Vancouver Connects

A message from the City Manager

Our top priorities at the City include improving public safety and livability for all. This month, we'll host several community mapping activities that will help create a plan for future growth in Vancouver and advance our shared vision for a safe, equitable and sustainable city. We’re also working to improve data collection to help us track the work we’re doing under the ongoing homeless emergency. And, for the first time in more than ten years, we’re about to award grants via our newly reinstated Community and Neighborhood Grants Program.

In March, we identified a new location for our Community Court program to expand service hours and help more individuals charged with unlawful camping and other livability offenses access needed services and avoid barriers to obtaining housing. We anticipate moving into a new space this summer. 

More outcomes in February/March:

• 11 people graduated from Safe Stay/Safe Park programs and moved into housing. Watch our recent updates from Kiggins Village and 415 West to learn more. 

• 8 more people on deck to move into housing soon.

• Completed clean ups to address sanitation and safety concerns at Orchards Park West, Burnt Bridge Creek and Share House in west Vancouver. 

Fuel your community-building efforts 

Last week, we awarded more than $160,000 in Community and Neighborhood grants to 30 local community groups. We still have $36,500 left to support grants of up to $500 for block parties, carnivals, BBQs, National Night Out events or smaller projects this year. If you have an idea or are planning an event that builds and strengthens our community, we encourage you to apply! 

Help us plan for safer, accessible streets 

Design and planning work is advancing on three more Complete Streets projects. Take our short surveys to share your travel concerns and weigh in on future safety and mobility improvements on Upper Main Street, 112th Avenue and St. Johns-St. James.

Join us: Westside open house

Westside and Central West neighbors, join us at Discovery Middle School between 5:30 and 7 p.m. on April 17 to learn more about the Upper Main and St. Johns-St. James projects.

Testing for PFAs in our water supply

We are monitoring, researching and planning how to resolve the challenge of PFAS in the water supply. Recent testing for PFAS showed that samples exceeded Washington's State Action Level for PFAS contaminants at four of the City’s nine wellfields, Water Stations 4, 8, 14 and 15. 

Put the phone away or pay

The Vancouver Police Department is conducting additional patrols for Distracted Driving Awareness Month in partnership with Target Zero. Additional patrols are taking place April 4, 10, 14 and 22. In 2022, 3,308 people in the U.S. were killed from distracted driving and an estimated 400,000 people were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.  To avoid driving distracted, make sure you prepare for your trip, communicate clearly with passengers if they are disruptive and put the phone away until you reach your destination.