Plan to guide Vancouver’s growth over the next 20 years

Vancouver, Wash. – On June 1, the Vancouver City Council adopted a new Comprehensive Plan, along with an updated zoning code and zoning map at their regular City Council meeting. The new plan, Our Vancouver 2026–2045, and code will guide how the city grows over the next 20 years, shaping where homes, jobs, parks, streets, and public services will be located and how they will look and function.

“Community input guided every step of this plan,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “People told us what is working, what needs to change, and what kind of Vancouver they want to build for future generations. This plan was built on their ideas, concerns, and hopes for a more equitable and sustainable future. Their voices shaped the decisions we made and the direction we are taking.”

Vancouver is expected to grow by 81,000 people by 2045, which means at least 38,000 more homes and 43,000 more jobs are needed to help keep Vancouver livable and affordable for current and future residents. The new plan and code lay out how the City will manage future growth and development to meet the community’s long-term vision. Changes will occur gradually as property owners submit new development proposals and as the City implements the plan.

The previous Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2011, no longer reflected community needs and state requirements. The new plan and code better address climate action priorities, the housing and homelessness crisis, economic trends, opportunity for all, and new state laws. Additionally, Vancouver is required to adopt an updated plan under Washington’s Growth Management Act. The plan is designed to be flexible. Minor updates typically occur each year, and a full review and update are required at least once every 10 years to adapt to new trends, technologies, and community needs.

The plan reflects more than three years of community engagement, including input from community members at more than 100 meetings and events. The Planning Commission has also been involved in creating the plan and code and unanimously recommended its adoption on April 28, 2026.

“It has been deeply meaningful to watch community voices take shape in the formation of this comprehensive plan,” said Planning Commission Chair Patrick Adigweme. “Residents challenged ideas, asked hard questions, and made clear that growth must be equitable to be meaningful. While not everyone agreed on every detail, I hope all can recognize their contributions in the final plan.”

The plan and code apply only within Vancouver’s current city limits. Areas outside the city, including in Vancouver’s urban growth area, continue to be managed under Clark County’s Comprehensive Plan, which is also being updated. The plan and code become effective July 31, 2026. More information is available on the Our Vancouver page on Be Heard.

Information provided by the city of Vancouver.