Vancouver Connects

Prioritizing public safety 

This month marks my first anniversary as City Manager. Over the past year, I’ve learned a lot from listening to our community. One theme that continues to rise to the top is safety. In my latest message, I share how we’re approaching public safety funding through a balanced, multi-source strategy that includes Proposition 5.

Right now, Vancouver Police patrol relies on overtime equal to 15 officers just to meet demand.

That means less time for:

• Being visible in neighborhoods
• Proactively enforcing traffic laws
• Investigating unsolved crimes

This November, Prop. 5 will ask voters to consider approving a property tax levy to fund up to 13 new full-time police officers, along with the equipment, vehicles and resources needed to support them across the justice system.

This November, Vancouver voters will consider Charter Amendment No. 13, a measure that would change the way City Council members are elected. If Charter Amendment No. 13 passes, the City Council would appoint a Districting Commission to divide the City into four geographic voting districts of roughly equal population and would require that four City Council members be elected from the district in which they live. Two City Council members and the mayor will continue to be elected by a Citywide vote.

Momentum continues on the City's future 120-bed Bridge Shelter, 5313 N.E. 94th Avenue. On Monday, City Council approved a construction contract with Tapani, Inc. We expect construction to start in November, and the shelter is on track to open in fall 2026.

The Bridge Shelter campus will offer more than a safe place to sleep. Operated by Do Good Multnomah, it will provide individualized support, including on-site medication-assisted treatment services from the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, case management and employment support.

Vancouver City Council has adopted a new Cultural Access Plan Policy to guide a future grant program made possible by a City Council-approved 0.1% sales tax. Starting in 2026, about $7 million in restricted funds will be distributed annually to expand community access to arts, culture, heritage and science.  Vancouver joins Tacoma, Olympia, King County, and San Juan County in establishing a cultural access program.

On Sept. 20, we celebrated the grand reopening of Oakbrook Community Park, 3103 N.E. 99th Ave. Improvements include a wetlands-themed inclusive playground, the first dedicated pickleball courts in a City park, a Portland Loo restroom, a nature play area, new sidewalks and ADA parking, nearly 50 new trees and habitat-friendly landscaping and more.

These changes mark the completion of Phase 1 of the Oakbrook Community Park Master Plan, a $3 million investment shaped by community feedback. Oakbrook is the fourth inclusive playground built by the City since 2023.

Vancouver's flag selection committee has selected and refined six finalists from 138 design entries submitted by the community. The committee – composed of community volunteers, members of the City's Arts, Culture and Heritage Commission, the mayor and one City councilor – utilized flag design best practices from the North American Vexillogical Association to refine the selected designs.

Nearly 1,500 community members participated in our feedback survey. Feedback will help inform the committee's final flag recommendation we'll present to City Council this November.