Meredith Fox

The agenda for the meeting includes the approval of the regular board meetings schedule for 2026. A public hearing is scheduled to cover the Biennial Work Plan and Biennial Budget for the 2025/2026 biennium, as well as the issuance of the 2025 Annual Report to the Community.

The meeting provided updates on downtown community initiatives and partnerships aimed at enhancing vitality and engagement. Discussion topics included an overview of summer community events and festivals, such as the Vancouver Arts and Music Festival, America 250 celebrations, the Waterfront Concert Series, and cultural observances like Juneteenth and Dia de los Muertos. The Port of Vancouver shared information regarding its economic development mission, including the Terminal One redevelopment project and its role in international trade. Additionally, Visit Vancouver discussed its role in the overnight visitor economy, strategies for attracting visitors from outside the immediate area, and various collaborative efforts with local partners.

This Biennial Budget for the City of Vancouver, Washington, for the 2025-2026 biennium, is guided by the City's Strategic Plan adopted in 2023. It addresses a forecasted budget shortfall while making strategic investments in the City's future. The budget is formulated around universal policy themes of safety, equity, and climate action, with key focus areas including Transportation and Mobility, Economic Opportunity, Housing and Human Needs, Vibrant and Distinct Neighborhoods, Culture and Heritage, Safe and Prepared Community, Climate and Natural Systems, and High Performing Government. The overarching vision is to foster an equitable and prosperous community that ensures all residents and organizations benefit from growth, characterized by affordable housing, economic opportunities, and leading efforts in climate change.

The Council meeting included a proclamation for the Veterans Day Parade and a special presentation of the WSDOT/FHWA Best Special Project Award for the Waterfront Trail Redevelopment Project. Key actions taken included the adoption of an emergency moratorium on development in certain commercial corridors, acceptance of the 2019 Joint Agency Slurry Seal Project, and an amendment to a professional services agreement for wastewater treatment upgrades. The Council authorized Job Order Contracting services, approved purchasing authority for computer equipment, and authorized an agricultural lease for an undeveloped park property. Furthermore, the Council addressed the renaming of a street, approved a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Waterfront Gateway properties, and discussed property tax levies for 2020, including affordable housing and ad valorem taxes. Additional agenda items covered sales tax credits for affordable housing, adjustments to solid waste collection rates, standards for building extensions in the downtown district, and new zoning standards for self-service storage facilities. Several appointments were made to the Planning, Telecommunications, and Lodging Tax Advisory Commissions. Finally, the Council approved the disposition of real property at the waterfront, authorized a requested annexation, confirmed the appointment of the City Attorney, and received an overview of a proposed opioid treatment program at the Clark County jail.

The council held a workshop to discuss the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget. Regular agenda items included the official recognition of the Emerald Landing Neighborhood Association, construction acceptance of the Port Pump Station Replacement project, and the approval of a professional services agreement extension for water quality monitoring. The council also approved naming a new park in the Rose Village neighborhood as Ida Bell Jones Park, made appointments to the Culture, Arts and Heritage Commission, and authorized the payment of claim vouchers.