the tour, which offers self-guided tours to the community. Properties considered for the tour must be maintained without the use of synthetic chemicals.
Applications to be a host garden will be accepted online through March 31. After the application period closes, Clark County Green Neighbors will schedule in-person site visits for further evaluation.
This year’s Natural Garden Tour is 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday, July 16. To learn more about the event, view the 2022 Garden Tour Booklet and 2022 Virtual Garden Tour.
Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office
MEDIA RELEASE
The following information is in reference to a death investigated
by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.
This individual died on 3/12/2023 in Brush Prairie, WA
The name of the decedent: Goldman, Ryan Age: 29 Yrs
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Brush Prairie, WA
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Multiple blunt force injuries
Manner of death: Accident
How the injury occurred: Operator of bicycle impacted by vehicle
Place of injury: County Road
Traffic related: Yes
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 the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Media release issue date: Prepared 03/16/2023
Doreen Gunderson
Operations Manager
Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office
MEDIA RELEASE
The following information is in reference to a death investigated
by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.
This individual died on 3/11/2023 in Vancouver, WA
The name of the decedent: Gonzalez Carmona, Henry Age: 28 Yrs
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Perforating gunshot wound of torso
Manner of death: Homicide
How the injury occurred: Decedent shot by other person(s)
Place of injury: Parking lot
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 the Vancouver Police Department.
Media release issue date: Prepared 03/15/2023
Doreen Gunderson
Operations Manager
Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office
MEDIA RELEASE
The following information is in reference to a death investigated
by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.
This individual died on 3/10/2023 in Vancouver, WA
The name of the decedent: Pape Jr., Marvin L. Age: 58 Yrs
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Sudden death during physical altercation
Manner of death: Homicide
How the injury occurred: Sudden death during physical altercation with another person(s)
Other significant conditions: Blunt head trauma; severe cardiomegaly with right ventricular hypertrophy; severe pulmonary hypertension; obesity; methamphetamine use
Place of injury: Other person’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 the Vancouver Police Department.
Media release issue date: Prepared 03/14/2023
Doreen Gunderson
Operations Manager
Virtual sessions will focus on population forecast and new housing requirements
Vancouver, Wash. – As part of the county’s efforts on the 2025 Comprehensive Growth Management Plan update, Clark County Community Planning has scheduled two virtual public information sessions for Tuesday, March 28 at 1:30 pm and 2:45 pm.
The meeting will be held virtually via Webex. Details on how to join the meeting can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/2025-update-meeting-and-event-information. The meeting will also be carried live by CVTV on Channel 23. The meeting recording will be posted the next day on the same meeting and event web page.
To find details and information about the project, upcoming meetings, and how to sign up for email updates, please visit the project page at https://clark.wa.gov/ 2025update.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Council is holding a work session about the 179th Street Access Management and Circulation Plan at 9 am on Wednesday, March 29. Councilors are requesting additional information about the plan as they consider adoption and whether to move the plan to a public hearing. During the work session staff will share questions received from residents throughout the project and share responses.
Public input from throughout the project has been collected into documents available on the project website. This includes lists of previously submitted questions and comments, and responses from staff. Residents with questions or comments that are not reflected in those documents can submit them to 179thstreetproject@clark.wa.gov. Comments received by 5 pm Monday, March 20 will be combined with previously received questions/comments and shared with council ahead of the work session. Questions submitted after that time will receive responses from staff and be shared with council after the March 29 work session.
About the plan
The area around Northeast 179th Street is experiencing rapid development. Development will increase traffic in the area. The existing road network was not designed to accommodate the increased traffic volume. A plan is needed to balance increased traffic volumes with safety and mobility. The plan’s recommendations include road designs, intersection types, access locations and safety features. The plan does not initiate county acquisition of privately owned land. The plan also does not review or approve proposed developments or overall development of the area. The plan does not require that property owners develop their property.
The plan and additional information can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-works/179th-st-access-management-and-ciculation-plan. The webpage contains information about public involvement in the plan’s creation. It also has information about attending the March 29 work session.
To receive information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.
Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works and click on “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 y haga clic en “Noticias” 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 и нажмите на "Новости". Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is hosting a public meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 23 to present the first batch of proposed housing code amendments related to middle housing and smaller single-family strategies from the county’s Housing Options Study and Action Plan. Project staff will provide a presentation on the proposed code amendments, listen to feedback, and answer questions.
The meeting will be held in a hybrid format. Anyone interested can join in person in the sixth-floor hearing room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. or virtually via Webex.
The proposed code amendments, and information on how to join and participate in the meeting can be found on the project’s webpage at www.clark.wa.gov/housingoptions. The meeting recording will be posted to that page the next day.
