Support your Community!
Ready to Support your Community?
The VDA’s 4 volunteer-led committees: Design, Promotions, Economic Vitality, and Organization, address different aspects of our exciting work centered on revitalizing downtown Vancouver. Join in, test the waters, see what is a good fit for you!
Promotions
Promotion creates excitement and vibrancy downtown. Street festivals, parades, retail events, and image development campaigns are some of the ways the VDA provides education on what’s downtown and encourages customer traffic. Promotion involves marketing an enticing image to shoppers, investors, and visitors.
Our Promotions Committee meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 2:00 PM at the VDA office located at 811 Main St.
Promotions Committee is currently full. Please submit your interest via the form below to be added to the waitlist—we would love to consider you for a future role!
Design
Design enhances the look and feel of our downtown community. Historic building rehabilitation, public art, street and alley clean-up, landscaping, street furniture, signage, visual merchandising and lighting all improve the physical image of downtown Vancouver as a quality place to shop, work, walk, invest in, and live. Design improvements result in a reinvestment of public and private dollars to our downtown.
Our Design Committee meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 8:30 AM at the VDA office at the VDA office located at 811 Main St.
Design Committee is currently full. Please submit your interest via the form below to be added to the waitlist—we would love to consider you for a future role!
Economic Vitality
Economic Vitality involves analyzing current market forces to develop long-term solutions. Recruiting new businesses, creatively converting unused space for new uses, and sharpening the competitiveness of downtown’s traditional merchants are examples of economic vitality activities.
Our Economic Vitality Committee is in search of a new committee chair. Committee chair play an important leadership role, working in partnership with the VDA executive director develop the EV workplan and managing related assignments to make our initiatives come to fruition. If you are interested in participating on the EV as the committee chair, or to learn more about the position, please fill out the submission form below stating your interest.
Our Economic Vitality Committee meets the 4th Wednesday of each month at 8:30 AM at the VDA office located at 811 Main St.
Economic Vitality Committee is currently full. Please submit your interest via the form below to be added to the waitlist—we would love to consider you for a future role!
Organization (Board of Directors)
Organization sets the direction for the VDA & downtown Vancouver’s revitalization. The VDA’s board of directors is made up of business and property owners, bankers, citizens, historic preservationists, public officials, and local economic development representatives.
Join a Committee / Inquire!
Events
-
-
Esther Short Park Cleanup 11/7
Advance registration is required. Esther Short Park Cleanup RSVP. Saturday, November 7, 2026 9:00 am - 11:00 am Esther Short Park Esther Short Park and Playground, 605 Esther St, Vancouver, WA 98660, USA Join members of the City of Vancouver’s volunteer Adopt-A-Park program and Vancouver's Downtown Association to take care of Esther Short Park! This is a new volunteer orientated effort to bring the community together for litter cleanups and beautification projects of Esther Short Park and the surrounding area to help keep the […]
-
Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub
It’s Karaoke night people! Let your inner entertainer shine and show us what you got. Come out solo or with some friends and have a good time. Starting at 8:30 pm so don’t miss out! 1919 Main Street Vancouver, WA 98660
-
✨ PHOTOS WITH SANTA YETI ✨ (for pets and people)
Something big, furry, and VERY festive is making its way to Civilized Wolf… ❄SANTA YETI IS COMING TO TOWN!❄ Skip the traditional Santa photos this year and bring your pets in for an abominable Christmas photo with Santa Yeti! Whether your pet has been naughty or nice this year, Santa Yeti wants to see them all! Sunday, November 8th (it's early this year so we can provide printed cards and ornaments before the end of the month). By Scheduled Appointment (ask us about special […]
-
38th Annual Lough Legacy Veterans Parade presented by Gesa Credit Union
The Historic Trust is proud to announce the 38th Annual Lough Legacy Veterans Parade presented by Gesa Credit Union. Everyone in the community is invited to this free event to honor and celebrate America's veterans. The parade will take place, rain or shine, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 11:00am at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. The parade route begins at the east end of Officers Row at East Reserve Street and Evergreen Boulevard, winds through the Fort Vancouver National Site, and concludes […]
