Boards and Commissions

The Mayor and City Council appoint individuals to 26 different committees, councils and commissions. Members of these bodies offer recommendations, provide advice and feedback on issues including land use, parking, parks and recreation, transportation, housing, and other issues facing Vancouver and the greater region.

Each individual board and commission is tasked with one or more purpose (regulatory, policy-making or advisory).

Available positions

The City advertises all board, commission and committee openings using news releases, social media and other outreach methods. Each vacancy has a 30-day application period.

Apply to serve

In appointing members, the City Council strives to bring a balance of diversity of perspective and experience. The City is committed to promoting diversity in the city’s boards and commissions. Women, persons with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, young persons, senior citizens, and persons of color are encouraged to apply.

To request an application or for more information, contact the boards and commissions coordinator in the City Manager’s Office at bc_coordinator@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8600.

Sign-up for email updates about Boards and Commissions openings

Aviation Advisory Committee

The purpose of the Aviation Advisory Committee is to provide advice and recommendations to the airport manager, city manager, city council and departments regarding the management and operations of the Pearson Field Airport and other aviation-related issues affecting the Vancouver. 

Meetings

TBD

Current Members

  • Peggy Keith
  • Michael Kelly
  • Barend Levie
  • Jose Lopez
  • Kevin Lux
  • Kristin Reef
  • Brittany Sulitzer
  • William Weaver
  • Laura Krueger

Rules

  • Nine members
  • Appointed by city council
  • No residency requirement
  • Term limits of Three years

Staff

Support Staff

Angela McBurney

Attorney

Philip Gilger

See Pearson Field Airport for more information.

Building and Fire Code Commission

The Building and Fire Code Commission makes recommendations to City Council on building and fire codes and all proposed code changes; hears appeals of building official and fire code interpretations. The membership is composed of specific construction interests.

Meetings

On Call

Current Members

  • Chair – Vacant
  • Matt Chaika
  • John Gentry
  • Adrienne Linton
  • Jason Olson
  • Jimmy Stewart
  • David Wulbers

Rules

  • Five or more members, maximum of seven
  • Appointed by city council
  • No residency requirement
  • Term limits of six years, two terms maximum

Staff

Liaisons

Sree Thirunagari

Community Development

Support Staff

Penny Hedval
Alan Fung

Attorney

Philip Gilger

Governing Documents

Charter Review Committee

The City Charter requires that every five years a committee convene to review the City Charter and recommends changes to the City Council.

Meetings

Monthly meetings starting October 2023 to June 2024

Current Board Members

  • Russ Beacock
  • Alicia Cummins
  • Jonathan DeBellis
  • Terah Ebie
  • Josh Egan
  • Lisa Ghormley
  • Nelson Holmberg
  • Janet James
  • Janet Landesberg
  • Mark Meckler
  • Cherry Mercado
  • Ben Moll
  • Mike Pond
  • Lynn Samuels
  • Ronald Zito

Rules

  • Term limit of one year
  • 15 Members appointed by City Council

Staff

Liaisons

Aaron Lande
Program and Policy Development Manager
360-487-8612
aaron.lande@cityofvancouver.us

Support Staff

Kerry Peck

Attorney

Nena Cook

City Center Redevelopment Authority

The purpose of the City Center Redevelopment Authority (CCRA) is to provide an independent legal entity under State law and City Ordinance (VMC 2.71) to undertake, assist with and otherwise facilitate the redevelopment of property within the Vancouver City Center Vision plan area (VCCV).

Redevelopment of the VCCV plan area by the CCRA serves essential public purposes by relieving blight, undertaking development of an underutilized area in the heart of the City in a manner consistent with City planning, facilitating private investment and economic development which will build the City’s tax base and create jobs, and providing for the development of public amenities, public parking facilities, recreational and entertainment facilities, connections to the riverfront and coordination of waterfront redevelopment efforts.

Meetings

Monthly, on the third Thursday of the month. The meetings begin at 12:30 p.m.

