Council hears C‑TRAN subdistrict update and expresses concern about small‑city exclusion
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Summary
Mayor updated council on a C‑TRAN presentation about a possible high‑capacity transit subdistrict that could add up to 0.9 percentage points in sales tax and set geographic boundaries that might exclude small cities; councilors requested more information and staff will circulate presentation materials ahead of the March meeting.
City staff updated the council about recent C‑TRAN board and composition committee discussions, including a briefing on a high‑capacity transit subdistrict proposal that could authorize up to 0.9 percentage points in additional sales tax for light rail in a defined geographic boundary.
The mayor explained the subdistrict could set the taxable boundary to a primary corridor or Vancouver’s urban growth area, which "could potentially set that boundary to avoid the small cities," excluding jurisdictions that choose not to participate. The proposal would require forming a regional policy committee with C‑TRAN board and WSDOT members; staff noted forming such a committee previously took about two years.
Council members raised questions about representation on the C‑TRAN board, noting one layout suggested a 4‑3‑2 composition (four Vancouver seats, three Clark County seats, two small‑city seats) and that state law (RCW language on proportional representation) informed how the district must be formed. Councilors urged staff to gather more information so the mayor could negotiate before legal proceedings finalize; staff committed to sharing the C‑TRAN presentation and proposed language before the next council meeting.
No formal council action was taken at this meeting; the mayor asked councilors whether they wanted to pursue reintroducing proposed language related to a subdistrict, and several members requested more detail before taking a position.
