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).
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.
Available positions
The City advertises all vacancies using news release, social media and other outreach methods. Each vacancy has a 30-day filing period. If you are interested in a specific board or commission, you can reach out to the board’s contact person listed in the respective listing.
- Apply now for the Planning Commission. Deadline: October 12.
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
Liaisons
Gun Lennon
Support Staff
Angela McBurney
Attorney
Philip Gilger
Governing Documents
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
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
TBD
Current Members
Rules
- Term limit of one year
Staff
Liaisons
Aaron Lande
Support Staff
Kerry Peck
Attorney
Nena Cook
Files
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. Visit the CNAC website for agendas, meeting times and locations.
Meetings
Second Thursday of each month. Meet twice per year in Vancouver; 6-8 p.m.
Current Members
- Mike Yee*, Vancouver
- John Pusieski* , Vancouver
- David Stenstrom, Clackamas County
- Liliya Zhukova, Clark County
- Joe Smith, Multnomah County
- Bob Braze, Washington County
- Mark Clark, Fairview/Troutdale/Wood Village Cities
- Brian Freeman, City of Gresham
- Ron Schmidt, City of Portland x 3 seats
- Laura Young
- Kelly Sweeney
- Andrew Loescher, Clark County
- Mike Finch, Multnomah County
- Karen Meyer, City of Portland
- Tina Penman, City of Portland
Rules
- 11 plus four at large members
- Portland, three members;
Vancouver, two members;
Gresham, one member;
Combined Cities of Fairview, Troutdale, and Wood Village, one member;
Multnomah Co. (outside Portland), one member;
Clark County (Camas, Washougal Area), one member;
Washington County, one member;
Clackamas County, one member - Term: Three years, no maximum
Staff
Liaisons
Port of Portland Staff
Emerald Bogue
Danny Garcia
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
Support Staff
Megan Mairs
Attorney
Dan Lloyd
Governing Documents
Eligibility Lists
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.
Location
Clark County Public Service Center
Training Room, Sixth Floor
1300 Franklin Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
Current Members
- Lynne Bowden, Chair
- LaRae Zawodny, Vice Chair
- Jack Osier, Secretary
- Chuck Carpenter, Treasurer
- Toni Luna
- Connie Bushnell
- Kay Nemjo
- Vacant
- Vacant
- Vacant
- Vacant
Rules
- 11 members
Staff
Liaisons
Support Staff
Attorney
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
Governing Documents
Clark County Mosquito Control District Board
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. Clark County Public Health provides administrative services for the district.
Meetings
Second Tuesday evening of February, May, August and November at 7 p.m.
Current Members
- Earl Fleck, President, County District 3
- Kayla D’Ambrosi Vancouver
- Trudy Linson, Secretary, Treasurer County District 1
- Brian Munson, Battle Ground
- Michael Elerath, County District 2
- Larry Lewton, La Center
- Rian Davis, Ridgefield
- Mark Rohr , Washougal
- Vince Myers, Yacolt
- Joe Keller, Camas
Rules
- Ten members
- Comprised of members from each city and three appointed by the County Councilors
- City appointed representatives must be city residents
Staff
Liaisons
Rebecca Baxter – County
Support Staff
Attorney
Governing Documents
Clark County Public Health Advisory Council
Advises the Clark County Board of Health on issues related to public health.
Visit the Clark County Public Health website for more information.
Members: Joan Caley
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
Support Staff
Kirsten Hull
Attorney
Tricia Juettemeyer
Governing Documents
Downtown Redevelopment Authority
About
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.
History
The City Council established the DRA as a special purpose governmental entity in 1997 under RCW 35.21.730-757 with a seven-member Board of Directors appointed by the Council. The DRA Board approves budgets of and provides oversight and guidance to the Hotel and Convention Center project, which is managed by Hilton Corporation.
Candidates with broad business experience are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates will have experience in property management, project financing, financial management, and contracts. Additionally, experience in the lodging and restaurant fields would be helpful.
The DRA has no employees. The City’s Chief Financial Officer serves as the Executive Director of the Authority, with financial, administrative, and legal support provided by City staff.