“Like other communities in the region, the unincorporated portion of the Vancouver Urban Growth Area (VUGA) is facing increasing housing prices that outpace household incomes,” said Jacqui Kamp, Program Manager. “These code amendments will help provide additional flexible opportunities for creation of more affordable alternative housing choices.”
The Clark County Council approved the Housing Options Study and Action Plan (HOSAP) in May of 2022 and directed staff to begin working on implementing strategies in the plan. The purpose of the plan is to encourage development of housing that is affordable to a variety of household incomes through the removal of regulatory barriers and/or implementation of other initiatives within the unincorporated Vancouver Urban Growth Area. The neighborhoods in this area include Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Felida, Pleasant Highlands, Minnehaha and Orchards. These neighborhoods have urban services that could support diverse housing types, like duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, condominiums, and small-scale apartments, compared to the rural unincorporated areas of the county.
Following the public meeting, project staff will present to the county’s Planning Commission at upcoming work sessions on April 6 and May 4, in preparation for a hearing on May 18, 2023. The Planning Commission will provide a recommendation to County Council. A council hearing is tentatively scheduled for this summer.
You can learn more about the implementation of the Housing Options Study and Action Plan on the project webpage, www.clark.wa.gov/housingoptions.
Vancouver, Wash. – At the request of County Treasurer Alishia Topper, the Clark County Council this week approved an interlocal agreement with the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) to establish and administer the Clark County homebuyer down payment assistance program.
The council in August 2022 approved $2,000,000 to establish the first homebuyer down payment assistance program. Its purpose is to provide affordable home ownership for moderate to low-income persons, households and families. WSHFC this year approved a contribution of one-third of that investment, or $666,666 to the program.
The down payment assistance is a second mortgage loan program that combines with the Home Advantage or Opportunity first mortgage loan programs offed by WSHFC. It is available to qualifying borrowers purchasing a home at or below the area median home price within the county, which currently is $600,000. The assistance program loans up to $60,000; $45,000 provided by the county and $15,000 from the commission.
The loan is at 2% simple interest and the repayment funds will be go back and be reinvested in the program. Repayment is due at the time of sale, transfer, refinance, when the borrower no longer occupies the primary residence or at 30 years.
Qualifying borrowers must be first-time homeowners, complete pre-purchase housing counseling, and agree to attend post-purchase housing counseling. The household must have an annual income not exceeding 90% of the area median income for a household of four.
"Homeownership is a fundamental way to earn generational wealth and break the cycle of poverty," said Topper. "I thank the County Council, Commission, and community supporters for helping to make this program possible for those who otherwise would not achieve the dream of owning a home in our expensive housing market."
“We greatly appreciate Treasurer Topper’s leadership and are thrilled to partner with Clark County to help families realize their dreams of owning a home,” said Lisa DeBrock, director of homeownership at the Housing Finance Commission. “By bringing our statewide resources to bear, we can help local funds go much farther and reach deeper.”
“There is a real advantage of experience in this program, including experience from outside Clark County that can inform how to best to administer the program for ongoing renewal of funds as we move forward over the years,” said Council Chair Karen Dill Bowerman. The Chair thanked Treasurer Topper and representatives from WSHFC for their work on the program, adding “I look forward to so many good things from this program for our community.”
For more information on the down payment assistance, visit the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/treasurer/homebuyer-downpayment-assistance.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Community Planning is starting the process of updating the local Comprehensive Growth Management Plan, as required by the state’s Growth Management Act (GMA). The plan, last updated in 2016, is a long-range policy guide for how the county plans to manage growth and development over a twenty-year period.
The GMA requires jurisdictions to periodically update their comprehensive plan and development regulations to bring them up to date with changes to state law; changes to land use; population growth; and housing needs projections.
To begin the periodic update process, the county will adopt a Public Participation Plan (PPP) that would clearly identify the scope of the proposed update, when legislative action is expected, and how the public can participate or comment.
County Council will hold a hybrid public hearing on the Public Participation Plan on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 6 p.m., in the sixth-floor Hearing Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. and virtually via Webex. The meeting will be shown live on CVTV channel 23/323 and available later that day for on-demand viewing on CVTV.org.
The updated Public Participation Plan draft and other hearing materials can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/2025-update-meeting-and-event-information.
Information on how the public can attend the meeting and provide testimony can be found on the Council’s meeting page at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings.
To learn more about the 2025 update and to sign up for project updates, please visit the project website at www.clark.wa.gov/2025update.