Current Members

  • Marc Fazio, President
  • Dick Krippaehne, Secretary and Treasurer
  • Michi Slick
  • David Copenhaver
  • Deborah Ewing
  • Alisa Pyszka
  • Allison Reynolds

Rules

  • Number of members: Seven
  • Length of term: 4 years

Staff

Liaisons

Patrick Quinton
CCRA Executive Director
360-487-7845
patrick.quinton@cityofvancouver.us

Chris Harder
Deputy Director of Economic Prosperity and Housing
360-487-7934
chris.harder@cityofvancouver.us

Support Staff

Kimberly Kerlee

Attorney

Taylor Hallvik

Citizen Noise Advisory Committee

The Citizen Noise Advisory Committee (CNAC) is the official forum to address the community’s aircraft noise concerns. Local jurisdictions and the Port of Portland appoint the 15-member committee to represent residential and business concerns. CNAC was organized in 1998 as an official Port of Portland advisory committee on aircraft noise issues. The City of Vancouver appoints two members to the CNAC. Visit the CNAC website for agendas, meeting times and locations.  

City of Vancouver representatives:

  • John Pusieski
  • Mike Yee

Civil Service Commission

Adopt rules for regulation of classified service; appoint secretary/examiner; maintain minutes; provide for competitive testing to prepare candidate lists; hear and determine appeals, and investigate and report on matters relating to enforcement of Civil Service matters.

Meetings

Third Wednesday of each month at 8:00 a.m.

City Hall – Birch Conference room
To access by phone, call: 347-941-5324
Phone conference ID: 676 163 567#

Current Members

  • Virginia Chapman, Chair
  • Larry Smith
  • Deborah Hall
  • Sandra Topalovic 
  • Kevin Todd

Rules

  • Five members
  • Appointed by Mayor
  • Must be a citizen of the United States
  • A registered voter in Clark County
  • At least one commissioner appointment shall be filled by a union representative

Staff

Liaisons

Lee Lofton

Human Resources

Support Staff

Megan Mairs

Attorney

Dan Lloyd

Eligibility Lists

TBD

Clark County Arts Commission

Promotes awareness and support of the arts as a vital part of our community and local economy by creating a more visually pleasing environment, while also expanding the opportunity and accessibility of citizens to experience art in public spaces. The City of Vancouver nominates one representative for appointment to the Clark County Arts Commission. Visit the Clark County Arts Commission website for agendas, meeting times and locations, and additional information.

City of Vancouver representative: Russ Ford

Clark County Historic Preservation Commission

Coordinates preservation activities for the County, City of Vancouver and other cities. Encourages rehabilitation projects, administers incentive programs, and maintains local Heritage Register. Council makes recommendation to the Commissioners to appoint members.

Meetings

First Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m.

Current Members

  • Gregory Fuz*
  • John Zingale
  • Andrew Gregg, Chair
  • Jan Bader, Vice Chair
  • Julie Bohn
  • Morgan Frazier
  • Heidi Mandler-Huff*

Rules

  • Seven Members
    • Two members appointed by City Council; noted with an asterisk
    • Five members appointed by Clark County Council
  • Appointed by city council
  • No residency requirement
  • Three years
  • Maximum of two consecutive terms, but can serve additional terms after at least one year absence
  • The County and City Council shall coordinate to ensure that the commission includes at least two professionals who have demonstrated special interest, experience or knowledge in history, historic preservation, architecture, or related disciplines
  • City members shall be residents of the City of Vancouver, yet an exception to the residency requirement of the commission members may be granted in order to obtain representatives from the required disciplines
  • See VMC for complete list of requirements

Staff

County Staff

Bart Catching
Susan Ellinger

City Staff

Jason Nortz
Mark Person

Attorney

Becky Rude

Clark County Mosquito Control District Board of Trustees

A Board of Trustees oversees the work of the Mosquito Control District and establishes its policy. The board is comprised of one member from each city or town in Clark County and three at large members appointed by the Clark County Council. The board adopts the work plan, prepares and approves district expenditures, and contracts for services. The City of Vancouver appoints one member to the Mosquito Control District. Clark County Public Health provides administrative services for the district. Visit the Clark County Mosquito Control District Board website for additional information, including meeting times, locations and agendas.

City of Vancouver representative: Kayla D’Ambrosi

Clark County Public Health Advisory Council

Advises the Clark County Board of Health on issues related to public health. The City of Vancouver nominates one representative for appointment to the Public Health Advisory Council. Visit the Clark County Public Health Advisory Council website for more information, including meeting times, locations and agendas.

City of Vancouver representative: Elma Blum

Culture, Arts and Heritage Commission

The purpose of the Culture, Arts and Heritage Commission is to assist with and facilitate the development and promotion of a thriving cultural, arts and heritage environment in the Vancouver through programs, ownership of physical assets including buildings and public art and through community partnerships.

