Battle Ground adopts 2026 legislative agenda after hearing regional transportation priorities

Battle Ground City Council approved a 2026 legislative agenda on Nov. 3 after hearing a presentation from city staff on state budget context and capital requests and from the Clark County Transportation Alliance on the region'9s priorities.

The agenda directs the city'9s lobby efforts toward keeping Eaton Boulevard visible for future transportation funding, seeking $1 million for downtown revitalization construction or property acquisition, asking for $1.5 million for inclusive play equipment at Remedy (Remi) Park, and requesting $1 million for the 90 Second Avenue sewer pump station and force main. Staff also proposed pursuing a state statutory change to remove Clark County'9s railroad industrial overlay for the Cholachee Prairie Railroad; staff said they have some delegation support for that measure.

"We are recommending going back for another $1 million capital budget request for actual construction or maybe property acquisition on the downtown revitalization project," a staff presenter said during the meeting. He also noted the city secured $1.5 million last session for Remedy Park planning and $500,000 for downtown design, and that an $11 million request for Eaton Boulevard reconstruction was not included in the final transportation budget.

The City of Battle Ground joined endorsements for the Clark County Transportation Alliance'9s 2026 policy statement. Ron Arp, representing the alliance, said a unified regional message helps the area compete for state dollars and described the policy statement as a "spring loaded plan" to present local priorities when funding windows open.

Councilmembers who spoke in debate said they support regional coordination even if they disagree with some elements of the alliance or AWC policy packages. One councilmember noted concerns with broad technical items such as potential road-usage charges and other proposals but voted to endorse the alliance statement while registering their opposition to specific concepts.

The council moved and approved the legislative agenda following the presentations. Staff will use the agenda in discussions with the city'9s legislative delegation and with the Association of Washington Cities.

The city manager and legislative staff asked the council to prioritize items the city will champion if other jurisdictions do not, and to prepare to defend shared revenue allocations should state reductions be proposed.

Councilmembers asked staff to continue coordination with the delegation and to return with details on any legislative language developed for the railroad overlay change.