Vancouver, Wash. – With the significant increase last year in assessed values, taxpayers will see much lower tax rates on their tax bills this year with some property owners seeing a drop in the tax rate of over $2 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The Assessor’s Office has a map visualizing the countywide tax rates on the county website.
Washington State has a budget-based property tax system where taxing districts ask for an exact dollar amount to be collected from the taxpayers. In a budget-based tax system, as assessment levels increase the tax rates will decrease to ensure only the collection of the budgeted amount.
Despite, the lower tax rates, property taxpayers will see increases in their property taxes across the county due to the increased property tax requests by taxing districts. “Taxpayers should not be confused that a lower tax rate indicates that a tax district is cutting taxes,” said Assessor Peter Van Nortwick. “Property taxes increase because tax districts request additional tax revenue, not because assessed values have increased,” Van Nortwick added.
Taxpayers interested in seeing a breakdown of their property taxes, including any tax district increases, can visit the county’s online property information center, search their property, and view their property tax page.
For more information on taxing districts and levy rates, visit the Assessor’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/assessor/annual-reports.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Treasurer Alishia Topper reminds residents that first-installment 2023 property taxes are due April 30. However, because that date falls on a Sunday, payments on Monday, May 1, 2023, will be honored.
Tax statements will be mailed during the second week of March. If taxpayers are expecting a mailed statement and don’t receive one or have questions, please visit www.clark.wa.gov/treasurer or contact the Treasurer’s Office at 564.397.2252 for a duplicate statement.
“Tax statements are mailed to property owners who do not pay through an escrow company. If a homeowner has paid off their mortgage and does not receive a statement, they should contact our office,” Topper said.
The Treasurer’s Office is recommending taxpayers pay by mail or online. If in-person service is needed, the Treasurer’s Office is open Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm in the Joint Lobby on the second floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.
Topper is adding a convenient drive-through drop-off location on the ground floor on the east side of the Public Service Center parking structure on Friday, April 28 and Monday, May 1.
Taxpayers may pay property taxes online from their checking or savings account or using a credit or debit card. Payments from electronic checking and savings accounts are free, while debit card payments incur a $3.95 vendor fee, and credit card payments are assessed a 2.39% vendor fee.
To make a payment, go to www.clark.wa.gov/treasurer/payment-options, or call 1.833.440.8685. To register to receive your tax statement electronically and manage your property taxes online, go to https://www.paydici.com/clark-county-wa/search/landing.
Payment transactions must be postmarked by midnight, Monday, May 1, 2023, to avoid interest charges.
Tax payments can be mailed to the Clark County Treasurer, PO Box 35150, Seattle, WA 98124-5150. Taxpayers are encouraged to use the return envelope and payment coupon provided with their statement to mail their payments.
Vancouver, Wash. – Stormwater Partners of Southwest Washington invites middle and high school students throughout Clark County to create fun and impactful videos to inspire the community to work together for clean water. Stormwater Partners is hosting the third annual Students for Clean Water Student Video Contest. Stormwater Partners is a coalition of local agencies and organizations, including Clark County and the cities of Battle Ground, Camas, La Center, Ridgefield, Vancouver and Washougal.
Students currently in grades 6-12 can submit 25 or 55-second videos on topics related to pollution prevention, stewardship, local trails, and their connection water. Videos are due by April 24.
Local businesses are sponsoring five first-place prizes of $500 each and five honorable mention prizes of $100 each. One first prize and one honorable mention prize will be awarded in each of five categories:
Winning videos will be shared on Stormwater Partners’ social media accounts and at summer movie in the park events.
“Students have an opportunity to promote stewardship of healthy streams, rivers and lakes in our community while showcasing their creativity,” said Clean Water Outreach Specialist Eric Lambert. “We’re excited to share the important messages conveyed in their work and to recognize their efforts with cash prizes.”
Students and supporters can visit stormwaterpartners.com/video-contest for contest details and to learn more about the contest categories and topics. Community members can also find information on the Public Works Twitter, Facebook and Instagram profiles, and on NextDoor.
Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works and click on “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 y haga clic en “Noticias” 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 и нажмите на "Новости". Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.
Artists’ reception scheduled for Friday, March 3
Vancouver, Wash. – The Rebecca Anstine Gallery is currently featuring an exhibit of artwork from local artists Julisse Hopmann and Christopher Kelleher.
The work will be on display through May. The gallery is on the sixth floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. It is open 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.
A reception for the artists will be held at the gallery 5:30-8 pm Friday, March 3. The event is sponsored by the Clark County Arts Commission. It is free and open to the public.
