Bart Hansen for Vancouver City Council

When last elected to the Vancouver City Council in 2019, none of us knew the Covid Pandemic was about to strike. Our City has navigated the challenges Covid presented, and has resumed a positive growth trajectory. My promise in 2019 was to work toward a city that is ONE COMMUNITY, SAFE & PROSPEROUS, and that goal is even more achievable today. While Covid required reallocation of City resources, my focus on the City Council was to make responsible decisions that would effectively guide our City operations through the Covid crisis, while also making sure our City was on firm financial footing when we got back to normal. Today, our City of Vancouver could not have a brighter future, and that is why I am asking for your support for re-election to the City Council.

Let’s take a look at Public Safety. There have been many exciting and needed upgrades, including funding now available for the Fire Department for critical improvements that will enhance fire protection and emergency services. Funding is also now available for Police Department body cameras and training, and to resume acceptable levels of patrol officers to better fight crime and expand neighborhood crime prevention programs. We also need to continue to advocate for a Police Training Academy in Southwest Washington. As a City Council Member, I always supported fiscally responsible decisions and worked hard to make sure the City’s reserves remained intact. That is why we are emerging from the Covid crisis with the ability to make these improvements to public safety.

Affordable housing will continue to be a priority. Several initiatives are now in place to provide shelter for those experiencing homelessness, as well as transitional housing for citizens seeking affordable housing before they succumb to homelessness. This is a long term problem and needs to be solved with long term solutions and the wisdom and courage to change course when a remedy does not produce the intended result.

Other priorities are sustainability and environmental goals, and simply keeping our city clean and an inviting place for people to live in, work in, and invest in. That way we will maintain our reputation as a desired destination for businesses so we have a prosperous community. Our Climate Action Framework is one example of this type of initiative.

I have appreciated the opportunity to serve the citizens of Vancouver and ask for your support this election year.