Twelve awards were granted, and Clark County is one of only two local jurisdictions that received more than one award this year
VANCOUVER – Clark County was awarded two 2024 Governor’s Smart Communities Awards from the Washington State Department of Commerce. Twelve awards were granted, and Clark County is one of only two local jurisdictions that received more than one award this year.
The Clark County Aging Readiness Plan (ARP) update received the Judge’s Merit award which recognizes success in more than one judged category. The ARP identifies strategies to improve the community’s capacity to support its growing older population for all of the jurisdictions within the county.
“The Clark County Commission on Aging is excited to have our updated Aging Readiness Plan chosen for recognition with the Governor’s 2024 Smart Vision Award,” said Franklin Johnson, Clark County Commission on Aging (COA) Chair. COA is an appointed nine-member volunteer commission charged with providing leadership addressing the needs of aging community members.
“We want to thank all the Clark County staff who worked so hard on the Plan and nomination for the award. The Commission especially wants to express appreciation to all the residents who participated in the community workshops providing their input, and of course our appreciation to the Clark County Council for their support and funding to get the Plan updated. The updating of the plan and the implementation of the strategies will help support an age-friendly community that Clark County older adults can thrive in.”
The Middle Housing and Low-Density Residential Code Amendments to implement the Housing Options Study and Action Plan (HOSAP) will receive a housing award, which highlights projects that address housing affordability in a meaningful way. The code changes are intended to enhance the feasibility of smaller single-family homes including dwelling types like Accessory Dwelling Units, tri and quadplexes, cottage housing, compact lots and townhomes.
“I was excited to learn that the county is being awarded the Governor’s 2024 Smart Housing Strategies Award. Nearly 60% of Clark County households are comprised of one or two people, such as empty nesters, retirees, young couples, single parent households, and single adults,” said Kathleen Otto, County Manager.
“The awarded project aims to expand opportunities to create additional smaller homes that can meet the needs of these types of households and expand homeownership possibilities for many Clark County residents. I appreciate the hard work of everyone involved with the project to make these important changes for our community.”
The Governor’s Smart Communities Awards highlight effective implementation of the state’s Growth Management Act (GMA) and other local or regional planning procedures. Winners are nominated by a panel of independent judges from across the state and approved by the Governor’s Office. Learn more at https://www.commerce.wa.gov/serving-communities/growth-management/smart-communities/.
Additional information is available at:
- ARP https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/aging-readiness-plan.
- Commission on Aging https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging
- HOSAP and related code changes https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/housing-options-study-and-action-plan.
Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.
Also read:
- Public Health investigating confirmed measles case in Clark County
Clark County Public Health is investigating a confirmed measles case after a contagious individual was present at Ridgefield High School on Jan. 14, 15 and 16. - VIDEO: Bill dubbed the ‘initiative killer’ clears WA Senate committee
A bill critics label the “initiative killer” cleared a Washington Senate committee on a party-line vote after all Republican amendments were rejected. - Opinion: IBR’s evasive, misleading and dishonest excuses for higher cost
Joe Cortright argues the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program has withheld detailed cost estimates while offering contradictory explanations for rising costs tied to the I-5 Bridge project. - Journey Theater seeks performers, crew for this summer’s Into the Woods
Journey Theater is seeking performers ages 8 and older, along with crew and production committee members, for its summer production of Into the Woods. - CCSO honors heroism and outstanding service at annual awards ceremony
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office recognized deputies, civilian employees, and community members for heroism and exceptional service during its annual awards ceremony at Clark College. - Rep. Stephanie McClintock’s bill to modernize beer warehousing laws receives a public hearing
House Bill 2207, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie McClintock, received a public hearing as lawmakers considered updates to Washington’s beer warehousing laws. - Michelle Belkot announces bid for re-election to Clark County Council, District 2
Clark County Councilor Michelle Belkot announced she is seeking re-election in District 2 in the November 2026 General Election.
