Vancouver Connects

September is National Preparedness Month

It is a time to reflect on how we can each take proactive steps to prepare for disasters and emergencies. Since 2004, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has used this month to encourage individuals, families, organizations, and communities to strengthen their readiness. The national theme for 2026, “Americans Stand Ready,” reflects the unity, resilience, and resourcefulness that help communities prepare for and respond to challenges.

Get involved in the City budget process

Join City Manager Lon Pluckhahn to learn how the 2027/28 Biennium Budget is being developed, ask questions, and share your community priorities before the proposed budget is finalized for City Council.

Please RSVP to help us plan for seating and refreshments. To request accommodations or translation, please contact william.cooley@cityofvancouver.us.

Wednesday, Sept. 16  |  6–7:30 p.m.
Firstenburg Community Center, 700 N.E. 136th Ave.

Passion meets purpose: Join a City Board or Commission

We're accepting applications for openings on 13 boards and commissions. These boards give our community a direct voice in shaping the policies that impact Vancouver’s livability, and future. You don’t need a long resume or political experience, just a passion for this city and a desire to help shape its future.

Meet current board members and learn more at a drop-in Serving Up Civic Engagement Open House on Sept. 9.

Bridge shelter taking shape

Construction continues on the 120-bed bridge shelter, expected to open this winter. The bridge shelter will house critical services, including:

• Case management, housing assessments, peer-to-peer recovery support, meals, and hygiene services.
• Treatment for substance use and mental/behavioral health support provided by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.
• Work opportunities, education, animal care/clinics, and space for severe weather shelter.

Explore proposed designs for Corridor Projects

Interact with a StoryMap and discover proposed designs for N.E. 72nd Avenue, N.E. 86th/87th Avenue, and 97th/98th Avenue. Designs are based on technical analysis, feedback from the Transportation and Mobility Commission (TMC), and community input.

During community engagement, residents expressed the desire for:

• Methods to slow traffic
• Improvements to crossings and intersections
• Protections for bike and mobility lanes
• Street lighting and landscaping

Get ready for a major I-5
southbound closure 

The Oregon Department of Transportation
(ODOT) will close all southbound lanes of I-5 near Portland’s Rose Quarter for up to five weeks starting on Sept. 11. The 24/7 closure applies to the section between I-405 and I-84 as part of ODOT’s Rose Quarter Improvement Project.

Inspire Vancouver grants available

Inspire Vancouver grants provide funding to nonprofits and community organizations expanding access to arts, culture, heritage, and science programming for Vancouver residents.

Review program criteria, learn more, and apply by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 10. Grant award decisions will be announced in October, and funds will be awarded in November.