While there were the predictable cheerleading and mild boasting and acknowledgment of shortcomings, last week’s State of the City address from Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle also touched upon something often lost in today’s political climate.
“We need to hear your voices,” McEnerny-Ogle told residents during the annual address at City Hall. “We need you to make your city great. I believe our call is to do big things, things that would not occur if we did not do them. We can reach our shared goal of fulfilling Vancouver’s tremendous potential.”
McEnerny-Ogle urged Vancouverites to become involved in their community and the governance of the city. That might mean volunteer work or something as simple as attending city council meetings. The point is that about 185,000 residents have a vested interest in how the city operates, and taking an active role will do more to improve the quality of life than sitting on your couch complaining.
In Vancouver, that quality of life remains high. The opening of The Waterfront Vancouver development last year signaled a new era as the city reclaims the banks of the Columbia River for the benefit of the public. In addition, the Vancouver Fire Department opened two replacement stations, and the city unveiled a day center where homeless people can access services.
Meanwhile, there has been robust residential construction bolstered in part by the city’s Affordable Housing Fund, a property tax levy that dedicates $6 million a year to build low-income housing or help people remain in their residences. “Vacancy rates are improving, and rents are starting to stabilize,” McEnerny-Ogle said.
That taps into the most visible problem facing the city, as a growing homelessness crisis continues to threaten the livability of the region. While compassion for homeless people is necessary, so is consideration for residents and visitors. Vancouver residents demonstrated their willingness to contribute to a solution by passing the levy with 58 percent of the vote in 2016; ensuring it is used effectively is among the most important duties facing city government.
With Vancouver facing rapid population growth along with commercial and residential development, a long-term financial strategy will be essential for shaping the city of the future.
The Stronger Vancouver committee, tasked with developing that strategy, is expected to present a report for public comment in the coming weeks, and McEnerny-Ogle pointed out some seemingly minor infrastructure items that can greatly enhance a city’s livability. “Compared to cities of similar size, we have less than half the median park acreage,” she said. “We have a street system that is literally the least safe for pedestrians than any city in the state of Washington.”
All of that brings us back to the original premise — solving problems and making Vancouver the best city it can be depends upon all of us. It should not be left to elected officials, nor should it be viewed as the purview of government rather than the public.
McEnerny-Ogle serves as an example. Long before she ran for office, she was involved in neighborhood associations, local Boy Scout groups, the Vancouver Planning Commission and other volunteer activities. Other members of the city council also compiled substantial resumes of public service before running for office.
Such contributions are not limited to those who someday will enter politics. All Vancouver residents can help improve the state of our city.
