One thing that almost everyone I talk to shares is a love of the Pacific Northwest's natural resources.At the same time, almost everyone also shares a concern that our area's natural environment is being degraded at an alarming rate. Sprawl, poor past practices, and weak enforcement of legal protections can strain our local natural treasures to a breaking point.Recent heat domes are putting our be...

Published in The Columbian"The Multifamily Tax Exemption program, or the MFTE, offers tax breaks to developers who price a portion of their units under a certain monthly rent threshold, or who offer to provide some sort of public benefit, such as a park or an art installation. The idea is to increase housing stock, providing an incentive for developers to build in Vancouver. But some are starting ...

The impacts of a transportation project cannot be overburdening our neighborhoods when there are alternative, less impactful ways to reach the same goals. "Glen Yung, a Hough resident and city council candidate who spoke strongly against the Westside Bike Mobility Projects in prior public forums, offered a last word. "I think all of you in this meeting are well aware of my thoughts on the project....

Today, too many of our friends and family are living on the streets in our community, often, in the most inhumane of living circumstances. We simply cannot tolerate this any longer. We cannot leave people to suffer, and all too often, die in these conditions. We cannot continue on with the status quo. We have been attempting to solve this plaguing issue for far too long without success. It is time...

One of the things I've always loved about my business is that I can have a direct impact on the supply and quality of housing in our neighborhoods. My work results in families having a nice place to live and call their own.Homeownership has long been a cornerstone of the American Dream. It's one of the most time-tested ways for people to earn equity and pass that wealth on to their children. It pr...

As I attend neighborhood meetings across the city, one thing is a constant point of conversation: people are concerned about a dramatic increase in crime. There is a growing feeling of vulnerability throughout our community. Together we can come together and craft solutions that work for our County. We need a comprehensive and cohesive approach that ensures accountability, supports law enforcement...