City Manager Update: May 2024

Tell us what you think; take the City Manager recruitment survey?

In late February, after 17 years with the City of Vancouver, I announced my intention to retire effective October 11. As part of the hiring process for Vancouver’s next City Manager, the City Council recently launched a nationwide recruitment process. As part of the community involvement process, the City Council would like feedback from community members to guide the recruitment and selection strategies.??

The feedback will help us identify a pool of candidates that reflects the needs of the community. The anonymous survey is located on the City’s website and is open through May 15. If online access is not available, community members are encouraged to contact the City at 360-487-8614 to receive a paper copy by mail. Survey results will be shared on the City’s website.??

In addition to forming a Council sub-committee to support the process, the city has contracted with Bob Murray and Associates to help manage the national recruitment and hiring process, with the goal of an appointment this summer. Learn more about the recruitment process on the City’s website here, or view the recruitment materials including the position description, at Bob Murray and Associates.??

Join us in supporting and celebrating small businesses in May??

Small businesses represent more than 95 percent of our businesses in Vancouver; they are the heart and soul of our city’s economy, and we celebrate that by proclaiming May “Small Business Month” in Vancouver.

Throughout the month, the City and its partners will share ways for the community to support small businesses and promote opportunities for entrepreneurs, startups and existing small businesses to grow and thrive in Vancouver.??

On Tuesday, May 21 the City, in partnership with Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries, will host Connect and Navigate, a free small business resource fair to connect entrepreneurs and small businesses with local funding and assistance to start, grow and thrive as a business in Vancouver. This event will feature 15 vendors and will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Fourth Plain Community Commons, 3101 E. Fourth Plain Blvd, Suite 101.?

The City is committed to supporting the growth of its small business community by removing barriers to success and bolstering a thriving local economy through multiple programs. You can explore more services, business education and grants, low-cost loans and other business funding options through the City’s Business Resources page.?