2026 State of the County Address

0:00 (upbeat music) - Okay, good evening and welcome. I'm Sue Marshall, I represent Council District Five and I chair the Clark County Council. I'm here tonight to present the 2026 State of Clark County. It's been several years since we've done this in person, so I'm very happy to see all of you here tonight and also I wanna welcome everybody who's joined online. Let me start by introducing members of the council. Councilor Young, who represents District One and also serves as Vice Chair to the council. Councilor Belcott, who isn't here tonight,

0:59 represents District Two. Councilor Fuentes represents District Three and Councilor Little also, who's not here tonight, represents District Four. So join me in thanking them for their service. It's my pleasure to serve with them. (audience applauding) Today I'll share with you the great work that we are doing in the community, some of our accomplishments as well as some of the challenges and how you can get involved with county government. A big part of being able to enjoy our natural open areas is to make sure that we protect them. The county's Legacy Lands Program helps preserve, protect and restore open space in our community. And last year we celebrated our 40th anniversary of the program. In 1985, the county commissioners at that time

1:57 adopted the State Conservation Futures Levy, which funds the Legacy Lands acquisitions. The program has protected and restored 5,500 acres of natural open space by acquiring properties throughout the county on every major lake and stream system. Legacy Lands protects critical fish and wildlife habitat, preserves forests and shorelines, conserves agricultural lands and provides recreational opportunities. We are fortunate to have this true legacy that is provided for our community. Another significant anniversary that we celebrated last year was the 30th anniversary of the Neighborhood Outreach Program. The program was established in 1995 to partner with neighborhood associations to build community and to improve communications in the community.

2:55 Neighborhood associations serve as a connection between the county and our residents. They help us keep the public informed on things like the comprehensive plan, road construction projects, new parks, development projects and so much more. Feedback from the neighborhood associations helps inform the staff and the council. As Councilor Young earlier this year said, "Neighborhoods provide a deep value to our community. They are the backbone of our community." I encourage residents to get involved with their neighborhood associations or if you don't have a neighborhood association in your area, you can contact Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator, Mary Lee McCall and ask about establishing one. There's a direct link to the Neighborhood Outreach Program on the county's homepage. On behalf of the county council,

3:53 I wanna thank all of the neighborhood leaders and volunteers for the many volunteer hours to our community. We truly appreciate what you do. Currently, the county's Charter Review Commission is busy reviewing and recommending potential updates to the county's Home Rule Charter. The group has been hard at work since January and has developed several potential amendments for possible consideration in the 2026 and 2027 general elections. The Charter Review Commission wants your feedback. There's a direct link to their webpage on the county homepage. Their webpage has information about their meetings, a link to public comment form and their upcoming public events which includes a series of town halls in each of the county's five districts that will be occurring in the next couple of weeks.

4:52 Just as a reminder, in 2014, the voters of Clark County voted to adopt the Home Rule Charter form of government that provides formal opportunities for citizens of Clark County to periodically make recommend changes to the charter subject to a vote of the people. This is the second Charter Review Commission since the charter's adoption and I'm impressed with the amount of work they've done in really a relatively short time. The charter is the county's rule book that defines roles, powers, elections, processes, so its review is vital to how we operate in the future. On behalf of the council, I commend all 15 charter review commissioners and thank you so much for your service. One of the many things we have continued to work on in '25 and '26 is the update

5:50 to the county's 20-year comprehensive plan. The county's comprehensive plan provides a long-range policy guide for how the county will manage growth and development over the next 20 years. It's a complex process with incremental decisions over the course of many years that build toward the final plan. Two new components that we are planning for including addressing climate change to reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled and to identify measures that will make us more resilient to climate-related impacts. We are also planning more deliberately to address housing needs and housing affordability. Adding to our analysis, the council commissioned an agricultural land study that updates our original analysis that was done 30 years ago. I want to thank

