Vancouver Connects

Understanding recent changes to citation guidelines 

I always want to be transparent with you about how we operate, particularly when it touches on a community priority such as community safety. You might have seen recent reports about temporary changes to how our police department handles minor citations. I want to share a full picture of what changed and why. 

Building our biennial budget 

As part of the biennial budget process, we conduct a community survey to inform our budget development. DHM Research surveyed Vancouver residents May 11- 21, collecting data that measured:

• General sentiment on quality of life, personal finances, and the economy.
• Sentiment around City services.
• Budget priorities for Vancouver residents.
• General understanding of community values with an eye toward the City budget.

Read the full 2026 survey results.

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. 

The City is actively working behind the scenes to keep Vancouver moving as smoothly as possible. 

While regional agencies work to manage traffic flow, drivers can take steps now to minimize delays. 

Community and Neighborhood grants available

Microgrants of up to $500 are available for use during the remainder of the 2026 calendar year. Apply for a Community and Neighborhood Grant by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 18, 2026. Reviewers seek applications that:

• Meet a local need: Solves a problem or fills a gap in the community.
• Support City goals: Aligns with the City’s strategic plan and Council priorities of community safety, climate action, and equity.
• Bring people together: Builds local partnerships and brings neighbors together.
• Empower residents: Helps everyday community members make a hands-on difference.

Lodging Tax Grant applications open

Does your event draw a crowd? Apply for a grant. The City’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee will accept grant applications for 2027 tourism-related projects and events from now to Sept. 20.

Grants are available for local events and festivals, tourism promotion, and marketing programs that increase overnight and day-visit tourism. 

The City and Visit Vancouver are offering the following resources to assist applicants:

• Optional virtual info session will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19. Email Callie Taylor at Callie.Taylor@cityofvancouver.us to receive a meeting link.
• Visit Vancouver is offering 30-minute appointments to help event organizers respond to visitor-related questions in the application. Book an appointment with Visit Vancouver.