Chris Kelleher
Creating mostly through improvisation, Kelleher set out to build a relationship between marks focusing on movement, form and light. From waterfalls to forests to mountaintops, the landscape of the Pacific Northwest has had a profound influence on his work. Incorporating those elements, he is able to build abstract geometric paintings in gouache and watercolor.
Julisse Hopmann
Julisse Hopmann is a mixed media artist local to Southwest Washington. Her signature pieces include bold color palettes while applying focus to singular symbolic images. Julisse approaches her work with humor even as it pertains to grave subject matters.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Aging Readiness Plan assesses the county's readiness to serve as a home for a growing number of older residents. The plan was approved in 2012 and includes strategies to improve the community’s capacity to support its growing older population and ultimately benefit all ages.
The Commission on Aging implements the Aging Readiness Plan and initiated an update to the plan in fall of 2022. The update will refresh the plan to address changes in the last 10 years, update the data and maps in the document, and ensure new technologies and services are incorporated. The plan update will also add a new health and safety chapter, focusing on emergency preparedness, a topic that is not currently covered in the plan.
The county will hold public workshops to help assess implementation and refine strategies in the existing plan and brainstorm new policy ideas for the update of the plan. The workshops will be interactive and will concentrate on the topical focus areas of the plan including housing, community engagement, supportive services, healthy communities, transportation, and emergency management.
The commission will host the workshops at the following times and locations:
For additional information about the project, please visit: https://bit.ly/agingreadiness.
The Commission on Aging, supported by the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members. For more about the commission, please visit www.clark.wa.gov/aging.
Vancouver, Wash. – A portion of the Lacamas Heritage Trail will be closed for resurfacing beginning Monday, March 6. North Cascade Excavating will be resurfacing the trail between the trailhead at 7986 NE Goodwin Road and the footbridge located about a mile south. In addition to the trail closure, the parking lot at the Goodwin Road trailhead will also be closed. Residents are asked to avoid the area during the closure.
Work is expected to be complete by Friday, March 10, however the project schedule is weather-dependent. Residents are encouraged to go to clark.wa.gov/public-works to check for updates to the project schedule.
Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works and click on “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 y haga clic en “Noticias” 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 и нажмите на "Новости". Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.
To receive information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Assessor’s office property tax exemption specialists will be available to answer questions and enroll property owners in the county’s property tax relief program at an upcoming public event.
The Tax Exemption Program for senior citizens and people with disabilities can reduce property tax liability for qualifying homeowners. Eligibility is based on age or disability, home ownership and residence and income. Participants are not required to repay the taxes, and their homes are not subject to property liens.
Exemption specialists will be on hand from 10 am to 3 pm at La Center City Hall, 210 E. Fourth St.
To schedule an appointment for the event, call 564.397.2391 or email taxreduction@clark.wa.gov. Walk-ins also are welcome. Homeowners interested in attending should bring photo ID, federal tax return, W-2 and/or 1099, and any deduction documentation.
Learn more about the program and apply online at https://assessor-property-tax-exemption-program-clarkcountywa.hub.arcgis.com/.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Board of Health is seeking applicants for a youth volunteer to serve on the Public Health Advisory Council.
The open position is for a representative from the Clark County Youth Commission or Clark County Youth House, or a representative of local area high schools or colleges. The three-year term begins as soon as the position is filled.
The advisory council meets 5:30-7:30 pm on the fourth Tuesday of every even month via Zoom. When in-person meetings resume, they will be 6-8 pm in the main conference room on the second floor of the Center for Community Health, 1601 E Fourth Plain Blvd.
The Public Health Advisory Council uses a health equity framework to identify community health needs, and review and recommend public health policies and priorities to address the identified needs. 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 Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver 98666-5000.
Applications can also be emailed to michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.
The application deadline is 5 pm Friday, March 31.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is seeking applicants to fill a position on the Clark County Board of Equalization.
The three-year position runs from April 30, 2023, to April 29, 2026.
The Board of Equalization is a three-member, impartial citizen panel that hears and decides property owners’ appeals of assessed property valuations and exemptions. Members are paid $100 per day while attending hearings and meetings. Board hearings usually are held in alternating weeks, Tuesday through Thursday mornings in a virtual format.
Applicants must be Clark County residents. They cannot hold any elective office or be an employee of any elected official. Persons who have been employed by the Clark County Assessor’s Office are not eligible to be a board member for two years after leaving their employment.
Applicants also should have knowledge of Clark County real property and personal property appraisal techniques and property tax law. Knowledge of building trades is helpful. Computer skills are helpful.
Applicants should submit a letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.
Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, March 24, 0223.
To learn more, visit https://clark.wa.gov/internal-services/board-equalization.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office is taking applications for one retail firework permit to be assigned by lottery to be held on Monday, March 27.
