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It's February and love is in the air at the City of Vancouver. Read on for news you'll ❤️.

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News from City Hall :: February 2023

A Message from the City Manager

The growing challenge of homelessness remains top of mind for our community. It is the City’s belief that every community member deserves the stability that comes from a safe place to call home. That’s now available at our Safe Stay Communities thanks to partial support from the City’s Affordable Housing Fund.

Aerial view of Vancouver's Safe Parking Zone at Evergreen Transit Center

In 2020, we established the City's first Safe Parking Zone at C-TRAN's Evergreen Transit Center. This community consists of an average of 80 residents and provides a safe, clean environment to park, including hygiene services and food deliveries from the Clark County Food Bank. A second Safe Parking Zone was approved in the 2023-24 budget and staff is working to identify a location in the coming year. The Safe Park model helps address the issues of community health, safety and cleanliness while shelter capacity for those living unhoused does not meet demand. If you have concerns about people living in vehicles in your neighborhood, contact our Homeless Assistance & Resources Team.

Lodging Tax Grantees Attract Visitors to Vancouver

Last month, City Council approved awarding $125,000 in Lodging Tax Grants to 10 organizations whose events or projects attract day or overnight tourism to our city. Get ready for a year of tried and true Vancouver traditions paired with exciting new events – including Vancouver GoFest, a Pokemon Go gaming event for all ages this June and the Vancouver Symphony’s Vancouver Arts Festival celebrating local arts and culture this August.

Earn Money to Show Your Neighborhood Some ❤

Live in an apartment? Rent? Own? Everyone is invited to join this informative Recycling 101 class.

Learning how to recycle right comes with more than the warm fuzzies you'll feel from reducing landfill waste. Join us for a free Recycle 101 class on Wednesday, Feb. 8 for the 4-1-1 on what is and isn't recyclable. Your neighborhood association can earn $120 to spend on a community gathering, improvement project or something else on your neighborhood’s wish list.

We ❤ Complete Streets

help us make mcgillivray safer and more comfortable at our open house on Feb. 11

Roses are red, violets are blue, we want to make McGillivray safer, how about you? Join us for a community open house at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Wy'east Middle School to share your transportation experience and concerns related to McGillivray Boulevard in east Vancouver. Your feedback will help us develop plans to improve safety and comfort for all who travel on McGillivray – no matter how they choose to get around!

New Community Forum Format to Spark Better Connection

City Council talking to community members at meetings

Your City is putting in the work to make communication between community members and elected leaders more accessible and successful! Instead of holding community forums twice per month at City Hall, the Council will now hold forums at locations throughout the community at least four times per year. Community members are invited to join us to share thoughts about major issues impacting the city and connect directly with Councilmembers. Community members are also welcome to provide public testimony on any items on the meeting agenda at all regular council meetings. View the 2023 schedule.

❤ February 14 is Special Election Day ❤

Prop 3 is a replacement levy that, if approved, will provide dedicated funding for housing and housing services for people with low and very-low income, including those with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and families with children.

The City has proposed a ballot measure on the February 14 special election asking voters to approve a replacement property tax levy for Vancouver’s Affordable Housing Fund. If approved, this levy will provide dedicated funding to address homelessness and build affordable housing. Ballots must be deposited into an official ballot drop site by 8 p.m. on Feb. 14, or they can be mailed if postmarked no later than Feb. 14.

Heat Up Your Free Time with Fire Corps

Fire Corps volunteers and Fire Marshal staff going door-to-door with fire prevention demonstrations

We want you! Come help your community by volunteering with the Vancouver Fire Department. Fire Corps Volunteers (FCV) assist Fire Marshal’s Office personnel with teaching fire and life safety practices within our community. You'll meet great people and assist with many important outreach events to educate our community about how people can reduce fire risk inside their home and business.

Tree Lovers Welcome Here

Vancouver hasn't earned the title of Tree City USA for the last 33 years by accident! To guide the future of trees in our community, we're developing an Urban Forestry Management Plan. Join us on Be Heard Vancouver to share your priorities for the future of our treasure trees and your ideas for increasing our City's tree canopy.

Prepare to Show Loved Ones You Care

Flowers wilt, candy melts, but emergency preparedness is a gift with staying power! This Valentine's Day, show your sweetheart, children or furry friend you love them with a starter emergency kit for home or the road. And remember, nothing says I love you like “I have made you my emergency contact person.” Add these numbers to your speed dial while you're at it.

Celebrating Black History Month in Vancouver

On Monday, Feb. 27, Vancouver City Council will be joined at its regular meeting by the NAACP Vancouver for a Black History Month proclamation. Join us in celebrating and honoring the contributions and achievements of the Black community in Southwest Washington through community events and the Vancouver Community Library's special book collection.

Nominate your neighborhood street for consideration in the 2023 Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program

Join us in-person on March 27 for Mayor McEnerny-Ogle's State of the City address

Your resource for severe weather response updates from the City and who to call, where to go in case of emergency

View the Vancouver Police Department's online crime map

415 W. 6th St. | P.O. Box 1995 | Vancouver, WA 98668-1995
(360) 487-8600 | TTY: (360) 487-8602 | cityinfo@cityofvancouver.us

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