-
November Hatchery Tour at Columbia Springs
Have you ever wondered how old the fish are out in our round ponds, or how the hatchery works? What temperature do you think the springwater is as it comes out of the ground? Find the answers to these questions and more on a tour of our unique historic hatchery! Come along with knowledgeable Columbia Springs staff, or expert volunteer, as they trace the path of spring water through our unique site, and learn about the trout and salmon that grow up here along […]
-
Fall Gratitude! Freewrite In-Person Writing Circle at Dovetail Cellars
Make Room for Gratitude 🍂 Join us for a spectacularly seasonal all-levels writing circle. Enjoy guided prompts and strengths-based feedback in the relaxed atmosphere of Dovetail Cellars. Charcuterie, wine, and nonalcoholic drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets are on a sliding scale with limited Free Spots offered. -- What's in a Freewrite? Creative Writing and Art for All! The hardest part about creative hobbies is getting started and finding the time to do them. Join us to get some writing done. Get Delightfully […]
-
Esther Short Park Cleanup 11/21
Advance registration is required. Esther Short Park Cleanup RSVP. Saturday, November 21, 2026 9:00 am - 11:00 am Esther Short Park Esther Short Park and Playground, 605 Esther St, Vancouver, WA 98660, USA Join members of the City of Vancouver’s volunteer Adopt-A-Park program and Vancouver's Downtown Association to take care of Esther Short Park! This is a new volunteer orientated effort to bring the community together for litter cleanups and beautification projects of Esther Short Park and the surrounding area to help keep the […]
-
Stewardship Saturday
Join us for a Stewardship Saturday! When: Saturday, November 21 from 9am – 12pm Where: Columbia Springs (12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver, WA 98683) What: This event is perfect for volunteers who want to spend a couple of hours working outside in Columbia Springs' beautiful natural area. Projects typically include removing invasive species, trail maintenance, and improving the accessibility and safety of the site. Columbia Springs will provide tools, gloves, and guidance. Volunteers are asked to bring a water bottle, gloves (if you have […]
-
Fish Nature Day at Columbia Springs
You're invited! Join us for a Nature Day exploring all things about fish at Columbia Springs. When: Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 10:00am-1:00pm Where: Columbia Springs (12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver, WA 98683) What: A day of hands-on science and nature experiences exploring fish! How: Drop by when it works for you. No RSVP required! This event is designed to be engaging for people of all ages – from preschool age kids to elementary, middle, and high school students, and adults. All ages and backgrounds are welcome. Just bring your curiosity and be prepared for some nature […]
-
-
Circle of Life Chum Salmon Celebration
It’s chum salmon season! On Saturday, December 5th, welcome our returning salmon home in this family-friendly event hosted by the Wood & Gordon families. When: December 5th, 2:00-4:00pm (drop in when it works for you! We’ll feature a couple of speakers at 3:00pm) Where: Wood's Landing SE Riverwood Ln, Vancouver WA What: Learn about chum salmon and observe the spawning chum salmon at Wood's Landing! Why: Celebrate the return of the chum salmon! How: Park and meet us in the Columbia Springs parking lot […]
-
December Forest Walk at Columbia Springs
You're invited! Join us for a Forest Walk at Columbia Springs. Have you ever wondered what wildlife call Columbia Springs or what types of native plants you can find along the trails? Find the answers to these questions and more on a guided forest walk! Come along with knowledgeable Columbia Springs staff, or expert volunteer, as they lead you on a walk on one of our trails to discover the magic of our site. Forest walks are great for all ages! Please note that our trails are not stroller […]
-
Evergreen Tree Communities Nature Day at Columbia Springs
You're invited! Join us for a Nature Day all about evergreen tree communities at Columbia Springs. When: Saturday, December 19, 2026, from 10:00am-1:00pm Where: Columbia Springs (12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver, WA 98683) What: A day of hands-on science and nature experiences exploring evergreen trees! How: Drop by when it works for you. No RSVP required! This event is designed to be engaging for people of all ages – from preschool age kids to elementary, middle, and high school students, and adults. All ages and backgrounds are welcome. Just bring your curiosity and be prepared for […]