Mayor Matt Cole said in an interview on Thursday, June 25, the city has maintained momentum across several major initiatives while laying the groundwork for projects that residents will begin seeing take shape during the remainder of 2026

Cade Barker
The Reflector Newspaper

Nearly six months into 2026, Ridgefield Mayor Matt Cole said many of the priorities outlined at the beginning of the year are beginning to show measurable progress, from the city’s recreation center and public safety investments to water infrastructure, long-range planning and downtown redevelopment.

Looking back on the first half of the year, Cole said in an interview on Thursday, June 25, the city has maintained momentum across several major initiatives while laying the groundwork for projects that residents will begin seeing take shape during the remainder of 2026.

“I outlined some priorities that we had and, you know what? I’m really pleased looking back at all those things. We’ve made some really good progress,” Cole said, referring to an interview with The Reflector at the beginning of the year, “and, actually, have some really cool developments in those areas that I think are making this year an exceptionally busy year for the city.”

He added that the city has balanced an ambitious list of infrastructure improvements while continuing to make progress before the halfway point of the year.

“It’s kind of a tall agenda of infrastructure projects and different measures that would help improve services across the city,” Cole said. “And then to see some meaningful progress not even six months later. It’s pretty notable.”

Recreation center moves closer to construction

Among the city’s largest priorities remains the Ridgefield Community and Recreation Center, a promise to the community years in the making.
Cole said the city has not yet broken ground, but key milestones have been completed, including selecting a general contractor and moving forward with construction management and operations planning.

“We’re basically right there,” Cole said.

He noted the construction bid came in below engineers’ estimates, something he said benefits future users of the facility.

“Anything that we do on this project that keeps the cost low ultimately lowers the cost to our residents who are going to have memberships when this thing opens up late next year,” Cole said.

Cole repeatedly emphasized affordability as one of the council’s top priorities.

“This is really about making sure that when the rec center opens, families can actually afford to walk through those doors and that’s been the priority of our council,” Cole said, adding that Ridgefield families will have discounted rates, having “invested in it” already.

Looking ahead, Cole said construction activity should become highly visible before year’s end.

“When we start seeing dirt moving and we start seeing a lot of stuff kind of start taking shape I think that’ll be a really a really good sign,” he said. “This has been a long time coming and it’ll show that, ‘Hey, we were serious about it. It’s going to get done.’”

The city also plans to launch a capital campaign later this summer to further reduce long-term project costs.

Public safety receives funding boost

Cole also highlighted public safety as one of the year’s biggest successes, so far.

After implementing the city’s 0.1% public safety sales tax Jan. 1, Ridgefield became eligible for additional state grant funding.

Revenue from the public safety sales tax itself has also exceeded expectations.

“We originally thought between $300,000 and $450,000,” Cole added. “But, we’re actually looking at an additional $600,000.”

Originally expecting roughly $250,000 in grants, the city instead learned it will receive approximately $1.1 million.

“Huge huge win for us there,” Cole said.

The funding will support hiring, equipment, vehicles, radios, uniforms and salaries for new officers.

“That is a huge lift for us,” Cole added. “We have some growing public safety demands and this is really going to get us what we need and in a really exceptional way.”

Cole said Ridgefield’s primary public safety challenge isn’t a spike in crime but ensuring adequate staffing as the city continues growing.

“It’s really about making sure that we’re staffed up and having the right people in those seats and people who are investing in our community,” he said.

Cole also confirmed the city is in the process of hiring a new police chief following Chief Cathy Doriot’s retirement at the end of July.

“It will be a collaborative process,” Cole said about hiring a new chief of police, noting finalists are expected to participate in multiple interviews and a possible community forum as part of the process before City Manager Steve Stuart makes the final hiring decision.

Water infrastructure commitments aim to keep pace with growth

Another major priority remains expanding Ridgefield’s water system.

Cole said the city continues working through permitting for the Kennedy Well project after receiving a $1 million congressional grant while simultaneously beginning work on a new elevated reservoir on the city’s east side.

He exhibited frustration with portions of the state permitting process.

“We just want to get water to our residents,” Cole expressed.

Ultimately, Cole said the investments are about ensuring reliable service as Ridgefield grows.

“The effort is just about really about getting families the water they’re entitled to and making sure that we keep pace with the growth,” Cole added.

Looking farther ahead, he said the improvements will provide long-term capacity.

“I think it’s going to be huge because it’s going to mean that we have capacity for the next 20-plus years,” Cole said. “More than enough capacity for water here in Ridgefield.”

Comprehensive plan, downtown remain long-term focus

Cole also pointed to progress on Clark County’s Comprehensive Plan update, including the county’s adoption of Alternative 2 earlier this year, which favors expansion in the city of ridges and fields.

“We’re excited because I think that the Alternative 2 and those expansion areas that we’re looking at are going to do what we need to do to provide the kind of Jobs and the kind of housing that we need to actually meaningfully solve some problems,” Cole said.

The city continues coordinating with Clark County as work on the plan advances.

“We’re in constant communication with the county, looking out ways to make sure this thing lands in a way that we’ll get done in full,” Cole added.

Downtown redevelopment has also become one of Cole’s signature initiatives.

“It’s kind of become my keynote initiative this year, our ‘Rise Downtown Redevelopment Initiative.’”

The city plans to issue a request for qualifications for consultants to update its downtown subarea plan while encouraging continued private investment. Cole said that city wide, 18 new businesses opened up shop in Ridgefield in the span of the last month.

Cole added that those openings reflect confidence in the community.

“The community is deciding that downtown and the city is still worth betting on and that it’s a community worth investing in,” he said.

Growth, development and preserving Ridgefield’s identity

Cole also addressed community discussion surrounding the Port of Ridgefield’s waterfront planning efforts, saying public involvement has been welcome despite differing opinions.

“We want our community to be engaged and involved in the decisions,” he said.

While acknowledging residents have raised concerns, Cole said the city has not yet received a final master plan from the port.

“Right now, it’s just an idea,” he said. “It’s not actually reality until they submit to the city.”

Even so, Cole remains optimistic.

“I’m optimistic that we’re going to get to a final master plan that the port can work off of and that the community will enjoy,” he added.

Looking more broadly at Ridgefield’s continued commercial growth, Cole said new retail projects should complement — not replace — the city’s existing character.

“Ridgefield is an exceptionally well-designed community,” Cole said.

He said larger commercial developments belong near Interstate 5 while downtown remains focused on locally owned businesses.

“You’re never going to see that home improvement store, the Costco, or the big national brand come to downtown,” Cole assured.

Ultimately, Cole said balancing growth with preservation remains the city’s guiding philosophy.

“Even though the city continues to grow at a rapid rate, you should feel like this is still the Ridgefield that you fell in love with,” Cole said. “It’s a balance of preserving our identity and who we are.”

This story was first published by The Reflector Newspaper. Cade Barker can be reached at cade@thereflector.com.