Bus stop and bike lane on Mill Plain and Fort Vancouver Way

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver is seeking volunteers to serve on its Transportation and Mobility Commission. Applications must be submitted on or before Aug. 20.

The volunteer Transportation and Mobility Commission is an 11-member commission that provides advice to Vancouver City Council, the City manager and City staff on a variety of transportation and mobility-related projects, programs and policies. It also provides ongoing feedback and guidance on the implementation of citywide transportation policy and the City’s Transportation System Plan.

All candidates for this recruitment must live within Vancouver city limits. This recruitment is for a mid-term appointment, with a term ending Dec. 31, 2025. The City is specifically seeking people who drive as their primary mode of transportation. 

Qualified applicants will be interviewed by City councilmembers on a date to be determined. Applicants who are not appointed through this process may be considered for future Transportation and Mobility Commission vacancies for up to one year from the date of their application submission. 

Commissioners bring a range of interests and lived and professional experiences to the Commission, including members with different primary modes of transportation, e.g., bike, bus or car. The Transportation and Mobility Commission meets at 4 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month and meetings are currently held as a hybrid of in-person and remote participation. 

To apply online, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/boards. Printed applications, including in other languages and formats, can be requested by contacting the Boards and Commissions Coordinator in the City Manager’s Office by mail at P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995, by email at bc_coordinator@cityofvancouver.us or by calling 360-487-8600.

More information about the Transportation and Mobility Commission, including links to meeting agendas and minutes, is available online at https://www.cityofvancouver.us/government/boards.

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Vancouver Police Chief Jeff Mori

Vancouver, Wash. – Police Chief Jeff Mori will be retiring from his position with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) effective Oct. 11. Mori, sworn in as VPD’s chief in June 2022, will be departing after more than five years with the department and more than 31 years working in law enforcement.

His reasons for retiring are personal, including his desire to take a step back from the inherent pressures that come with leadership duties and responsibilities of his position, to re-evaluate his work-life balance and to spend more time with family. 

“I have cherished my time with VPD, so my decision to step down was extremely difficult. It has nothing to do with the pending change of leadership at City Hall,” said Chief Mori. “A Police Chief must be resilient and emotionally healthy. In the past 12 months, repeated experiences of trauma, emotion, tragedy and constant worrying have worn me down. After each of these events, as much as I tried to compensate, I lost some resiliency.” 

Mori’s accomplishments as VPD chief include:

• Working with the City Manager’s office on development of a police and public safety levy (Proposition 4), which this week City Council placed on the ballot for the Nov. 5 election
• Overseeing the rollout of the VPD camera program
• Working to boost diversity among VPD staff and improve community engagement
• Overseeing the recruitment and hiring of 75+ VPD officers and staff
• Playing a pivotal role in advocating for and supporting the establishment of a SW Washington regional Criminal Justice Training Academy
• Expanding the overall use of technology to enhance the effectiveness of police services

“Chief Mori has been a strategic and thoughtful leader for the VPD. I thank Chief Mori for his service, work and dedication to the entire community,” City Manager Eric Holmes said. “During the last two years, he has been a steady and compassionate leader, committed- to working with the community to increase transparency, accountability and equity while improving police and community relations.”

City Council will soon be selecting Vancouver’s next city manager to replace Eric Holmes who is retiring in October. Holmes intends to closely consult with his successor to determine how they wish to select the next police chief for Vancouver.

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Jonathan Young

Vancouver, Wash. – Three candidates have been selected as finalists to interview for the City of Vancouver’s City Manager position. The finalists were chosen following a national search, community input, and preliminary screening interviews. In alphabetical order, the candidates are:

• Nancy Newton, City Manager, City of Springfield
• Lon Pluckhahn, Deputy City Manager, City of Vancouver
• Jonathan Young, City Attorney, City of Vancouver

Candidate bio summaries can be found at Recruiting Vancouver’s Next City Manager. 

“After an extensive national search, we are pleased that we have three strong finalists to consider for this critical role,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “The Council has invited leaders of several organizations to help us interview the finalists this week. These panel interviews will help us hear different voices and perspectives that represent our community.

In addition to panel interviews, the finalists will participate in Community Q&A Sessions July 18 and 19. During these moderated discussions, candidates will share their thoughts on Vancouver’s future, be asked about community priorities, and answer questions submitted by community members. Questions can be submitted at Questions for the Next City Manager | Be Heard Vancouver. Written questions will also be collected from audience at the events. Community feedback from these forums will be summarized and delivered to City Council for their consideration as they complete final interviews on July 22.

Community Q&A schedule

Community Q&A Session One

Co-sponsored with Southwest Washington League of Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the Vancouver Chapter of NAACP

Thursday, July 18

Doors: 6 p.m.

Event: 6:30 to 8 p.m. 

Location: Firstenburg Community Center, 700 N.E. 136th Ave.

Please RSVP to the July 18 session

Community Q&A Session Two

Friday, July 19

Doors: 8 a.m.