Meetings

Monthly, Second Thursday: Noon to 2 p.m.

Current Members

  • Alex Gall
  • Beth Harrington
  • Lee Rafferty
  • Linda Reid
  • Christine A. Richardson
  • Julie Mercado
  • Brad Richardson
  • Rebekah Percival
  • Russell Ford – CCAC

Rules

  • Nine members
  • Appointed by City Council
  • Members shall be appointed for three-year terms with two consecutive term limits; aside from the initial board

Staff

Liaisons

Stacey Donovan

Special Events Manager

Support Staff

Kirsten Hull

Attorney

Tricia Juettemeyer

Downtown Redevelopment Authority

The purpose of the Downtown Redevelopment Authority is to provide an independent legal entity under State law and City Ordinance (Chapter 2.73 VMC) to plan, design, finance, acquire, construct, equip, own, maintain, operate, repair, remodel, expand and promote of the Vancouver Convention Center and Hotel Project, consistent with redevelopment plans for the Esther Short Redevelopment Area adopted by the City.

The DRA serves as a citizen advisory body to the City Council, and Board Members work in a voluntary capacity. Members of the Board serve four-year terms which may be extended. Applicants are not required to live within the City limits.

Health Care Benefit Program Governing Board

Governing Documents

Fort Vancouver Regional Library Board of Trustees

Governing body of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. The City of Vancouver nominates two representatives for appointment to the Board of Trustees. Visit the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District Board website for agendas, meeting times and locations, and additional information.

City of Vancouver representatives:

  • Megan Dugan
  • Vikram Kotwani

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

The City’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee was formed in accordance with state law that requires any city or county to form such a committee when they impose a new hotel-motel tax, raise the rate of an existing tax, repeal an exemption from the tax or change the use of the tax proceeds.

The purpose of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee is to make recommendations to the Vancouver City Council about how the revenue from the City’s four percent lodging tax is spent.

Meetings

Second Wednesday of every month at 12:00 p.m.

Current Members

  1. Kim Harless, Chair, councilmember
  2. Carla Rise, Staybridge Suites
  3. Ryan Hart, Port of Vancouver
  4. Terry Goldman, AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront
  5. Christie Rust, Hilton Vancouver
  6. Jennifer Kenney, Hough Foundation
  7. Janet Kenefsky, Greater Chamber of Commerce
  8. Steve Bowers, Hampton Inn & Suites
  9. Temple Lentz, The Historic Trust

Rules

  • Nine members, minimum of five, chaired by a Vancouver City Councilmember (this is a non-voting position)
  • Appointed by City Council
  • Term: Two years, three consecutive terms maximum
  • Fifty percent of the voting members must represent businesses that are required to collect the hotel-motel tax
  • The other 50 percent of the voting members of the committee must be either staff, board members or volunteers from organizations or activities that are authorized to be funded by this tax

Staff

Support Staff

Kimberly Kerlee

Attorney

Dan Lloyd

Files

Parking Advisory Committee

The Parking Advisory Committee advises City Council on policy issues related to all city-owned on-street and off-street parking facilities and makes recommendations on parking regulations.

Meetings

As needed on the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings begin at 8 a.m. and are held at City Hall in the Aspen Conference Room, as well as virtually.

Current Members

  • Vacant
  • Ryan Morin
  • Garrett Ginter
  • Douglas Varenas
  • Jason Cromer
  • Kurt Stonex
  • Jocelyn Cross

Rules

  • Term: Four years, maximum 2 consecutive terms
  • Must be a city resident, property owner, business owner, or an officer or partner in a city business
  • Seven members
  • Appointed by City Council

Staff

Support Staff

Tina Picchioni

Attorney

Dan Lloyd

Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

The role of a Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission member is to act in an advisory manner to Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services staff, the Vancouver City Council and to advocate to decision makers and the public for parks and recreation issues.

Meetings

Monthly; 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Current Members

  • Angilo Fletcher, Vice Chair
  • Cale Piland, ESD Liaison 
  • Vacant
  • Jaynee Haygood, Chair
  • Jeremy Robbins
  • Vacant
  • AJ Panter, VPS Liaison
  • Matthew Kuntz
  • Vacant
  • Syble Crow, Parks Foundation Liaison

Rules

  • Term: One to three years
  • 10 members
  • Appointed by City Council

Staff

Liaisons

David Perlick

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services

Support Staff

Stephanie Obotette

Attorney

Nena Cook

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is an independent review body of local citizens that provides recommendations to the City Council on changes to the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Use and Development Code (Title 20 of the Vancouver Municipal Code). This includes formal review via a public hearing process on Comprehensive Plan map and text changes and zoning map and text changes, as well as subarea and district plans that are adopted by reference into the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission also provides informal and advisory review via public workshop on a variety of studies, analyses, reports and plans related to land use matters. 