6:48 our newly established Agricultural Advisory Commission who were immediately tasked with reviewing the information and developing recommendations to both the planning commission and the council on the study's findings. Their involvement has come at a key moment in our planning efforts. As the preferred recommendations have narrowed, a final environmental impact statement is now underway that will inform our final options and the capital facilities plan. This work will continue during the summer and the early fall. I encourage residents to get involved and provide feedback in this process. You can learn about the plan update, see schedule of meetings, sign up for updates, submit comments by going to Community Planning's webpage. Again, on behalf of the council, I want to thank all of our community planning staff,

7:47 the planning commission, the cities that we coordinate with, and the public for their engagement and hard work on this multi-year process. The county departments and elected offices provide tremendous dedicated services across the county. Despite the continued growth in community needs and increasing complexity of service delivery, our staff have demonstrated remarkable commitment and creativity in managing resources effectively. Their efforts have been instrumental in maintaining essential services, supporting residents, and advancing our shared goals for a thriving Clark County. The 2026 budget reflects both our continued fiscal discipline, our collective progress in generating new revenue, in our service delivery,

8:45 we will continue to focus on strengthening fiscal sustainability through efficient improvements, policy clarity, prudent expenditure management, and identification of new reliable revenue sources. Maintaining appropriate reserves, minimizing service disruptions, and addressing critical liabilities will guide our approach. We recognize the importance and responsibility that we're entrusted with for the public funds. As county manager Kathleen Otto noted when she presented the 2026 budget to council, together we are charting a responsible forward-looking path that balances fiscal prudence with our shared commitment to serve a growing and diverse community. One of the largest expenses in the county budget

9:44 is law and justice services, which makes up 73% of the general fund budget. We understand that county residents are concerned about safety in our community, and we know that means having a strong, resilient law and justice system that includes the courts, the jail, and law enforcement. Fortunately, we have a couple of new tools in our toolbox that support law and justice efforts. During the 2025 state legislative session, two additional funding mechanisms were approved to support law and justice, a local law enforcement grant program, and what's known as a councilmatic one-tenth percent sales and use tax. In August of last year, the council approved implementing the tenth of a percent sales and use tax for a range of public safety purposes. Last month, county council approved an additional,

10:43 addition of full-time law and justice staff positions funded through the criminal justice sales tax. This decision will add 22 new deputies positions and several support staff positions. Sheriff Horch has indicated that his staff plans to begin hiring for these positions this summer. The increased staffing will help the sheriff's office manage workloads and improve public safety in our community. In March of this year, council also gave the thumbs up for staff to submit a grant application for the state law enforcement grant program. If the application is approved by the state, it will enable the sheriff to move more promptly forward in bringing on the new deputies. Clark County appreciates the legislature's help in providing these options, and I'd like to thank the sheriff's office also for the work that they've done

11:43 to make sure we met all of the criteria and for their ongoing support of public safety. Clark County employs 1,800 employees who serve our community of more than half a million residents. The growth in our community over the last few decades has not been without some growing pains in our county-owned buildings. With the excellent stewardship of our internal services department, the county recently reviewed space needs for serving our customers, and we've made several much needed improvements. Currently, the joint lobby, which is on the second floor of this building, is closed for remodeling project. The joint lobby is the front-facing customer service office of the auditor, assessor, and treasurer's offices, who combined their efforts some years ago for both improved customer service and efficiency.

12:42 When the joint lobby reopens later this summer, customers will enjoy a more secure and comfortable experience. The joint lobby is a community resource that served 17,635 customers in person in 2023. This remodel will accomplish the important goals of improving employee safety, providing a more efficient space configuration for employees and customers, and allowing for improved in-person service delivery. The security of our employees and public funds is top priority of this remodel. During the closure, many services are available online or by phone. Check with the county website for more information. We'll notify the public when the lobby is reopened, and we appreciate your patience during this time. You may have heard that Clark County District Court

