Vancouver will restore open public comment at all council meetings beginning in 2026, marking a major shift in how residents can engage with city leaders
After several years of limiting public comment to agenda items only, the Vancouver City Council has unanimously voted to bring back open public comment on any topic at every council meeting starting in 2026. Councilors said the change is meant to make City Hall more accessible and ensure residents have a consistent opportunity to voice concerns, rather than waiting for quarterly community forums. While many praised the move as a return to greater transparency and public involvement, others note the city previously shifted away from open comment due to repetitive or disruptive speakers — raising questions about how the new format will function. This week’s poll asks: do you support Vancouver’s decision to restore open public comment at every meeting?
More info:
Vancouver City Council votes to bring back public comment on any subject at council meetings
Also read:
- Woodland School District secures $600,000 grant for essential repairs
Woodland School District received a $600,000 state Urgent Repair Grant to fund fire alarm upgrades at Woodland Middle School and roof repairs at Columbia Elementary. - Clark County launches new equitable park access programs in 2026, including free-parking days
Clark County is introducing new park access programs in 2026 that include free parking days and a library-based parking pass checkout option. - Additional measles exposure site identified in Ridgefield
Clark County Public Health identified an additional measles exposure location in Ridgefield involving a medical clinic visit while a confirmed case was contagious. - The Study of Sports Podcast Jan. 31, 2026: We discuss how the 2A GSHL football is about to change in a major way, plus some Seahawks talk, too
The Jan. 31 episode of the Study of Sports Podcast covers major upcoming changes to 2A GSHL football, local high school sports updates, and discussion of the Seattle Seahawks. - Fort Vancouver athletics improving under partnership with Trico League
Fort Vancouver High School athletics are showing measurable gains in competition and participation during the second year of a partnership competing in the Class 1A Trico League. - Opinion: Inviting courts into health care policy discussion
Elizabeth New (Hovde) warns that Senate Joint Resolution 8206 could invite lawsuits by placing vague health care mandates into Washington’s Constitution. - Opinion: 24 States In. Washington Out? $732 Million Lost?
Vicki Murray argues Washington risks forfeiting $732 million in federal education funding if state leaders do not opt into the federal tax-credit scholarship program.
There needs to be decorum at City and County Council meetings. The offensive mentally challenged extremist are at every meeting keeping regular folks away. I feel fortunate to have a mute button on my tv😁
Absolutely 100% the citizens are the reason the meetings are happening. It’s not so we can hear from the council. It’s so the council can hear from us and make their decisions according to the communities wishes.. the one thing our city needs more as accountability to the leadership