Vancouver Connects

Passing the City Manager baton

Last February, Eric Holmes announced his retirement, effective Oct. 11, after 17 years with the City – 14 as City Manager. Following a nationwide search, Vancouver Deputy City Manager Lon Pluckhahn was chosen as Eric's successor. Lon, who has 30 years of local government experience, will officially become our City Manager at 5:01 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11.

Did you know that Vancouver’s police department is the second lowest staffed police department among Washington cities with 100,000+ people? VPD is authorized for 244 sworn positions who serve more than 200,000 residents. That's 1.21 officers for every 1,000 community members.

Since 2018, community growth has contributed to a 30% increase in call volume for police services and an 87% increase in reported crimes. The City Council has proposed Prop. 4 to Vancouver voters in the Nov. 5 general election. If approved, Prop. 4 would generate funding to support adding up to 80 sworn and 36 non-sworn staff to meet the law enforcement needs of our growing community.

Protecting public health and providing a safe water supply is our top priority. PFAs are synthetic chemicals used globally since the 1940s in products like food packaging, non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing. They don't break down easily and can enter water supplies from many sources. 

The City recently received $25 million in funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce and Department of Health, along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to help remove PFAS from drinking water at Water Station 4. This brings our total to nearly $40 million in state and federal support to address PFAs. Construction of new PFAs filter treatment systems at Station 4 and 14 is expected to start in 2025.

Our efforts are on track to meet the EPA's implementation deadline of 2029 for PFAS treatment solutions. Follow our progress.

New downtown gathering space on the horizon

After years of visioning and planning with our community, the 6.4-acre Waterfront Gateway District is set to connect the historic heart of Vancouver's downtown to the vibrant waterfront. This new district plans to include a wealth of benefits for the community, including a two-acre interconnected public plaza featuring stadium seating, promenade and a festival street. The proposed plaza design will transform what is currently a paved parking lot next to City Hall, into an active community recreation destination. The plaza's master plan will be presented to Vancouver City Council next Monday, Oct. 7. Construction on the waterfront gateway master plan could begin as early as 2026.

Get your free fall leaf disposal coupon

Leaf coupons help you take care of fallen leaves with free disposal at designated drop-off sites. If you live in Vancouver and Clark County, you can redeem the free leaf disposal coupons from Oct.  1 through Dec. 31.