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News from City Hall: July 2023
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| A Message from the City Manager
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| Vancouver is a city on the rise within both the region and the state, and together, we have boundless opportunities to reshape our community in ways that make it even more equitable, safe and climate friendly. We took another step in that journey in late June when Vancouver City Council adopted the 2023-2029 Vancouver Strategic Plan.
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Vancouver one of the Best Cities to Live in AmericaDescribed as "Pacific Northwest magic at its best," Vancouver has, once again, been named among the top 100 cities to live in based on our green environment, top-notch education, bustling economy and other key factors measured by Livability.com.
Adding to the accolades, the City received the 2023 "Tree Growth Award" from the Arbor Day Foundation for our commitment to sustaining and growing our community's tree canopy. Achieving a 28 percent tree canopy is just one way we're working to become a carbon-neutral community by 2040. Explore our climate action plan.
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Our Vancouver, Our Future 2045
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| Over the next two years, we'll be working in partnership with our community to develop a new comprehensive plan to guide Vancouver's growth and development through 2045. The comprehensive plan will set a long-term vision for how land will be used and developed in harmony with the natural environment as our population continues to grow. The plan will address a range of big picture questions that are essential to Vancouver's future – how can we ensure access to housing, equity, and opportunity for all community members, especially the most vulnerable? In the coming months, we'll host multiple community conversations, small-group meetings and pop-up booths at summer events to chat with you about your hopes for the future of Vancouver.
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Reminder: The Boom is Banned in Vancouver 🚫
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| Celebrate Independence Day weekend safely! Fireworks can cause property damage, devastating wildfires, injuries and stress for some veterans, children and pets – not to mention, they are illegal in Vancouver. Fines for violators start at $500. To record a complaint related to Fourth of July activities in Clark County, please call 360-597-7888.
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Free Concerts, Movies Kick Off Next Week 😎
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| Make the most of summer in the Couve with more than a dozen free concerts and movie nights across the city this July and August. Dance the night away at Vancouver’s two concert series every Thursday starting July 6 at the Vancouver Waterfront and every Sunday starting July 9 at the Columbia Tech Center amphitheater. Catch blockbusters under the stars at parks across the city on Friday nights starting July 7.
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Don't Let Criminals Steal Your Sunshine
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When the weather warms up, opportunity criminals come knocking. The Vancouver Police Department reminds you to:
- Never store personal belongings in your vehicle (even if you think they're hidden). Sports complexes, trail heads, and restaurant or hotel parking lots are prime places for prowlers.
- Always lock and secure your home's doors, windows, garage, gates and sheds. At night, use dowels in windows if you must sleep with a window open a bit.
- Let a trusted neighbor know when you head out on vacation so they can keep an eye out for anything suspicious.
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Weigh in on the Future of Short-Term Rentals
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| Short-term rentals, like Airbnbs & VRBOs, are currently illegal in Vancouver. That could change on Monday, July 10, when City Council reviews a new set of short-term rental regulations. We want to hear from you! Review the draft regulations, including several proposed requirements for short-term rental hosts, and share your comments on or before July 10.
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Preview Main Street Promise
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| Last month, more than 120 community members joined the Main Street Promise Project for an open house to gather feedback on draft designs for the future of Vancouver's historic Main Street. We're investing in making Main Street, from 5th Street to 15th Street, safer, more accessible and connected for businesses, residents and visitors. This animation gives you a sneak peek look at the transformative design!
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Shape Vancouver on a City Board or Commission
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| Did you know? Vancouver has 20+ active boards, commissions or committees comprised of volunteers appointed by the City Council. We rely on our boards to provide guidance on decisions, represent community perspectives on key issues and help make Vancouver a better place to live. If you're looking for an opportunity to make a lasting impact, now's the time! We're seeking applicants for openings on five boards/commissions.
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Read in the Wild at Vancouver's Water Center
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| If you're looking for ways to keep your tots and tykes busy this summer, don't miss a visit to Vancouver's Water Resources Education Center. Join us every Wednesday in July from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for Reading in the Wild, a free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3 to 6 years. Each program begins with story time under a big willow tree, followed by outdoor exploration and activities for parents and children in the center's natural wildlife garden.
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