Fireworks cannot be sold in Clark County without a permit.
Applications for the permit lottery can be obtained on the county website at https://clark.wa.gov/code-administration/fire-forms-and-fees. Only one completed application may be entered per person or organization.
All lottery permit applications must be received at the Fire Marshal’s Office no later than 4 pm Friday, March 24, 2023, regardless of how they are submitted.
Applications may be mailed to the Fire Marshal’s Office, 505 N.W. 179th St., Ridgefield, faxed to 564.397.2076 or emailed to firemar@clark.wa.gov. Applications postmarked on March 24 will not qualify.
The applicant chosen by lottery will be contacted immediately.
Vancouver, Wash. – The WasteBusters Challenge kickoff event will now be held virtually due to inclement weather.
Clark County Green Neighbors will kickoff the 21-day challenge with a free virtual event 11:30 am to 12:30 pm Sunday, Feb. 26 via Zoom. Register online to attend the event. Guest speaker Kylie DaCunha will talk about Columbia Springs programs, including Repair Clark County.
The annual WasteBusters Challenge begins March 1. Challenge participants commit to a pledge, complete waste reduction tasks to earn points and qualify for prizes, and improve the culture around conscious consumption. Participants will choose from one of three pledges focusing on food waste, household hazardous waste, or single-use plastics waste.
This year challenge participants will use the Goosechase app, a platform inspired by scavenger hunts, to complete fun and interactive missions. Participants can also earn points by attending events in the community, answering thoughtful questions, and fulfilling their pledge throughout the challenge.
Participants must live or work in Clark County and space is limited. Register for the challenge by Feb. 28 on the WasteBusters website, wastebusters.green.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health’s Vital Records and Environmental Public Health offices will be closed to in-person services on Friday, Feb. 24 due to inclement weather. Online services will continue to be available.
Public Health’s online permitting portal enables people to submit new permit applications and renewals, upload required documents, review account activity, and make payments. Food worker testing continues to be available online. And people can place orders for birth and death certificates through the Public Health website.
Public Health staff will work remotely on Friday, Feb. 24. The Vital Records office will also be available to provide support by phone at 564.397.8092 from 8:30 am to 4 pm.
Environmental Public Health staff can be reached via email at eph@clark.wa.gov and will return phone messages as soon as possible.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works is working in response to the ongoing winter storm.
Roads
Many roads are covered in packed snow and ice this morning. Crews are sanding hills and curves to provide traction for drivers. Road conditions are slick throughout the county. Residents are encouraged to stay off the roads and only travel if absolutely necessary. Drivers are urged to be prepared for travel to take much longer than usual, carry an emergency kit, water and warm clothes.
Residents can report safety concerns, such as downed trees, for roads in unincorporated county at clark.wa.gov/public-works/report-park-road or by calling 564.397.2446 for urgent problems.
Residents can visit clark.wa.gov/public-works/winter-snow-and-ice for winter driving information and to see a map of county roads prioritized for plowing/treatment.
County offices closed Feb. 23
Clark County offices are closed to in-person services today, Feb. 23 as are Superior and District Court offices within the county courthouse, Mabry Center and Probation Services at the Law Enforcement Center.
Garbage service
Residents who have Thursday garbage and recycling services can put carts out for Friday pickup. Visit Waste Connections for more information.
Warming locations
CRESA 911 has a list of warming locations on its website.
Vancouver, Wash. – Due to inclement weather, Clark County District Court offices inside the Clark County Courthouse, Probation Services at the Law Enforcement Center, and Mabry Center will be closed for in-person services today, Feb. 23.
All hearings will take place virtually, at their scheduled times. To access your hearing remotely, please go to the Clark County District Court website at: https://clark.wa.gov/district-court.
District Court phone lines will be open during court’s operating hours of 8 am to 4:30 pm.
All weddings scheduled for today are cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date.
Vancouver, Wash. – Due to inclement weather, Clark County offices are closed for in-person services on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023.
Clark County Superior Court offices inside the Clark County Courthouse also will be closed for in-person services on Feb. 23.
The following hearings will still take place, but all attorneys and litigants must appear remotely:
The Protection Order Docket scheduled for 9 am will not take place. All temporary orders will be reissued on Feb. 23, 2023, and new hearing dates set. Litigants can obtain copies of the reissued orders from the Clerk’s office on Feb. 24, 2023.
Zoom links for the above dockets are available on the Clark County Superior Court website at https://clark.wa.gov/superior-court.
Some county services are available online or by phone. Please see individual departments on the county’s website at clark.wa.gov.