Vancouver cityscape looking east from downtown

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver is now accepting applications for the 2025 Economic Prosperity and Housing grant funding cycle. The City anticipates making approximately $1.8 million available from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs, including HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) for eligible housing projects. These funds are available solely for eligible nonprofit and public organizations.

It is estimated that these federal funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will be available July 2025 based on the release of funds. Awarded grants will support projects and programs that benefit people experiencing low to moderate incomes and create lasting community improvements.

CDBG:

• Benefits people with low- to moderate-income (80% of the area median income (AMI) or less) by funding projects that expand economic opportunities and/or improve community services.

HOME: 

• Supports a wide range of activities that build, buy and/or rehabilitate affordable housing for rent, homeownership or to provide tenant-based rental assistance to people with low to moderate-income (60% AMI for rental units or 80% AMI for homeowner units). 

HOME-ARP:

• Funds must benefit qualifying individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or in other vulnerable populations. Eligible activities include short-term rental assistance and provision of supportive services, with a focus on those residing in Safe Stay and Safe Park sites.

Applications must be submitted online through the City’s grant management system by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20.

More information and funding application guidelines are available on the City’s website.

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City partners with Small Business Administration to offer free, personalized business advising (flyer)

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver and select partner agencies are offering Vancouver business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to receive free and confidential business advice from a certified business advisor.  The one-hour appointments will be available this fall at the following dates and locations:  

• Monday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Vancouver's Downtown Association (811 Main St.) 
• Monday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to noon at Fourth Plain Community Commons (3101 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Suite #101) 
• Monday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Vancouver's Downtown Association (811 Main St.) 

These sessions are made possible through a partnership with the Small Business Administration, the Washington Small Business Development Center, Vancouver's Downtown Association and Fourth Plain Community Commons. Business owners interested in attending one of the sessions are asked to email their preferred time slot to jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org to secure their appointment. 

Each one-hour session offers those who attend the opportunity to discuss their business ideas and receive valuable guidance from an experienced advisor. Attendees are encouraged to gather any relevant paperwork and come prepared with specific questions or concerns. 

This initiative is part of the City of Vancouver's commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering entrepreneurship throughout the community. Find more small business resources on the City’s website. 

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Vancouver, Wash. – Today, City Manager Eric Holmes submitted his recommended 2025/26 biennial budget to the City Council.  

“With this recommended budget, we have largely been able to minimize the impact on City services,” said City Manager Eric Holmes. “Through targeted reductions, cost reallocations, and the addition of new revenues, the budget largely maintains our capacity to provide core services and enables a range of strategic investments to serve our growing community.”

The recommended budget reflects the values and priorities in the City’s Strategic Plan and the Council and community’s priorities and expectations within the existing resource constraints, including meeting the projected $43 million budget gap.

The balanced recommended budget includes approximately $2.1 billion in total expenditures across all funds for the biennium, including $769.2 million for the general, street and fire funds and $582.9 million in capital expenditures. 

The recommended budget includes several new revenue sources supporting police, fire, economic development, parks and transportation infrastructure. Some of these are continued implementation of revenue phase-ins adopted by the City Council over the last two biennia. The recommended budget also includes implementing a Business and Occupation Tax on retail services dedicated to constructing and operating a new bridge shelter to help address our continued homelessness emergency. The recommended budget includes an Admissions Tax and Cultural Access Sales Tax to support new investments in arts and cultural facilities and programs. 

The details of the operating and capital budgets will be provided in a series of meetings with the Vancouver City Council. The Council will then review and vote on the budget at a regular meeting and hold a separate public hearing.

• October 7 – Proposed Budget Presentation Workshop
• October 14 – Operating Budget Workshop
• October 28 – Capital Budget Workshop
• November 4 – First Reading of Budget Ordinances
• November 18 – Public Hearing, Second Reading and Adoption Hearing
• January 1, 2025 – 2025-26 Operating and Capital Budgets go into effect

The budget was developed in collaboration with incoming City Manager Lon Pluckhahn, who will assume the role of city manager at 5 p.m. on Oct. 11. 

“This budget reflects the City’s Council’s ongoing priorities and supports the City’s mission,” said incoming City Manager Lon Pluckhahn. “It advances significant projects across Vancouver to support economic investments and address our housing needs.”

The recommended budget document, City Manager’s budget message, map of proposed capital projects, budget dashboard of the City’s proposed operating and capital budget, and other related information are available at Budget 2025-26.

