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News from City Hall: October 2023

A Message from the City Manager

The leaves are turning in Vancouver and, like fall's colorful transformation, change is constant in our growing city.

In keeping with our commitment to improving community safety and transparency, the Vancouver Police Department is installing cameras in all patrol vehicles this month.

The shift in seasons also signals the beginning of unpredictable weather. Learn how we're building resiliency to extreme weather and other emergencies in my latest update.

Fourth Plain Community Commons adds 100+ Affordable Homes, First Commissary Kitchen

On September 23, we celebrated the opening of Fourth Plain Community Commons, 2200 Norris Road. The multipurpose space was designed to address the priorities of residents in central Vancouver, adding 106 affordable homes and our community's first commissary kitchen to support small food businesses and start-ups. The more than 10,000 square feet of ground-floor also includes a multipurpose, reservable community room, coworking space and an outdoor plaza for a satellite farmers market. This vibrant resource, wrapped inside and out with handpainted murals, celebrates the rich diversity of the surrounding neighborhood and inspires us to come together to create and grow.

Learn more

Comment on Vancouver's Draft Transportation System Plan by Nov. 20

A lot has changed since we last updated our Transportation System Plan (TSP) in 2004. We've added nearly 20,000 residents, 10,000 new jobs and experienced a global pandemic that fundamentally shifted how we get around. We've heard from hundreds of residents, businesses and organizations about what is and isn't working when it comes to navigating our network of streets, sidewalks, bike routes, bus routes and trails. Our Draft TSP addresses your top priorities, outlining a roadmap for how we'll create a safer, more equitable and climate-friendly transportation system over the next 20 years.

Review the plan and share your comments

October is Pedestrian Safety Month

When you're behind the wheel, remember to slow your roll and obey the posted speed limit. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 73% of collisions with a pedestrian at 40 MPH result in serious injury or death.

As part of our Complete Streets Program, we're making transportation improvements to provide safe, accessible streets for all users, ages, and abilities, regardless of how you choose to travel. From S.E. 112th to McGillivray, Fourth Plain to Upper Main, we invite you to weigh in and stay informed as we develop plans to improve the safety of comfort of travel in key corridors across the city.

Complete Streets projects

Removing Barriers to Equitable Justice

Our City Attorney's Office continues its efforts to eliminate obstacles to equitable justice with a recent change to our Criminal Diversion Program. Eligible low-level offenders with limited financial means can now participate in the program for a flat fee of $50. Our Criminal Diversion Program has a 20-year track record of giving first-time offenders an opportunity to avoid a criminal record (and its life-altering consequences) by participating in treatment, staying crime-free and paying restitution owed to victims.

Learn more

Get Ready for General Elections

You can expect to receive your ballot in the mail for the November 7 General & Special Election by October 20. Before you vote, learn more about the candidates running for office with Clark/Vancouver Television's (CVTV) Video Voters' Guide, candidate interviews and video coverage of the League of Women Voters' candidate forums. 

Watch on CVTV

Council Community Forum Sparks Civic Connection

Last week, nearly 100 community members joined City Council at Luepke Community Center for lively discussions about topics ranging from transportation to proposed multi-family housing development. Community members filled the room, engaging in small group roundtable conversations with individual Councilmembers about their concerns and ideas. Want to get some face time with your City Council? Save the date for our next quarterly community forum at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27. Details to be announced soon.

Council meeting calendar

Never rake leaves into the street - they can clog storm drains and cause a soggy mess!

Download your Free Fall Leaf Disposal Coupon

🍂 Vancouver's Fall Bucket List 🍂

From apple pressing to pumpkin picking, leaf peeping to ghosthunting – it's easy to fall in love with Vancouver this time of year.

Celebrate the Day of the Dead with Ballet Folklorico on October 21

Vancouver Farmers Market Now Open Year Round!

Find places to experience the best of Vancouver's fall foliage with our Park and Trail Finder

Haunted walking tours at the Vancouver Barracks every Friday - Sunday through Oct. 29

Celebrate indigenous cultures at Clark College's community POWWOW on November 3

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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