13:42 has a new home on the corner of Mill Plain and Broadway after many years of being housed in our historic courthouse. Prior to the move, the building was updated to approve public access and modernized services. The facility is ADA accessible and has security features that include cameras, blast-proof glass, and separate secure hallways for judges and judicial staff. There also is a higher level of technology in the new building, including digital evidence displayed on monitors in the courtroom. This move made more room in the courthouse for Clark County Superior Court. We are in the process of going out to bid to make updates there, as well as including a larger jury assembly room, additional space for our clerk and Superior Court administration,

14:38 updating some courtrooms, and moving family law annex, including the therapeutic court staff from a leased building into the courthouse. We will work to keep the courthouse's historic aesthetic as we make updates to accommodate the new technology. It's no secret that the Clark County Jail is more than 40 years old, and that the current structure and layout of the main jail needs to be updated to accommodate current and future needs. Staff, along with architectural consultants, have been reviewing both the main jail and the jail work center on Lower River Road to determine the best, most efficient uses. Currently, the county is updating the jail work center by adding what will be known as J-POD. When complete, J-POD will have 64 medium security beds.

15:36 The project will be finished this year with an opening in early 2027. Meanwhile, H-POD has been updated and reopened in the main jail facility. This project added 28 minimum security beds. However, there's still much more needed for the main facility located just across the street from us directly adjacent to the courthouse. Last year, council directed jail services staff and the county finance team to bring us all potential funding options for a jail remodel and expansion project, which is estimated to cost $470 million. These options will need to be considered and ongoing operational costs will need to be included, staffing and maintenance. The county has received a final report from the community focus group, which the staff is reviewing,

16:35 to determine the best path forward. Council hopes to get the information from staff in the near future and will keep the public updated. Now that the weather is warming up, it's a great time to enjoy the beautiful, natural treasure of our county parks. This year we have a new park. In the spring of last year, Clark County Parks and Nature broke ground on Curtin Creek Community Park in Brush Prairie. And I'm excited to announce that the park is now open. Park amenities include a large community play area with public art, picnic shelters, trails, with views of the Gaddis Wetlands and Mount Hood, four lighted pickleball courts, a basketball court, and the county's first lighted multi-sport field. If you haven't already checked out the park, you may want to join the grand opening celebration

17:34 that will take place from 10 to one Saturday, June 6th. The event will feature a birdwalk with Vancouver Audubon and a rugby demonstration with Clark County Chiefs Rugby Football Club. Not for the faint-hearted. You can learn more about all county parks and lands on the county website under Public Works. Earlier this year, the Neighborhood Association Council of Clark County, known as NAC, presented their annual Outstanding Clark County Employee Award for both 2024 and 2025 recipients. NAC is comprised of representatives from the various active neighborhood associations, and the award recognizes an employee's exceptional service to and collaboration with our community.

18:32 Due to scheduling conflicts, the group presented both awards for '24 and '25 at the last March 3rd council meeting. Hunter Decker, the county's forester in Public Works, was the 2024 recipient. NAC noted Hunter's efforts to go out of his way to be friendly, approachable, and helpful. Neighbors appreciate his commitment to public safety and support for rural communities. The council also noted, "In every sense, Hunter represents the very best of public service. Knowledgeable, responsive, community-minded, and deeply committed to the well-being of Clark County and its residents." Eric Lambert is the Clean Water Outreach Services Manager, also in Public Works. He was the recipient for 2025.

19:30 Eric was nominated for his leadership in making a local resident's dream a reality. Eric led a team of staff and volunteers to create the Salmon Creek mural, which features fish species native to Salmon Creek. More than 50 artists created the mural, which is on a retaining wall on Northeast 117th Street near Highway 99. Eric's nomination highlights his collaborative spirit and ability to bring together many ideas and voices into a unified effort. Neighborhood Association members appreciate Eric's willingness to listen, to act upon ideas, and suggest improvements. Congratulations to both Hunter and Eric. Your recognition is very well deserved.

