Vancouver Connects

Vancouver launches first Economic Development Strategy 

Vancouver is no longer a bedroom community. In fact, we've become one of our region’s key economic drivers. To make sure our growth benefits everyone, City Council recently adopted our first Five-Year Economic Development Strategy. The plan focuses on creating quality jobs for all, wealth-building opportunities, thriving neighborhood business districts, and innovation and entrepreneurship. It's our roadmap to a stronger, more inclusive economy. Learn more about it in my full update. 

Sweet news. Vancouver racked up some major accolades in April, earning a 22 overall ranking in Livability.com's 2025 "Best Places to Live in the U.S." We're back in the national spotlight for the third year running thanks to our fantastic mix of natural beauty, urban amenities, education system and more.

Adding to the buzzworthy news, Vancouver is now a Bee City USA! City Council unanimously voted to step up our support for pollinators and earn this national designation from the Xerces Society.

Join us and the Vancouver Bee Project in celebrating at the free Pollinator Festival on June 21 at Marshall Community Park. Volunteers needed.

Vancouver's small businesses make up 95% of all business in Vancouver, driving our local economy and adding to the unique charm and livability of our city. This May, consider celebrating small by purchasing SPEND IT LOCAL eGift certificates good at more than 50 local businesses, planning a trip downtown to support 300+ small businesses during Main Street Promise construction or savoring the best of Fourth Plain's fantastic mix of international cuisine at these 24 local restaurants.

A vibrant new neighborhood is slowly taking shape in central Vancouver, with homes, shops, parks and better ways to walk, bike and ride transit, all on the former Tower Mall and nearby land.

In April, we began seeking proposals to develop affordable housing on the former Vanco Golf Range site.

Work is now underway on a new intersection at Mill Plain and MacArthur Boulevards. Watch for more road work coming to support the first housing and Grand Loop development soon. We expect to break ground on the first buildings near Mill Plain Boulevard and Devine Road in 2026.

We’ve started prep work for a busy road construction season, including ADA curb ramp installation and tree/vegetation pruning. This summer, 20 neighborhoods across Vancouver will see pavement and preservation projects to improve road conditions and extend the life of streets.

Major paving or preservation work is planned for portions of Main Street, Northeast Andresen Road, Southeast Evergreen Highway and Fourth Plain Boulevard. Rehabilitation work is also coming to the Rose Village, Vancouver Heights and Oakbrook neighborhoods. Several westside streets and neighborhoods are also scheduled for preservation work.

Spring weather has arrived and there's no better time to pump up those tires and put a new spin on your commute! In honor of National Bike Month, Get There SW Washington is hosting a Bike Month Challenge. Log just two bike trips a week (commuting or cycling around town) and you’ll be entered into weekly and monthly grand prize drawings. Visit Get There for updates on prizes, events and more.