Vancouver cityscape

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver is currently seeking applicants to fill volunteer positions on four different advisory boards and commissions. The deadline to apply for each position is Nov. 1. 

The following is a list of – and brief descriptions for – boards and commissions with seat vacancies the City is seeking to fill:

• Downtown Redevelopment Authority Board: The Downtown Redevelopment Authority (DRA) Board of Directors is a public corporation chartered by the City that owns the Vancouver Hilton Hotel and Convention Center and is responsible for overseeing its operations, finances and promotion. DRA is also one of the major partners in the City’s Waterfront Gateway Project, a long-term redevelopment plan for the City-owned properties around the Hilton hotel and Convention center. Learn more and apply here.
• Vancouver Public Facilities Board : The volunteer Vancouver Public Facilities District (VPFD) Board of Directors owns several parcels of land including the parcel under the Hilton hotel and convention center in downtown Vancouver. The land is leased to the City’s Downtown Redevelopment Authority (DRA). The VPFD receives funding from the state sales tax credit program and transfers it to the DRA. The sales tax credit revenue funds a portion of the tax-supported bonds issued to fund the construction of the Hilton/Convention Center. The VPFD board is also responsible for approving annual budgets and monitoring use of the funds. Learn more and apply here. 
• Culture, Arts and Heritage Commission:   The City’s Culture, Arts and Heritage Commission is a nine-member volunteer group responsible for facilitating the development and promotion of a thriving cultural, art and heritage environment that reflects the Vancouver community. This is accomplished through community-informed programs, ownership of buildings and public art and a commitment to community partnerships. Learn more and apply here. 
• Portland Airport Noise Advisory Committee: The PDX Citizen Noise Advisory Committee is the official forum to address the community's aircraft noise concerns. Local jurisdictions and the Port of Portland appoint members of the committee to represent residential and business concerns. The City of Vancouver has two members on the committee. Learn more and apply here.

Applications may also be submitted online at www.cityofvancouver.us/boards. For a printed application or for further information, contact the boards and commissions coordinator in the City Manager’s Office at P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995, bc_coordinator@cityofvancouver.us, or by calling 360-487-8600.

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Vancouver City Hall, 415 W. 6th St.

Vancouver, Wash. - On Monday, Sept. 16, the Vancouver City Council accepted public testimony and took collective action to express opposition to four statewide initiatives on the ballot for the Nov. 5 General Election.

Measure No. 2066 concerns regulating energy services, including natural gas and electrification, and if passed, would repeal or prohibit certain laws and regulations that discourage natural gas use. City Council expressed collective opposition to the measure saying in their resolution that voting against it:

• Protects state laws in alignment with Vancouver’s Climate Action Framework
• Preserves first-class cities’ home rule authority to pass local laws disincentivizing use of natural gas
• Supports ongoing receipt of state grant funds attributed to switching from natural gas to electric service

Measure No. 2109 concerns taxes, and if passed, would repeal an excise tax imposed on the sale or exchange of certain long-term capital assets by individuals who have annual capital gains of over $250,000. City Council expressed collective opposition to the measure saying in their resolution that voting against it:

• Supports a lawful state tax imposed on non-exempt high-dollar transactions.
• Protects state funds set to be distributed to K-12 schools

Measure No. 2117 concerns carbon tax credit trading, and if passed, would prohibit state agencies from imposing any type of carbon tax credit trading, and repeal legislation establishing a cap and invest program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. City Council expressed collective opposition to the measure saying in their resolution that voting against it:

• Supports the City’s ability to receive future Climate Commitment Act funds
• Protects a progressive statewide funding system that attributes financial responsibility for climate change to Washington’s largest emitting sources

Measure No. 2124 concerns state long-term care insurance, and if passed, provides employees and self-employed the choice of whether to enroll or opt-out of WA Cares Insurance RCW 50B.04. City Council expressed collective opposition to the measure saying in their resolution that voting against it:

• Protects financial viability, and availability, of the WA Cares Fund which confers a valuable statewide benefit to many individuals who could not otherwise obtain long-term care insurance at affordable rates in the private market

Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and Mayor Pro Tem Erik Paulsen abstained from the final vote on Measure 2124, and Councilmember Bart Hansen recused himself from all ballot measure votes citing a conflict of interest.

Consistent with state law, the Vancouver City Council may conduct a public hearing and express a collective position regarding any ballot proposition if community members are given an equal opportunity to express their views. The City Council has now passed Resolutions M-4302, M-4300, M-4299, and M-4298, expressing its collective opposition to the four measures.