20:27 [ Applause ] >> And speaking of awards, the Vancouver NAACP last year honored our very own Vanessa Gaston, Community Services Director, with their Fannie Lou Hammer Award for Community Empowerment. The award was presented to Vanessa at the organization's 80th annual dinner celebration. The NAACP wrote that Ms. Gaston received the award for her leadership within Clark County's Community Services, which has transformed how the most vulnerable residents access housing, nourishment, safety, and dignity. This unwavering commitment to grassroots advocacy and systemic change powerfully reflects the legacy

21:23 of Fannie Lou Hammer, who championed justice, empowerment, and the voice of the public. Congratulations to Vanessa on receiving this prestigious recognition, and thank you for your excellent leadership and service to Clark County. [ Applause ] Someone else who received some well-deserved recognition last year is County Auditor Greg Kimsey, who received Auditor of the Year Award from Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. When presented with the award, Secretary Hobbs noted that the successful 2024 election cycle was a culmination of years and years of hard work and preparation. However, no one could have predicted the events that

22:21 occurred in October of 2024, as we saw multiple ballot drop boxes attacked. These attacks began a chain of events to protect our voters and election administrators who all too often have found themselves in dangerous situations from this unprecedented threat. Auditor Kimsey not only responded to a frightened community, but also was on the scene, retrieving burned and destroyed ballots directly from the targeted ballot drop boxes. Following these events, Greg ensured that fire suppression systems were improved, and then shared this new system so that others could better prepare in the future. The auditor and election staff response to this situation was pretty amazing.

23:18 They were able to identify 488 damaged ballots, and then mail 143 ballots out to those who hadn't already contacted the election office for new ballots. And they did this in a very short amount of time. In addition, staff updated their ballot retrieval schedule and served as ballot drop box observers 24 hours a day, seven days a week at each of the 22 drop boxes in the county. On behalf of the county council and the voters, thank you to Greg Kimsey and the entire staff of elections for your many years of service to Clark County. We appreciate all of your hard work. [ Applause ] >> And now as I begin to wrap up, I want to address a recent tragedy

24:17 that we experienced last week, when a fire destroyed central picnic shelter at Lewisville Regional Park. It was one of the original six shelters built at the park, and was constructed in the late 1930s under the Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration. The park is on both Clark County's Heritage Register and the National Register of Historic Places. I know the community is feeling this loss. There have been countless celebrations held at this historic shelter, weddings, graduation parties, birthdays, family reunions, and so much more. It's really just a heartbreaking loss. I'll note that Lewisville Park is open to the public, and our public works staff is working on contacting anyone who had reservations at this shelter to help them make other accommodations.

25:17 A heartfelt thank you to Clark Cowlett's Fire and Rescue, who were on the scene putting out the fire, and to the sheriff's office, who also responded to the incident. Also, thank you to fire marshal's office staff, who are working to determine the cause of the fire, and our sincere appreciation to public works staff for temporarily closing the park and fencing the area to keep residents safe. I urge anyone who has information or tips regarding this fire to reach out to the county fire marshal's office. Their contact information is on the county website, and I believe it's on the screen. Clark County Council appreciates all of the hard work of our county employees, our fellow elected officials, department directors and managers, and the county manager for all that you do

26:17 to serve our community. I'm grateful for your continued service to move our county forward. To everyone here today or watching online, thank you for your time. Thank you for caring about Clark County. I encourage county residents to get involved in our community, visit our website to learn what's happening and how you can be involved. There you can find out about upcoming council meetings and hearings, send comments to counselors, get involved with one of our many advisory boards and commissions, read our news releases, and find links to our many social media platforms. There's a wealth of information. You can also visit CVTV.org and watch public hearings and meetings. CVTV also has informative features on Clark County Close Up. And thank you to the CVTV crew here this evening

27:17 to record this address. I also offer my sincere appreciation to our ASL signer for the evening, J-O-D-N. And this concludes the address. [ Applause ]