Vancouver Connects

Prioritizing police staffing

Last year, voters considered a police services levy (Proposition 4). Although it didn’t pass, the message from the community was clear. Residents value safety and want us to focus on the essentials: more officers, sustainable funding and smarter investments.

That’s why the City is moving forward with Proposition 5, a smaller levy focused on hiring, equipping and supporting more police officers. On Monday, City Council unanimously approved resolution 164-25, which refers a property tax levy lid lift, Proposition 5: Police Services Levy to the November ballot.

The City is updating its comprehensive plan. The plan influences how where you live, work, and play in Vancouver could grow and change in the future.

We published a report, called a Draft Environmental Impact Statement also known as a Draft EIS, on July 8 for the public to review and comment on. The Draft EIS is used to help consider potential impacts of our Comprehensive Plan Update before it's finalized and adopted.

Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Review the alternatives and their potential impacts online, or at an upcoming interactive public meeting this Saturday, Aug. 9 at City Hall.
2. Then, tell us what you think! The feedback you provide will help shape the final map and plan for Vancouver’s growth and development.

On July 14, the City closed the Burnt Bridge Creek trail encampment east and west of N.E. Andresen Road. Camping is no longer allowed on this section of the trail under the City’s emergency order and will be enforced. Camping anywhere else along Burnt Bridge Creek has been prohibited since 2022. ⁠

This work was part of an ongoing effort to address safety, environmental impacts and provide meaningful support to those living outside. ⁠

• Our Homeless Assistance and Resources Team (HART) started outreach and service referrals for those living in the camp in February. ⁠
• Of the 40 people living in this camp, 23 accepted referrals to shelters, including City Safe Stay communities. ⁠
• Nearly 10 tons of garbage was cleaned up by our solid waste crews.⁠

Encampment outreach and response is one of several ways the City is addressing our homelessness emergency. Opening a bridge shelter will fill a critical gap in shelter bed capacity. We expect to open the shelter in 2026.

The City is putting community ideas into action through the Fourth Plain for All investment strategy. This plan directs $25 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding by 2026, along with long-term investments over the next decade, to support central Vancouver neighborhoods. 

As part of this strategy, the City has co-created a new community grant program designed to support youth and family events and programs. Applications open Sept. 1 for grants of up to $50,000. 

Evergreen Neighborhood Park (3500 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.) is also getting an upgrade thanks to ARPA funding. We’re adding features to make the park more comfortable and welcoming and want your input! Take our short survey to share your input and ideas by Aug. 11.

School is almost here and Vancouver’s Safe Routes to School program helps kids who walk, bike or roll get there safely. We’re improving sidewalks, crossings and bike routes so students can move confidently and stay active.

This year, our work earned a statewide Award of Excellence for the Northwest Neighborhood Connectivity project near Franklin Elementary, where new sidewalks, paths and flashing beacons are making it safer for hundreds of kids to walk to school. Three more Safe Routes improvement projects are planned this year near Image, Lincoln and Walnut Grove elementary schools.

Make this school year safe, healthy and fun from the very first step! Wear bright clothing, use crosswalks and watch for driveways when you walk, roll or bike.