The finalists were chosen following a national search, community input, and preliminary screening interviews
VANCOUVER – Three candidates have been selected as finalists to interview for the city of Vancouver’s city manager position. The finalists were chosen following a national search, community input, and preliminary screening interviews. In alphabetical order, the candidates are:
- Nancy Newton, city manager, city of Springfield
- Lon Pluckhahn, deputy city manager, city of Vancouver
- Jonathan Young, city attorney, city of Vancouver
Candidate bio summaries can be found at Recruiting Vancouver’s Next City Manager.
“After an extensive national search, we are pleased that we have three strong finalists to consider for this critical role,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “The Council has invited leaders of several organizations to help us interview the finalists this week. These panel interviews will help us hear different voices and perspectives that represent our community.
In addition to panel interviews, the finalists will participate in Community Q&A Sessions July 18 and 19. During these moderated discussions, candidates will share their thoughts on Vancouver’s future, be asked about community priorities, and answer questions submitted by community members. Questions can be submitted at Questions for the Next City Manager | Be Heard Vancouver. Written questions will also be collected from audience at the events. Community feedback from these forums will be summarized and delivered to City Council for their consideration as they complete final interviews on July 22.
Community Q&A schedule
Community Q&A Session One
Co-sponsored with Southwest Washington League of Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the Vancouver Chapter of NAACP
- Thursday, July 18
- Doors: 6 p.m.
- Event: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
- Location: Firstenburg Community Center, 700 N.E. 136th Ave.
- Please RSVP to the July 18 session
Community Q&A Session Two
- Friday, July 19
- Doors: 8 a.m.
- Event: 8:30 to 10 a.m.
- Co-sponsored with the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
- Location: Hilton Vancouver Washington, 310 W. 6th Street, Pine/Spruce Room
- Please RSVP to the July 19 session
The city has contracted with Bob Murray and Associates to help manage the national recruitment and hiring process. Find the latest information about the recruitment process, including the position description, at Recruiting Vancouver’s next City Manager.
The city is seeking its next city manager due to the recent retirement announcement from current City Manager Eric Holmes. Holmes is working with the City Council to ensure a smooth transition before his retirement date of Oct. 11.
Information provided by the city of Vancouver.
Also read:
- Clark County small businesses urge legislature to reject state income tax
More than 30 Clark County businesses sent a letter to state lawmakers opposing Senate Bill 6346, arguing the proposed income tax could harm small businesses and the broader economy. - Comcast completes network expansion to rural residents as part of partnership with county
A public-private partnership between Clark County and Comcast has expanded high-speed broadband access to nearly 500 rural homes northeast of Battle Ground Lake. - City of Washougal seeking vendors for 2026 Community Market Season
The city of Washougal is inviting farmers, artisans, food vendors, and musicians to apply for the expanded 2026 Washougal Community Market season at Reflection Plaza. - Trophy games: Columbia River boys finish fifth, Evergreen girls take sixth at state tournaments
Columbia River’s boys and Evergreen’s girls both reached the final day of their state basketball tournaments, returning to Vancouver with fifth- and sixth-place trophies. - Opinion: Gov. Ferguson has abandoned his own tax relief demands
Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center argues that Gov. Bob Ferguson’s support for the state’s proposed income tax contradicts his earlier demands for broader taxpayer relief. - Debate grows as states consider teacher strike bans
Lawmakers in several states are considering new laws affecting teacher strikes as debates grow over labor rights and disruptions to public education. - WA GOP lawmakers press schools chief on gender identity disclosure policies
Washington House Republicans are asking Superintendent Chris Reykdal to explain state guidance on gender identity disclosure following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
