Official website of the
City of Vancouver, Washington

Economic Development

The City of Vancouver’s Economic Development Services is dedicated to improving, enhancing and diversifying Vancouver’s economic and business climate. Our goal is to create a lively, active city where people can live, work and play.

Downtown revitalization

Every great city has a strong, healthy downtown. It is important for Vancouver to have a vibrant downtown where people throughout the region can gather to live, work, shop and enjoy entertainment options. We are diversifying and rebuilding the downtown’s economy by partnering in $200 million of mixed-use, residential and retail development as well as public art and public spaces.

Downtown Multi-Family Tax Abatement

To stimulate the construction of multi-family homes in downtown Vancouver, this program may exempt new, rehabiliated or redeveloped multi-family homes in downtown Vancouver from property taxes for up to ten years.

Business Development

Economic Development Services works to enhance Vancouver’s economic base through business creation, expansion and retention efforts in partnership with the Columbia River Economic Development Council. We provide technical assistance and work to identify and “package” appropriate private and public resources so Vancouver develops a diverse family-wage job base.

Streamlined Permitting

The City of Vancouver is committed to promoting healthy economic development & providing jobs in our community through the City’s streamlined development review process. This is a more efficient process that does not compromise our ability to ensure that development projects are consistent with codes and policies that affect the livability of our community.

Policy Guides

The economic development staff uses the following to guide their activities:

City of Vancouver Strategic Plan

Vancouver City Center Vision (adopted by the Vancouver City Council June 18, 2007)

Downtown Design Guidelines

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Vancouver Comprehensive Plan policies

Downtown Investment Guidelines

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Economic Development Resources

These links will open a new browser window. These web sites are not operated by the City of Vancouver.

Local Demographic Information

Compiled by the County Assesor's Office. Includes links to federal census data.

2005 Population and Economic Handbook

Population, economic, and housing data for Clark County and surrounding areas.

Columbia River Economic Development Council

Local assitance with site location and acquisition, business demographics, and process facilitation.

Greater Vancouver Area Chamber of Commerce

Other Links

Great Streets

Celebrating the best in street design. Features a profile of W. 8th Street and Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver.