Vancouver’s charter was approved by voters in 1952; it serves as Vancouver’s ‘constitution’ and directs the city government’s structure and operation
VANCOUVER – The city of Vancouver is seeking 15 city residents interested in volunteering to serve on the 2024 Charter Review Committee. Applications must be submitted by August 31.
Vancouver’s charter was approved by voters in 1952. It serves as Vancouver’s “constitution” and directs the city government’s structure and operations.
The charter mandates that a committee of 15 citizens meet every five years to review it and present recommendations for changes to Vancouver City Council. If the changes are approved by the council or through a citizen petition, they are then placed on the ballot for a public vote. The last charter review process occurred in 2019, with changes approved by voters in the Nov. 5, 2019 election.
Charter Review Committee members must live within Vancouver city limits.
The 2024 Charter Review Committee will begin work this fall. It must complete its recommendations by early June 2024 in order for any proposed changes to be placed on the November 2024 general election ballot.
To apply online, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/boardsandcommissions. To request a paper application or for more information, contact the boards and commissions coordinator at Vancouver City Hall, P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668, bc_coordinator@cityofvancouver.us or (360) 487-8600.
For more information about the City’s Charter, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/citycouncil/page/city-charter. For more information about the Charter Review Committee, including links to information from the last review period, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/charterreview.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
Also read:
- 17th District lawmakers Kevin Waters and David Stuebe decry passage of state income tax bill after marathon floor debate
Reps. Kevin Waters and David Stuebe condemn Senate Bill 6346, warning the new state income tax sends more money into the general fund without real reform, risks expanding to every family, and ignores Washington’s affordability crisis. - Opinion: Washington’s fight for liberty
Conservative columnist Nancy Churchill argues that despite the passage of a new 9.9% state income tax, signs of shifting political momentum in Washington state give reason for hope and continued action. - 18th District Reps. Stephanie McClintock and John Ley denounce passage of state income tax
Following a marathon 24-hour House floor debate, 18th District Reps. Stephanie McClintock and John Ley denounce Senate Bill 6346, a new 9.9% state income tax on household income above $1 million, warning it could expand broadly, harm Washington’s economy, and face serious constitutional challenges. - County pays $7.5 million to widow of VPD Officer Donald Sahota
Clark County has agreed to pay $7.5 million to the widow of Vancouver Police Officer Donald Sahota to resolve a negligence lawsuit following the 2022 incident where a sheriff’s deputy mistakenly shot the off-duty officer during a confrontation with a robbery suspect. - Opinion: Brandi Kruse and I are feeling discouraged but we’re planning to continue advocating for political change. Will you?
Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance reflects on a discouraging week in Washington state politics, echoing Brandi Kruse’s frustrations over Democrats’ state income tax victory and local decisions on transit and ICE while urging conservatives not to give up on advocating for political change. - OII passes 60-day point in Vancouver Police Department use of deadly force investigation
The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations is just past 60 days into its investigation of a Vancouver Police Department use of deadly force involving officers Sean Donaldson and Christopher Holmquist and the death of 44-year-old Perry J. Sellars after a late-night disturbance call on NE 46th Street. - Opinion: ‘My thoughts on yesterday’s tragic state income tax’
Leslie Lewallen argues Democrats passed an unconstitutional “millionaires tax” on March 10, 2026, rejected more than 70 Republican amendments, and set Washington on a path she says will harm jobs, schools, and families statewide.
