City Hall
Your City government
Vancouver has a Council/Manager government: the City Council you elect sets policy and the budget, and a professional City Manager runs day-to-day City services.
Jump to: Meetings · Departments · Bids · Jobs · Records
Mayor and Council
Tell the Mayor and City Council what you think
The Mayor and six councilmembers make decisions on laws, the budget and City priorities at public meetings in the council chambers at City Hall, 415 W. 6th St. You can speak at a meeting, write to Council or share ideas online.
- Give community testimony at a regular Council meeting, in person or in writing
- Comments on upcoming agenda items go into the meeting record and minutes
- Share your views on City projects and plans through Be Heard Vancouver
Letters and emails to Council are public records and may be disclosed under the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56).
Upcoming and recent Council meetings
Agendas are posted before each meeting. Minutes follow once Council approves them, and video is available after the meeting.
| Date | Meeting | Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 16 | Regular meeting: review and adoption of the recommended 2027-28 budget | Agenda posted · Minutes after approval · Video after the meeting |
| Oct. 26 | Regular meeting: Council considered and dismissed an ethics complaint under Council Policy 100-36 | Agenda · Minutes available · Video |
Looking for an older meeting? The full archive of agendas, minutes and video goes back several years. If you can’t find what you need, ask us and we’ll point you to it.
Find the department that handles it
1,279 City employees work across these departments. Here’s what each one does, in plain terms.
City Manager’s Office
Runs City operations and leads community liaison, climate action, communications and the Strategic Plan.
City Attorney’s Office
Gives legal advice to the City and prosecutes misdemeanor cases in Vancouver.
Community Development
Handles building permits, inspections, land use planning and code compliance.
Economic Prosperity and Housing
Supports local businesses, affordable housing and help for people experiencing homelessness.
Financial and Management Services
Manages the City budget, utility billing, purchasing and business licenses.
Vancouver Fire Department
218 firefighters at 11 fire stations respond to fires and medical emergencies and lead fire prevention.
Human Resources
Hires City staff, posts job openings and manages employee pay and benefits.
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Cares for 82 parks and 28 natural areas and runs classes at Firstenburg and Marshall/Luepke community centers.
Vancouver Police Department
240 officers respond to calls, investigate crimes and work with neighborhoods on safety.
Public Works
Maintains streets, water, sewer and stormwater systems, and runs garbage and recycling.
Procurement
Bid on City work
Procurement Services posts the City’s open bids and requests for proposals, from construction and engineering to supplies and professional services. Each posting lists what we need, the deadline and how to respond.
- Browse open Bids and Proposals and download the documents
- Register as a vendor so you hear about new opportunities
- Recognized with the 2025 Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement from the National Procurement Institute
Build your career serving Vancouver
The services the City provides touch every resident and business in Vancouver. Join 1,279 talented, thoughtful and service-oriented people who keep the water running, the parks open and neighborhoods safe.
Public records
The rules, plans and records that guide the City
Everything here is public. Read it online, or ask us for a record you can’t find.
Boards and commissions
Includes the City Center and Downtown Redevelopment Authorities, the Public Facilities District Board and the Transportation Benefit District.
Municipal Code
The City’s local laws, from zoning and building rules to parking and noise. Interlocal agreements with other governments are posted too.
City Charter
Adopted Feb. 20, 1952, the Charter sets up our Council/Manager government. Vancouver was incorporated Jan. 23, 1857.
2027-28 budget
City Council reviews and adopts the recommended budget on Nov. 16. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Public Records Request
Ask for City emails, reports or other documents under the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56).
Strategic Plan
The City’s long-term goals and how we measure progress, led by the City Manager’s Office.