The DRA employs an asset management firm specializing in lodging, restaurant, and convention facilities to monitor the ongoing operations of the Hotel/Convention Center and advise the DRA Board on operational, financial, and budget issues.
The DRA owns the Hotel/Convention Center facility. The land upon which the facility is located is leased by the DRA from the Vancouver Public Facilities District, which owns the property.
Current Members
- Jan Robertson, Board President
- Kathleen Kee, Secretary/Treasurer
- David Copenhaver
- Deborah Ewing
- Marc Fazio
- Brad Hutton
Health Care Benefit Program Governing Board
Governing Documents
Fort Vancouver Regional Library Board
Governing body of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District.
Meetings
Varies, generally 3rd Monday of month; 6 – 8 p.m.
Current Members
- Open, Position #1 (Clark County)
- Vikram Kotwani (City of Vancouver)
- Mary Ann Duncan-Cole, Position #3 (Skamania County)
- Jane Higgins, Position #4 (Clark County)
- Open, Position #5 (City of Vancouver)
- Kate Maple, Position #6 (Klickitat County)
- Kelsi Gilkey, Position #7 (Clark County)
Rules
- Seven members
- Two recommended by City Council
- Term: Seven years. two terms maximum
- City representative (2) (must be city resident)
- Clark County representative (3)
- Skamania County representative (1)
- Klickitat County representative (1)
Staff
Liaisons
Amelia Shelley – FVRL Executive Director
Support Staff
Attorney
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
- Kim Harless, Chair, Councilmember
- Jordan Boldt, Vancouver Farmer’s Market
- Steve Bowers, Hampton Inn & Suites
- Kari Jonassen, Homewood Suites by Hilton
- Jennifer Kenney, Hough Foundation
- Mike McLeod, Hilton Vancouver
- Linda Reid, Heritage Bank
- Brad Richardson, Clark County Historical Museum
- Carla Rise, Staybridge Suites
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
Liaisons
Chris Harder
Support Staff
Kimberly Kerlee
Attorney
Taylor Hallvik
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
January – October: Fourth Wednesday each month
November and December: Third or Fifth Wednesday of the month
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
Liaisons
Gabriel Montez
Support Staff
Tina Picchioni
Attorney
Philip Gilger
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
Governing Documents
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
Meetings scheduled as needed on the second and fourth Tuesday (this can vary) of each month;
Workshops 4-6 p.m.; Hearings 6:30 p.m. (times can vary depending on agenda). See agenda for further information.
Current Members
- Marjorie Ledell, Chair
- Steve Schulte
- Larry Blaufus
- Zachary Pyle, Vice Chair
- Nena Cavel
- Patrick Adigweme
- Melissa von Borstel
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
Liaisons
Support Staff
Julie Nischik
Attorney
Becky Rude
Governing Documents
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.
Meeting Time: Twice a year (typically in May and December)
Location: Vancouver City Hall, 415 W 6th St, Vancouver, WA 98660
Current Members
- Ashley Thomas-Velikokhatko, Board President
- Abbie Layne, Board Secretary/Treasurer
- Barry Hemphill
Governing Documents
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
Jenn Berlanga
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
- Ty Stober, Mayor Pro Tem, Council Liaison
Rules
- Fourteen members
- Two years Term Limits
Staff
Liaisons
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.
Current Members
- Denise Shephard (City)
- Douglas Green (City)
- Robert Hinds (City)
- Vacant (City)
- Ellen Rogers (County)
- Paul Dicker (County)
- Vacant (County)
- Eric Hale (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
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
The first Tuesday of every month 4 – 8 p.m.
Current Members
- Chair:
Eduardo Ramos, Transit as Primary Mode - Vice Chair:
Jeananne Edward At Large Member - Connor Godsil, Youth
- Corey Grandstaff, Disabled Community
- Leah Jackson, 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
Liaisons
Resource Page
Additional resources for the Transportation and Mobility Commission including the Commission handbook, relevant documents, and technical guidance will be added as they are developed.
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. 6:00pm
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
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