Adjustments and ambiguity on the federal degree is not going to preserve town of Vancouver from pursuing enhancements in security, housing and homelessness, and financial improvement, Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle stated in her State of the Metropolis speech Monday night.
“I know there is uncertainty and even fear in our community right now. … In a time of uncertainty, rallying together around what unites us is so important,” she stated.
About 100 individuals gathered at Firstenburg Neighborhood Middle for the annual tackle by McEnerny-Ogle, who’s operating for a 3rd four-year time period.
Though her speech encompassed acquainted subjects, reminiscent of town’s improvement and avenue enchancment tasks, the mayor acknowledged questions residents might have about how federal insurance policies will have an effect on Vancouver.
Federal modifications
McEnerny-Ogle reiterated Vancouver’s coverage that its police is not going to undertake immigration-related investigations or ask about immigration standing.
“Despite what happens outside of Vancouver, we will continue to serve all community members with dignity, empathy and compassion regardless of their status,” she stated.
McEnerny-Ogle additionally tried to alleviate fears round Vancouver shedding funding attributable to federal cuts or grant freezes.
In late January, the White Home issued — and later rescinded — a memo asserting a freeze on practically all federal grants and loans. (A metropolis report obtained by The Columbian estimates the overall quantity of unspent federal funds in danger if a federal grants freeze occurred was practically $105.7 million as of Jan. 29.)
Final 12 months, Vancouver managed a document excessive of 197 grants value greater than $218 million, after touchdown 58 new grants value $88 million in 2024, McEnerny-Ogle stated.
The mayor assured the gang that town will proceed “ambitious projects.”
“Administrations come and go,” she stated, “and many of the grants and funding we pursue have always spanned multiple administrations and the ensuing shift in priorities that accompany them.”
Housing, homelessness
McEnerny-Ogle famous homelessness is among the most vital points residents need town to deal with.
“We have heard you, and at the same time, addressing homelessness and its impact on both the housed and the unhoused is complex,” she stated. “No one solution exists.”
Town council’s emergency declaration on homelessness reached its one-year mark in 2024, McEnerny-Ogle stated. It permits town to entry further funds and assets, in addition to designate as much as 48 acres of public property and rights-of-way closed to tenting.
Along with planning what would be the county’s largest homeless shelter, town opened Secure Keep shelters, in addition to winter shelters, which remained at capability all season, she stated.
However extra shelter is required, McEnerny-Ogle stated. In 2024, 54 homeless individuals died in Clark County.
“That is unacceptable,” she stated. “We need to have the capacity to get people inside.”
Different priorities
Though public security stays vital to Vancouver residents, Proposition 4, a levy that may have funded extra police companies, failed in 2024, McEnerny-Ogle stated.
Town has acquired suggestions on the proposition because the November election and is reconvening the Metropolis Supervisor’s Police Advisory Committee that labored on creating Proposition 4. The committee will decide what a possible new measure might entail, she stated.
The mayor shared how town is making ready for progress, together with its Waterfront Gateway and Heights District tasks. Town not too long ago permitted its first draft financial improvement technique.
“We have cemented our place as Southwest Washington’s economic engine, and we can’t take that for granted,” McEnerny-Ogle stated.
The will for change has even prolonged to town’s flag.
McEnerny-Ogle unveiled town’s plan for a brand new flag following a video of residents who didn’t acknowledge, or seemingly approve, of town’s present flag.
“People think it’s supposed to be an eagle with a seagull’s head,” McEnerny-Ogle stated.
Town will open a design competitors to create town’s subsequent flag. Entries are due by June 14, Flag Day, in line with town’s web site.