The Planning Commission is tasked with considering the long-term growth and development of the community. It is tasked with considering the impact of land use decisions on community livability, economic opportunity, housing affordability, public services, and the environment. The Commission brings a long term community perspective to land use policy, and is responsible for maintaining an accessible process that informs and educates the public.  

Agendas are posted 10 days in advance of meeting.

Meetings

Current Members

  • Patrick Adigweme, Chair
  • Zachary Pyle, Vice Chair
  • Marjorie Ledell
  • Nena Cavel
  • Melissa von Borstel
  • Sandra Beck

Rules

  • Seven members
  • Appointed by City Council
  • Term: Four years, maximum of three terms
  • City residency is required except for one member who can be selected from the unincorporated Vancouver Urban Growth Area

Staff

Email the Planning Commission

Liaisons

Rebecca Kennedy

Community Development

Bryan Snodgrass

Community Development

Support Staff

Julie Nischik

Attorney

Becky Rude

Public Facilities District Board

The Public Facilities District (PFD) was created by the City Council to develop the Special Events Center in downtown Vancouver. The PFD acts as an advisory body to the City Council. Its five-member board are appointed by the Council to serve four-year terms in a voluntary capacity.

Salary Review Commission

Studies the relationship of salaries to the duties of the Mayor and City Council and establishes the salary for each. Commissioners must be registered voters and city residents.

Meetings

On Call

Current Members

  • Patricia Stepp
  • Peter Marez
  • Gail Czech
  • Ana Drilea
  • Daniel Buckley
  • Patricia Bilker
  • Ben Moll

Rules

  • Seven members
  • Appointed by Mayor
  • Term: Four years
  • Members must be registered voters and residents of the City of Vancouver

Staff

Support Staff

Liason

Emily Kemper

Attorney

Nena Cook

Strategic Plan Advisory Committee

The Strategic Plan Advisory Committee is currently on hiatus after playing an important role in helping to inform development of the Strategic Plan (approved by City Council in June 2023) that lays out the City’s direction for the next six years and beyond.

Meetings

TBD

Current Members

  • Alysha Chandra
  • Abby Griffith
  • Ashley Thomas-Velikokatko
  • Ben Moll
  • Cheikh Soumare
  • Cynthia Skirvanek
  • Eric LaBrant
  • Katie Yates
  • Mark Meckler
  • Tommy Pham
  • Rosalba Pitkin
  • Rosenzena Rothafel
  • Schuyler Hoss
  • Zachary Pyle
  • Erik Paulsen, Mayor Pro Tem, Council Liaison

Rules

  • Fourteen members
  • Two years Term Limits

Staff

Liaisons

Tanya Gray

Financial and Management Services

Aaron Lande

City Manager’s Office

Support Staff

Kerry Peck

Attorney

Telecommunications Commission

Serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council and the Clark County Council on matters related to cable television franchising. The commission establishes rules and regulations for cable television franchises and monitors compliance with franchise agreements.

Meetings

Meets quarterly. The next meeting will be held on March 6, 2024.

Current Members

  • Douglas Green (City)
  • Robert Hinds (City)
  • Bruce Maas (City)
  • Chad Nygard (City)
  • Paul Dicker (County)
  • Eric Hale (County)
  • Ellen Rogers (County)
  • Vacant (County)

Rules

  • Eight voting members, one non-voting member appointed by mayors of cities within Comcast Cable Services franchise area
  • Term: Three years. Maximum City: Three (as of 1998); County: unlimited
  • Must reside in the City for City seat appointment (four seats)

Staff

Liaisons

Aaron Lande

City Manager’s Office

Jim Demmon

City Manager’s Office

Support Staff

Tracie Ramirez

Attorney

Transportation Benefit District

What is a TBD?

TBD stands for Transportation Benefit District. A TBD is a quasi-municipal entity created for the sole purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, providing and funding transportation improvements within the district. Under RCW 36.73 the Washington State Legislature permits local governments to establish a TBD and accompanying funding sources to provide for the preservation, maintenance and construction of local public ways.