Event: 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Co-sponsored with the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber

Location: Hilton Vancouver Washington, 310 W. 6th Street, Pine/Spruce Room

Please RSVP to the July 19 session

The City has contracted with Bob Murray and Associates to help manage the national recruitment and hiring process. Find the latest information about the recruitment process, including the position description, at Recruiting Vancouver’s next City Manager.

The City is seeking its next City Manager due to the recent retirement announcement from current City Manager Eric Holmes. Holmes is working with the City Council to ensure a smooth transition before his retirement date of Oct. 11.

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Vancouver City Hall

Vancouver, Wash. – On Nov. 5, Vancouver voters will consider six measures referred to the ballot by City Council. One measure, Proposition 4, is a levy to fund increased police services. The other five measures ask voters to approve or reject proposed amendments to the City Charter, a process that’s required every five years.

As part of the ballot measure process, Washington State law (RCW 29A.32.280: Arguments advocating approval or disapproval—Preparation by committees) requires cities to seek residents to be appointed to serve on either the pro or con committee for each ballot measure. After the appointment, both committees work independently of the City to prepare a written statement advocating either approval or rejection of the ballot measure to appear in the Clark County Voter’s Pamphlet. Committee members’ names will be included with the statement.

The committees will also have an opportunity to prepare and submit a rebuttal in response to the statement prepared by the opposition.

Community members are asked to express interest in joining one of the committees by emailing the City Manager’s Office at CMO@cityofvancouver.us by 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 31. Staff will present the chosen committee member appointments to City Council on Aug. 5.

Background on Proposition 4

On July 15, City Council unanimously approved a resolution to place Proposition 4, a levy to fund police services, on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot. If approved by voters, the levy would fund police and supporting services, including staffing (80 additional sworn and 36 non-sworn personnel), equipment, technology, facilities, and related criminal justice costs; increase Vancouver’s regular property tax $0.41/$1,000, for a maximum levy rate not to exceed $2.63/$1,000 of assessed valuation for 2025; set the limit factor for Vancouver’s total property tax levy for 2026-2030 to 100% plus annual increase of 5%; and authorize the 2030 levy amount as the basis to calculate subsequent levies (84.55 RCW). Learn more.

Background on City Charter proposed amendments

In June, the City Council unanimously approved five proposed amendments to the City Charter, submitted by the 2024 Charter Review Committee and City staff, two proposed by the Committee and three proposed by City staff.

The proposed amendments include:

• Amendment to Section 2.06: Vacancies Defined – Replacing non-inclusive language with language aligned with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Amendment to Section 2.18d: Citizens’ Commission on Mayor/City Council Salaries – Clarifying language and direction for the Salary Review Commission.
• Amendment to Section 3.03: Powers and Duties – Updating language to reflect the current biennial budget process.
• Amendment to Section 10.03: Petitions and Committees and 10.04: Filing and Certifying – Eliminating language referencing non-accessible (paper and indelible) signatures that would prevent the acceptance of electronic signatures on petitions.
• Amendment to Section 11.05: Contracts Beyond One Year – Eliminating a requirement for contracts that create an administrative burden. 

Learn more.

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Four Vancouver Police Officers in front of the East Vancouver Precinct

Vancouver, Wash. – On July 15, the Vancouver City Council unanimously approved a resolution to place Proposition 4, a levy to fund police services, on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot. 

“Public safety has consistently been a top issue for the community,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “This measure refers the first of a series of police services funding measures to meet the growing and changing demand for public safety services in Vancouver.”

If approved by the voters, Proposition 4 would fund police and supporting services (staffing, equipment, technology, facilities, and related criminal justice costs), including: 

• Add up to 80 full-time equivalent sworn officers in a range of ranks and assignments
• Add up to 36 full-time equivalent non-sworn police positions
• Equipment, technology, and vehicles consistent with current and future standards
• A traffic enforcement camera program
• Expand Homeless Assistance & Resources Team (HART) response
• Additional operating and related services, including the impact of the additional staffing on jail, corrections, and public defense
• Maintenance and facility expenses to provide police services
• Administrative and staffing costs related to police staff and services

The City’s 2024 general fund property tax levy is approximately $2.0897 per $1,000 of assessed value. The proposed levy lid lift would increase this levy by approximately $0.41/$1,000 of assessed value for 2025. The levy lid lift would be permanent and would authorize a 5% annual increase of the levy for six years. The estimated annual impact on the owner of a $500,000 home would be an additional $205 in property tax in the first year and $585 in 2030. 

To do this, voters will be asked to approve a permanent levy lid lift allowing the City to collect more than the limit factor established in chapter 84.55 of the Revised Code of Washington. 

The levy recommendation was developed with the 13-member Police Advisory Committee convened by the City Manager, which met six times over three months in intensive meetings to help identify community safety needs, service gaps, and ways to improve policing and public safety. The committee’s findings were presented to the Council on July 1 and July 8. The Committee proposed the following funding approach: a permanent six-year property tax levy lid lift beginning in 2025, a facilities bond in 2026, and a public safety sales tax in 2028 to round out the police's staffing needs. Read the committee’s report on the City’s website. The committee will continue working with the City Manager’s office to provide community transparency and accountability for the implementation of the levy if passed, as well as provide a forum for ongoing community understanding of evolving public safety needs in Vancouver.

