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City Manager update: January 2026
After a national search, I am pleased to welcome John L. Drake II (JD) as Vancouver’s next fire chief. Chief Drake began his role on Dec. 29, following the retirement of Fire Chief Brennan Blue. Chief Drake brings 38 years of public safety experience and a strong commitment to strengthening emergency operations and advancing community…
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City launches rental registration with waived fees through March
On Jan. 1, the City launched a new Rental Registration System designed to improve transparency, support healthy housing conditions, and strengthen communication between the City, renters and rental housing providers. The system creates a comprehensive inventory of rental properties across Vancouver. It will better track rental housing stock, help the City respond more efficiently to…
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Residents encouraged to apply for traffic calming measures on Vancouver streets
Vancouver community members are invited to submit traffic concerns and champion project locations for consideration through the 2026 Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program. The program will award approximately $300,000 for traffic calming projects this year. Residents interested in a traffic calming project for their neighborhood street must apply online by Saturday, Feb. 28. After the application…
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Vancouver Police Investigate Shooting
*** Update *** Today, the susepct in this shooting self-surrendered at the Vancouver Police Department West Precinct. Jared D. Taylor, 28 years old, was arrested and booked into the Clark County Jail for Murder II and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. The investigation is continuing and nothing additional is being released at this time. ***…
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Vancouver Police Release Critical Incident Video
On December 28, 2025, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) was involved in a shooting while contacting a male with a firearm outside a residence in the 13200 Block of NE 46th St. Two Vancouver Police Officers discharged their duty weapons. One Vancouver Police Officer witnessed the incident. The involved officers were placed on Critical Incident…
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Vancouver rolls out new all-access community center membership
Beginning January 2026, Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services will launch the new Vancouver Community Center Membership that unlocks full access to both Firstenburg (700 N.E. 136th Ave.) and Marshall (1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd.) community centers. Under the new Vancouver Community Center Membership, members can take full advantage of the extensive amenities at both centers.…
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Vancouver Police Officers Involved in Shooting
On December 27, 2025, at approximately 11:55 p.m., Vancouver Police Officers responded to a disturbance with a weapon near the 13200 block of NE 46th Street in Vancouver. The initial call involved a male outside a residence who had pointed a firearm at a woman inside the home and had fired at least one round…
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City hires new fire chief following national search
Following a nationwide search, City Manager Lon Pluckhahn has named John L. Drake II as Vancouver’s new fire chief, starting Dec. 29. Drake succeeds Fire Chief Brennan Blue, who retired earlier this year after 38 years of fire service. Chief Drake brings 38 years of leadership and operational experience in fire and emergency services to…
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Vancouver Police Investigating Report of Armed Subject near McKenzie Stadium
At around 11:44 a.m., Vancouver Police were dispatched to a report of a male subject brandishing a weapon near McKenzie Stadium. Officers soon developed probable cause for Felony Harassment and Brandishing. Officers have located a suspect and currently have them detained. As a precaution, Evergreen Public Schools temporarily placed nearby schools on lockdown, and officers…
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Muddy boots tour held at site of future bridge shelter
With construction work underway, policymakers, donors and partners gathered at the site of Vancouver’s future bridge shelter. The project, located at 5313 N.E. 94th Ave., will provide medication-assisted treatment and other support services to help people transition to stable housing. PeaceHealth’s Liz Cattin, Michael Lynch of the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund, Community Foundation of…
