The budget process is vital for transparency and provides financial accountability to Vancouver residents
VANCOUVER – Development of the city of Vancouver’s 2023-2024 biennial budget is under way. The budget serves as a plan for the city on how resources will be allocated to provide services to the community. The budget process is also vital for transparency and provides financial accountability to Vancouver residents.
Shaping budget policy priorities
This spring, the city manager engaged with City Council members on a series of budget topics, seeking their direction and learning their policy priorities to help inform the development of the recommended budget that he’s required to submit to Council no later than October 1. The next step is engaging with the community to learn which of the policy priorities they value most.
“I’m asking the community to share their thoughts to help shape our budget priorities,” City Manager Eric Holmes said. “I want to learn what matters most to the Vancouver community when it comes to livability and services, as well as economic, social and environmental concerns.”
The policy priorities (in no particular order) for the 2023-24 budget are:
- Reduce Carbon Footprint
- Grow Economic Opportunity
- Improve Community Safety and Wellbeing
- Build and Maintain Exceptional Public Spaces and Places
- Improve Equity and Inclusion
How Residents Can Help
Community members are being asked to use the interactive tool on Be Heard Vancouver by August 22, to share how they would rank the policy priorities. The city will use the community input, along with other touchpoints, in developing the 2023-24 biennium budget.
The community is also invited to a virtual meeting via Zoom led by City Manager Eric Holmes on Tuesday, Aug. 23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The meeting will cover the budget process and include interactive opportunities for attendees to share their opinion on the budget priorities.
Learn more about the city’s current budget process and watch for future notice regarding opportunities to engage with the City about budget priorities in person.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
Also read:
- Passage of income tax bill more likely as Gov. Ferguson now says he will sign it
Gov. Bob Ferguson says he will sign a revised income tax proposal targeting earnings above $1 million if the Legislature approves the measure. - Opinion: Many important decisions looming as the 2026 session nears the end
Rep. John Ley outlines budget concerns, energy policy debates and several tax proposals as the 2026 legislative session approaches its final days. - Opinion: 106 striking workers already using unemployment insurance benefits
A Washington Policy Center analyst says the state’s new law allowing striking workers to collect unemployment benefits is already affecting the UI system. - Pro basketball: Vancouver Bears set to debut new name in new league
Vancouver’s professional basketball franchise has rebranded as the Vancouver Bears and will open its season in a new league March 7 at Hudson’s Bay High School. - State basketball quarterfinals: Columbia River Rapids keep dream alive, advance to final four
Columbia River defeated Pullman in the Class 2A state tournament quarterfinals in Yakima to reach the semifinals, while four other Clark County teams fell in their respective state quarterfinal games. - POLL: Who should have the primary say in decisions about a student’s gender identity at school?
Clark County Today is asking readers who should have the primary role in decisions about a student’s gender identity at school. - Opinion: Study shows 2025’s record tax increases reduce Washington’s GDP growth and worker pay
Todd Myers writes that a new economic analysis projects Washington’s 2025 tax increases will slow GDP growth and reduce wages over the next several years.