Ballots must be deposited into an official ballot drop site by 8 p.m. on Nov. 5, or they can be mailed if postmarked no later than Nov. 5. To register to vote or check your registration, visit clark.wa.gov/elections.

Fort Vancouver at sunset - Vancouver, Washington

Steady progress on municipal emissions, but significant community-wide reductions still needed

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver has released its 2023 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory, measuring both the total carbon emissions generated by municipal City operations/processes and citywide. The inventory measures the City’s progress toward meeting its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by both municipal operations and the Vancouver community by 2040.

“City Council set ambitious climate goals in December 2022 to reduce our community’s contribution to global climate change,” said Stacey Dalgaard, associate climate project coordinator. “Teams across the city have been prioritizing climate action and taking quick action wherever that is possible – and we’re seeing the benefits of that work already showing up in the 2023 inventory – after just one year of work under the Climate Action Framework.” 

While the report shows steady progress in reducing emissions from municipal operations, it also highlights the need for more action to meet interim reduction targets and continue to drive down emissions even as Vancouver's population and economy grows.

The municipal inventory shows that the City has reduced emissions from its operations by 54 percent since 2007, representing approximately one percent of all community-wide emissions. This progress is largely due to reductions in energy use in City buildings, improvements in water and wastewater treatment processes and transitioning the City’s diesel fleet vehicles and equipment to renewable fuel options. To meet the City’s interim target of an 80 percent reduction in municipal emissions by 2025, an additional reduction of 10,600 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent is required. Planned capital projects, especially in City buildings and water treatment, are expected to help achieve these reductions, though the impacts will likely not be fully realized by 2025 due to infrastructure planning and construction timelines.

On a broader scale, the community-wide inventory shows that emissions across Vancouver have continued to decline, achieving a 27 percent reduction since 2007. This progress is largely driven by cleaner electricity sources, more efficient appliances and vehicles, and shifts in transportation patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the city grows and temperatures rise due to climate change, emissions from the transportation and building sectors remain a significant challenge that requires further intervention.

This 2023 GHG Inventory provides the first comprehensive assessment of the City’s climate action efforts and will help guide the development of the 2026 update to Vancouver’s Climate Action Framework, ensuring that the most successful strategies are prioritized moving forward. 

Read the 2023 GHG Inventory Report.

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Week Without Driving Logo

Vancouver, Wash – Monday, Sept. 16, the Vancouver City Council officially proclaimed the week of Sept. 30 – Oct. 6 as “Week Without Driving” (WWD) to raise awareness about the importance of mobility access in the region.

The proclamation is part of the Fourth Annual WWD challenge that was first launched in Washington state in 2021 by Disability Rights Washington and America Walks, and has since become a national event, with over 300 organizations co-hosting the initiative across all 50 states. The challenge’s goal is to show the daily struggles faced by nearly a third of people living in the United States who rely on walking, rolling, transit, and asking for rides due to disabilities, age, or financial constraints. 

“Access to mobility is a fundamental part of health and community connection, allowing people to reach education and employment opportunities, medical services, shopping, recreation and to visit friends and family,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “It is also one of Washington State’s six transportation system policy goals, including investing public dollars to improve the movement of people throughout the state.”

By participating in this challenge, elected leaders, advocates and individuals can gain firsthand experience and understanding of the barriers and challenges that nondrivers face. Participants are encouraged to get around using any means other than driving themselves for all activities during the designated week. This includes work commutes and other daily tasks. The goal is not to simply avoid using a car but rather to experience what it's like to navigate communities without the privilege of driving.

To be entered in the Week Without Driving Challenge, sign up online and log non-drive-alone trips on Get There SW Washington all week long. 25 people will win a $25 gift card for their participation. Learn more about the Week Without Driving. 

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Vancouver, Wash. - Today, the City of Vancouver opened the recruitment process to hire Vancouver’s next police chief. 

“Policing in Vancouver continues to experience change and community safety remains top of mind for many in the community. By conducting an internal recruitment, we are prioritizing continuity, deep institutional knowledge and proven commitment to our community,” said incoming City Manager Lon Pluckhahn. “Our internal candidates are proven leaders and have demonstrated their ability to advance the City’s policy priorities. This process allows us to build on our established foundation while promoting trust, accountability and stability within the department."

