VANCOUVER, Wash. — Vancouver's Waterfront Park development was really picking up steam before the coronavirus pandemic ground everything to a halt. But there are signs of life there again. Construction is happening several stories up at one building, with cranes helping to move materials into place.
And a place called What A Catch is serving up fish and chips to go, while its parent restaurant Wild Fin, like a lot of businesses, remains closed.
Vancouver's city hall is shut down until at least mid-June, based on statewide orders. So KGW spoke to Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle virtually, from her Vancouver home, and asked about the city's fiscal health in coronavirus times. The mayor said lost tax revenue due to the economic shutdown will cost the city a lot.
"We figure we’ll lose $45 million just this year," said McEnerny-Ogle, who added that the figure represents about 30-percent of the city's general fund budget for 2020. They are dipping into a rainy day fund to soften the blow. And prioritizing essential services.
"We're trying to be as nimble as we can, this environment is changing daily, as you know. But the city is in the 'forever business', so we need to be able to keep moving forward with water and sewer and sidewalks and streets and parks and everything else. Of course all the first responders: police, fire, ambulance... but maybe not sweeping your streets," said McEnerny-Ogle.
Another bellwether location of Vancouver's small business economy is Uptown Village, along the city's historic Main Street. The popular shopping and dining area is pretty quiet now; it's salons and antique stores closed, and most coffee shops too. Some restaurants like Vancouver Pizza Company are getting by selling take-out. But the mayor knows some small businesses will never make it back.
And the mayor said she is hearing from some residents who are anxious to open things up, despite the statewide rules to move slowly and in phases.
"Those are the two hardest pieces: getting the small businesses back and operating, and keeping people calm," said the mayor.
Vancouver is the largest city in the most heavily populated county in southwest Washington. As a population center, it has seen its share of loss, beyond the dollars. As of May 11, 386 people in the county have tested positive for COVID-19, and 24 people have died. That weighs on the mayor. But she finds balance in what she sees and hears, walking in Vancouver neighborhoods.
"It's exciting to see a change in a community, a kind of a tenderness; smiles waves, that tone in their voice that, we can do this, we've got this."
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