Vancouver Street Funding Strategy/TBD Accomplishments

Vancouver’s Transportation Benefit District is committed to transparency and accountability, providing community members with information and updates on what revenues it receives and where the funds are spent. Each year, Vancouver provides a report back to the community, which also includes overall Street Funding Strategy revenues, expenses and projects. 

Documents

About the Vancouver Transportation Benefit District (TBD)

The Vancouver Transportation Benefit District (TBD) is a quasi-municipal entity, a legally separate and distinct body from the City of Vancouver, formed to support transportation improvements.

The boundaries of the TBD are identical with the City limits. By law, it is therefore required to be governed by the members of that legislative body (Vancouver City Council). acting as a separate legal entity, The Mayor of the City of Vancouver serves as the TBD Chairperson, presiding over meetings. The Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Vancouver serves as the Vice Chairperson and presides over meetings in the absence of the TBD Chair. Vancouver’s City Manager is chief executive officer and oversees the administration of the TBD.

Regular Board meetings are scheduled by the Board through a resolution in the first quarter of each calendar year. Notice is given using procedures identical to those used for regular meetings of the Vancouver City Council, as consistent with state Open Public Meetings Act.

Under state law RCW 36.73, Vancouver’s TBD has the authority to impose and/or seek voter approval of certain taxes or fees, which in turn must be dedicated to improving transportation systems. Construction, maintenance, and operation costs are eligible.

TBD Board of Directors Meetings

Please use the button at the top right of the page or the links below to view information from Board of Director meetings:

Transportation and Mobility Commission

The Transportation and Mobility Commission will provide advice to Vancouver City Council, the City Manager and staff on a variety of transportation and mobility-related projects, programs and policies. It will also provide ongoing feedback and guidance on development of citywide transportation policy through the update of the city’s Transportation System Plan.

Meetings

Current Members

  • Chair:
    Eduardo Ramos, Transit as Primary Mode
  • Vice Chair:
    Jeananne Edward At Large Member
  • Devon Fender, Youth
  • Corey Grandstaff, Disabled Community
  • Sara Schmit, Bicycling as Primary Mode
  • Michael Paine, Freight Community
  • Mario Raia, Age 65+ Community      
  • Derya Ruggles, Neighborhood Association
  • Ken Williams, Walking as Primary Mode
  • Soroush Mohandessi, Driving as Primary Mode
  • Thinh Phan, Transportation Profession

Rules

  • 11 Members, consisting of one member appointed at large and ten members appointed to represent specific experiences and interests. For more information see VMC Chapter 11.75.020.
  • Appointed by City Council.
  • The first 11 commission members will serve varying length terms, from one to three years. ​Reappointments and subsequent new appointments will be for three years, with the exception of the youth representative who will serve for one year.
  • All commission members must live within the Vancouver city limits with the exception of up to two members living outside the city but within the Vancouver Urban Growth Boundary.

Staff

Email the Transportation and Mobility Commission

Liaisons

Rebecca Kennedy

Community Development

Kate Drennan

Community Development

Support Staff

Julie Nischik

Attorney

Becky Rude

Resources

Additional resources for the Transportation and Mobility Commission including relevant documents and technical guidance.

Urban Forestry Commission

Established for the purpose of preserving, managing, and increasing the City’s urban forest thereby protecting a vital environmental, social and economic resource that benefits all residents and visitors, and for the purpose of assisting property owners and public agencies in improving and maintaining the urban forest in a manner consistent with adopted City policies.

Meetings

Third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.

Current Members

  • Melissa Johnston- Chair
  • Clif Barnes- Vice Chair
  • Jamie Beyer
  • Jeff Kessenich
  • Susan Law
  • Khanh Tran
  • Chuleana Wheeler

Rules

  • Term: Four years, maximum of two terms
  • Seven members
  • Appointed by City Council

Staff

Liaisons

Charles Ray

Urban Forestry

Support Staff

Attorney

Governing Documents

Vancouver Housing Authority Board of Commissioners

The members of this independent board establish policy for operation of low-income rental housing programs and low-income housing rehabilitation programs.

For more information, please visit: Vancouver Housing Authority

Meetings

Meets fourth Thursday each month 10 a.m.

Rules

  • Term: Five year term; max 3 consecutive terms
  • Resident Commissioner, two years (or less if no longer receiving VHA assistance) 

Staff

Liaisons

Roy Johnson, VHA

Attorney

Ted Gathe, VHA