Vancouver Connects

Celebrating Small Business Month

Small businesses are the heart of Vancouver's economy, representing 95% of businesses in our community. This May, we’re hosting and supporting free workshops and events to help entrepreneurs move from idea to action. We're also bringing many of the programs outlined in our Five-Year Economic Development Strategy to life, creating more pathways than ever to help our small business start and grow. Learn more in my full update.   

$6M grant program aims to strengthen Vancouver's arts, culture, science scene

Inspire Vancouver is here with exciting opportunities to support arts, culture, heritage, and science experiences across the city. This new grant program will invest $6 million a year to bring creative ideas to life, expand access, and strengthen Vancouver’s cultural landscape. Visit Inspire Vancouver to explore grants and program eligibility. Follow Inspire Vancouver on Instagram and LinkedIn for updates and save the date to join staff at upcoming community information sessions to learn more. We’re excited to see what our community will create together!

The 192nd Avenue Project hosts second open house

Attend the 192nd Avenue Project Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12 at the Union High School commons (6201 NW Friberg-Strunk St.). This free event is open to everyone.

Come see early design concepts for the corridor and share your feedback on how you travel, walk, bike, and roll along the corridor.

Your input helps shape the final design.

Pedal for prizes: Get There Bike Month Challenge

Spring weather has arrived and there's no better time to pump up those tires and put a new spin on your commute! In honor of National Bike Month, the City and the Clark County Commute Trip Reduction program are hosting a Bike Month Challenge. Log just two bike trips a week (commuting or cycling around town) and you’ll be entered into weekly and monthly grand prize drawings. Sign up or log in to Get There to join.

While you're at it, consider planning a bike bus to your children's school with tips from Safe Routes to School. And if you notice an area in need of more spots to park your wheels, request a bike rack from the City.

Be Ready Vancouver: 45th anniversary of the St. Helens blast

On May 18, 1980, the eruption of Mount St. Helens changed the landscape of our region. Impacts were felt far beyond the volcano, including ashfall, travel disruptions, and long-term environmental changes.

Events like this remind us that hazards can affect daily life in unexpected ways. Preparedness starts with taking small steps to be ready.

One small action today: Identify items you already have at home that could help during volcanic ashfall, such as face coverings and ways to keep indoor air cleaner.