To understand the community’s expectations for its next police chief, the City has developed a survey to gather information regarding the attributes and leadership qualities the community would like to see in its next chief. The feedback will be used to identify a pool of candidates who reflect the community's needs. The anonymous survey is located on Be Heard Vancouver and is open through Oct. 4. If online access is unavailable, community members are encouraged to contact the City at 360-487-8712 to receive a paper copy by mail. The City will also host a public forum with the finalists as part of the recruitment activities that will be announced at a later date. 

The City is seeking a new chief due to Chief Jeff Mori's recent retirement announcement. Chief Mori is working with the City to ensure a smooth transition before his retirement.

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View of Water Station 4 from East 5th Street

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver recently was awarded $10 million in a low-interest loan for PFAS mitigation from the Washington State Department of Commerce's Public Works Board. 

This funding is an addition to $15 million from the Washington State Department of Health through the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. A portion of this funding, $3 million, is a low-interest loan with the remaining $12 million being a forgivable loan. In total, $25 million has been received through local, state and federal funding sources for treatment improvements at Water Station 4 to remove PFAS contaminants.

“Providing clean, reliable drinking water is a top priority for us,” said Steve Worley, City of Vancouver Public Works Director. “This funding allows us to use federal money for mitigation implementation for these new PFAS treatment systems. This is great news for our community.”

Water Station 4 sampling has consistently been at or exceeded state and federal regulations. Upgrades are needed to remove PFAS, and this water station has been identified as a priority for treatment. A new full-scale PFAS filter system is being designed to help provide community members with clean and safe drinking water. PFAS filtration systems are also planned for Water Station 14 and Water Station 9 to continue these treatment efforts. Various upgrades are being designed with construction planned to start next year. Learn more about PFAS and mitigation strategies online at cityofvancouver.us/pfas.
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Vancouver, Wash. – On Monday, Sept. 16, the Vancouver City Council unanimously approved (with one recusal) a resolution expressing support for the Police Services Levy, Proposition 4, which is on the ballot for the Nov. 5 General Election. Read the complete Resolution language.

Proposition 4 is a property tax levy lid lift that, if approved by voters, would be used to fund 80 additional full-time sworn officers and 36 additional full-time equivalent non-sworn police positions; efficiency-enhancing technologies; support for jail, corrections, prosecution, and public defense resources; facilities investments necessary to support increased staffing and equipment and vehicles consistent with current and future community expectations. 

The proposed levy lid lift would increase Vancouver’s regular property tax levy by approximately $0.41/$1,000 assessed value, for a maximum levy rate not to exceed $2.63/$1,000 for 2025; set the limit for Vancouver’s total regular property tax levy for 2026-2030 to 100% plus an annual increase of 5% and authorize the 2030 levy amount as the basis to calculate future levies. In the first year, the levy lift is estimated to raise approximately $15.5 million. 

Proposition 4 was placed on the ballot to address the increased demand for police services in Vancouver. This is the first step in a three-step funding approach recommended by the Vancouver Police Advisory Committee. Expected next steps include a facilities bond in 2026 and a public safety sales tax in 2028.

Consistent with state law, the Vancouver City Council may express a collective position regarding any ballot proposition. The Vancouver City Council has now done so by passing Resolution M-4297 expressing its support in favor of passing Proposition 4.

Ballots must be deposited into an official ballot drop site by 8 p.m. on Nov. 5, or they can be mailed if postmarked no later than Nov. 5. To register to vote or check your registration, visit clark.wa.gov/elections. 

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Vancouver Fire Marshal lifts burn ban effective 12:01 a.m. Sept. 17

Vancouver, Wash. - Due to recent rains and anticipated cooler weather conditions, Vancouver Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli has lifted the recreational burning ban within the City of Vancouver, effective at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17.

Recreational fires, campfires and fires in outdoor fireplaces or chimney-type devices are now allowed. This order applies to areas within the city limits only.

All outdoor burning of things like brush/vegetation and garbage is still prohibited within the city limits.

The burn ban originally took effect on July 9 due to extremely dry conditions.

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City Council Community forum at 2023 State of the City event

Vancouver, Wash. – City Council will hold its next Council Community Forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23 at Educational Service District 112, 2500 N.E. 65th Ave., Vancouver, WA, 98661. Community forums are held throughout the year at locations across Vancouver.

All community members are invited to attend and share their questions, concerns and ideas directly with the City Council. The round table forum will include small-group discussions hosted by pairs of councilors, along with time for informal conversation. All community members are welcome to attend.

No RSVP or registration is required. For interpretation services or accommodations with a disability, please contact the City Manager’s office at 360-487-8600 or cityinfo@cityofvancouver.us.