Official website of the
City of Vancouver, Washington

City Attorney

Introduction

City Attorney: Ted H. Gathe, appointed by City Manager and City Council 1994

Mission: It is the mission of the City Attorney's Office to provide high quality legal services to the city in an efficient, timely and cost effective manner for the benefit of the citizens of Vancouver.

The Vancouver City Attorney's Office has four major functions:

1. Advisory: provide legal advice to city staff, City Council and various boards and commissions, to ensure legally sound decisions in developing and carrying out city policies;
2. Legislative: prepare ordinances, resolutions and related documents needed to carry out city policies and City Council's decisions;
3. Civil Litigation: initiate or defend lawsuits and be successful in any litigation which cannot otherwise be avoided; and
4. Criminal Prosecution: fairly and effectively prosecute all violations of city criminal and traffic ordinances, including building and zoning code violations.

The City Attorney's Office consists of the City Attorney and 13 assistant city attorneys, 1 Investigator, 8 administrative and support staff, and 2 Legal Interns. Our offices are located on the second floor of City Hall, 210 E. 13th Street in Vancouver, Washington. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The City website, including this City Attorney home page, was developed to provide general information. Data contained at this location, any City of Vancouver site, or at any site linked from this or any City location, has not been reviewed for accuracy or legal sufficiency. The documents displayed are for reference purposes only. Their completeness or currency are not guaranteed.