The full language for Proposition 4

PROPOSITION NO. 4 CITY OF VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON POLICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES LEVY LID LIFT

This proposition, if passed, would fund police and supporting services, to include staffing, equipment, technology, facilities, and related criminal justice costs; increase Vancouver’s regular property tax $0.41/$1,000, for a maximum levy rate not to exceed $2.63/$1,000 of assessed valuation for 2025; set the limit factor for Vancouver’s total property tax levy for 2026-2030 to 100% plus annual increase of 5%; and authorize the 2030 levy amount as the basis to calculate subsequent levies (84.55 RCW). Should this proposition be approved?

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Graphic/Photo - Vancouver Burn Ban

Vancouver, Wash. – Due to extremely dry conditions, Vancouver Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli is issuing a total ban on recreational burning effective at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, for the city of Vancouver. The recreational burning ban is based on weather conditions, fuel moisture content in vegetation and community fire safety needs. It will remain in effect throughout the summer/fall months or until weather and fire danger conditions greatly improve. Citations may be issued to those who violate the order. An update will be provided when the recreational burn ban is lifted. These types of fires are prohibited during the ban:

• Recreational fires and bonfires
• Campfires
• Fires in outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and chimney-type devices

Cooking outdoors in propane or charcoal barbecues approved for that type of use is still allowed during the burning ban. Cooking and heating fires in unmanaged situations, such as encampments of unsheltered community members, are illegal under City ordinance and will be extinguished.

“The risk for fire is high and state officials have said that this year’s wildfire season has the potential to be challenging as the fine fuels continue to cure,” said Vancouver Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli. “It is vital that everyone be extra vigilant about fire safety during this time. In addition to not using any recreational fires, we also ask that smokers never put out their cigarettes in bark mulch or planters or toss lit cigarettes out car windows.”

While the recreational burn ban is in place, all fires will be illegal within the city limits. Community members are encouraged to call 911 and report any fire-related activity so it can be promptly extinguished by the fire department. Those who violate the recreational burn ban may be subject to a fire code citation and a $500 fine, which may include criminal penalties.

Learn more about fire and life safety prevention at www.vanfire.org. 

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Children watering a tree in Vancouver, Washington

Vancouver, Wash. – With the arrival of summer and warmer temperatures, properly watering your trees is a great way to keep them healthy and stress-free. Since extended hot, dry weather can stress your trees, just a little extra care will provide the relief needed to prevent drought damage and keep your trees healthy. 

“Our trees provide shade for our neighborhoods, clean our air and water, and enhance the quality of life for all of us,” said Vancouver Urban Forster Charles Ray. “Please help preserve and protect this important community feature by watering your trees during hot, dry summer months. 

To keep trees happy and thriving this summer, mulch around the base of trees and water regularly. Newly planted and young trees need 10-15 gallons of water once per week during the summer months. Older trees may need extra water monthly during a hot, dry summer, too. How much water your tree should receive depends on the tree's size. A general rule of thumb is to use approximately 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter each time you water.

Water slowly, dispersing the flow of water to get deep down to trees’ roots. Watering for short periods will encourage shallow rooting, which can lead to more drought damage. 

Here are some options to prevent wasteful runoff and ensure deep watering: Turn a hose on low for 15 minutes at the base of the tree, fill five-gallon buckets with holes in the bottom at the base of the tree, or install a slow-release watering bag.

To reduce evaporation, mulch your tree and water in the morning. Bark chips make good mulch, using the 3-3-3 rule: three inches of mulch in a three-foot ring with a three-inch space around the tree trunk.

The City of Vancouver is proud to have been recognized as a “Tree City USA” for the past 35 years. As a regional climate leader, the City is committed to improving the health of our natural systems, maintaining and increasing our community’s tree canopy, and enhancing community health and quality of life. 

For questions and a list of tree care tips, visit the Vancouver urban forestry webpage at www.cityofvancouver.us/trees or call 360-487-8332.

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Vancouver City Hall

Complete exercise to rank priority areas for 2025/26 budget development 

Vancouver, Wash. – The development of the City of Vancouver’s 2025-2026 biennial budget is underway. Starting July 2, community members are invited to share their input using our Budget Prioritization Tool, which will close on August 2. 

The easy drag-and-drop tool asks participants to rank the eight focus areas of the City’s Strategic Plan. The eight Focus Areas are: Transportation and Mobility, Economic Opportunity, Housing and Human Needs, Vibrant and Distinct Neighborhoods, Culture and Heritage, Safe and Prepared Community, Climate and Natural Systems, and High Performing Government.

The Budget Prioritization Tool is one of several inputs the City will use to help inform its plan to close a $43 million budget gap for the biennium.  

Learn more about the City’s budget process. City Manager Eric Holmes will present his proposed 2025-26 Biennial Budget to the City Council on Oct. 1. 

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Members of the media, 

Please find an attached statement from the City of Vancouver on the ruling by the United States Supreme Court in Grants Pass v. Johnson.