Washougal City Council Workshop – April 27, 2026

The Washougal City Council held a workshop on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 5:47 PM. The meeting included a funding request for an America250 mural project, the 2025 annual report from the Community Services & Strategy (CSS) department, and updates from the City Manager, Mayor, and Council.

Discussion Items

Arts Commission Funding Request Rose Jewell, Community Engagement Manager, presented a request from the Arts Commission to expend $1,500 for a USA ground mural at Hathaway School in celebration of America250. The project will involve student participation. Jewell requested the Council consider the item on the consent agenda to avoid delays due to the school schedule. Councilmembers discussed the itemized budget, a $500 teacher stipend, and procurement; Councilmember Swofford offered to seek a paint donation.

2025 Community Services & Strategy Annual Report Joe Walsh, Community Services & Strategy Director, presented the department's 2025 annual report, highlighting the following:

• Economic Development: Business licenses increased 5.4% year-over-year. Median income is up to over $106,000. New construction sales tax has grown 7.9% since the start of the strategic plan. The Gateway to Success small business series launched successfully. The pre-application for a state Creative District designation was completed.
• Capital Funding: The city advocated for projects in Washington, D.C., and secured $2 million in federal appropriations for the 32nd Street Overpass. Grants were received for the Town Center project ($500k RCO grant for 39th Street safety improvements), library ($2.2M), Schmidt Family Park master planning, and a new veterans memorial at Washougal Cemetery ($258k from the state capital budget).
• Parks & Recreation: The Town Center project was named Project of the Year by the Vancouver Business Journal. The Camping Creek Reconnection Project was completed, removing hazard trees and adding a pedestrian bridge. A master plan for Schmidt Family Park was finished.
• Community Aesthetics: Code compliance logged 411 complaints and 81 inquiries. The Washington Wins volunteer program recruited over 100 volunteers who logged 476 hours of litter cleanup.
• Community Engagement: The Citizens Academy graduated 37 residents. The Community Market launched successfully. America250 celebration planning is underway.

Councilmember Suggs praised the department's achievements, specifically complimenting the Creative District application and the rapid launch of the Community Market.

Reports and Communications

• City Manager David Scott: Reminded Council of the Annual Planning Session on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM.
• Mayor David Stuebe: Expressed appreciation for the recent Washington, D.C., advocacy trip undertaken by David Scott, Joe Walsh, and David Fritz.
• Student Representative Jake Larzalere: Inquired about traffic impacts and detours related to the 32nd Street Overpass and Safeway intersection construction. He reported on the Washougal FBLA state competition, noting Madeline Brock placed 8th in Public Service Announcement and Liberty Handleman placed 2nd in Future Business Educator (listed as "Future Business Planner" in the meeting minutes) for a project on social media marketing, qualifying for the national competition in Texas.
• Mayor Pro Tem David Fritz: Announced upcoming attendance at the Camas-Washougal Local Connections meeting and the Community Development Committee meeting.

Key Outcomes

• The Arts Commission funding request ($1,500) was discussed and directed toward a consent agenda for formal approval.
• The 2025 CSS Annual Report was presented to and received by the Council.
• The Annual Planning Session was scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM.
• Council received an update on FBLA state competition results and student success.