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News from City Hall: March 2023

A Message from the City Manager

Affordable housing, homelessness and community safety are on the minds of many in Vancouver. Read City Manager Eric Holmes' latest update to learn about the future of the City's Affordable Housing Fund following the passage of Proposition 3 and the launch of the Vancouver Police Department's new camera program. Read more.

Join us March 27 for State of the City

After two years of virtual events, we're excited to welcome you back, in-person, for a reimagined State of the City and Council Community Forum at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 27 at Firstenburg Community Center. The speech and forum will invite attendees to discuss big-picture questions to help shape a long-term vision for our community. After the address, City Council will host the community forum. Learn more and RSVP.

Public Health Notice: Testing for PFAs in Water

PFAs have been detected in Vancouver's water system, learn what we're doing and how you can reduce exposure in your tap water.

We’re working to address an emerging issue with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or “forever chemicals” in our groundwater. This group of human-made chemicals, used in products like fire fighting foam, food packaging and non-stick cookware, have the potential to adversely affect human health and the environment. PFAS are widespread in the environment and have been found in the water supplies of millions of Americans, including in Washington state and here in Vancouver. Protecting public health and providing you with a safe water supply is our top priority.

Learn how the City's responding

Public Health guidance on reducing PFAs in tap water

Help Shape the Future of Vancouver's Neighborhoods Program

Various Vancouver neighborhoods and events

Since Vancouver’s Office of Neighborhoods was created in 1975, our community has grown to include 71 neighborhood associations. As we plan for the program’s future, we want to learn more about your hopes, ideas and needs. Whether you have never been involved in a neighborhood association or are a longtime neighborhood officer, we want to hear from you. Please share your feedback by taking our brief Future of Neighborhoods survey. In addition to helping us create a more inclusive and equitable neighborhoods program, your input will also inform the creation of a new community and neighborhood grants program in 2024.

Take the survey in English

Take the survey in Spanish

Vancouver Votes "Yes" on Proposition 3roved

Family, Safe Stay resident and apartment resident beneficiaries of Affordable Housing Projects

Thank you voters! To address the growing need for affordable housing in Vancouver, voters approved Proposition 3 on the February 14 special election. Because of you, we can assist 2,500 households with rent assistance and housing services, preserve or construct 2,400 affordable units, support 550 shelter beds and help 150 households with home ownership. This levy replaces the City's existing Affordable Housing Fund levy which will expire at the end of this year.

Affordable Housing Fund Spotlight: Adversity to Optimism – Toni's Story

Toni Lindsay, beneficiary of shelter services funded in part by the City's Affordable Housing Fund

She didn’t choose her current dilemma. It just happened. And it could happen to anyone. The difficult divorce following almost three decades of marriage. The nervous breakdown brought on by the stressful dissolution. The repeated battles with cancer. The ensuing struggle to maintain financial stability. The occasional coping with anxiety. The ransacking of her one prized possession: her car. Read more.

Stay Active, Get Social with Spring Sports Leagues

Women's softball teams high-fiving eachother after a game

Enjoy some healthy competition this spring with Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Service's adult sports programs! Men's, women's and coed softball leagues are open to ages 14 and older. Co-ed basketball leagues are open to ages 18 and older. Ready to play but don't have a team? Sign-up as a free agent. Learn more and register.