City seeks volunteers to serve on Downtown Redevelopment Authority Board
November 18, 2024
The City of Vancouver is seeking applicants with broad business backgrounds interested in getting more involved in City government to fill two vacancies on its Downtown Redevelopment Authority (DRA) Board of Directors. Applications must be submitted on or before Dec. 20.
The DRA is a public corporation chartered by the City that owns the Vancouver Hilton Hotel and Convention Center and is responsible for overseeing its operations, finances and promotion. DRA is also one of the major partners in the City’s Waterfront Gateway Project, a long-term redevelopment plan for the City-owned properties around the Hilton Hotel and Convention Center.
Ideal candidates to serve on the DRA board will have experience in property management, project financing, financial management and contract management. Additionally, experience in either the lodging or restaurant industries, or both, would be helpful. Board members are not required to live within city limits. Applicants must be available for an interview with City council members.
This recruitment is for two full-term appointments, with terms beginning on Dec. 31, 2024 and ending Dec. 31, 2028. One position is currently held by an individual whose term is expiring but they may reapply to retain their position. Per Vancouver City Council policy, all incumbents who wish to reapply for their positions will be re-interviewed along with any qualifying applicants.
The DRA has no employees. It contracts with an asset management firm specializing in lodging, restaurant and convention facilities to monitor the ongoing operations of the hotel and convention center and advise the board on operational, financial and budget issues.
Regular DRA meetings are held approximately six times per year at 11 a.m. on the third Thursday of the month. Additional special meetings are advertised and held as needed, typically once or twice per year.
Applications may be submitted online at www.cityofvancouver.us/boards. For a printed application or for further information, contact the boards and commissions coordinator in the City Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995, by email at bc_coordinator@cityofvancouver.us, or by calling 360-487-8600.
For more information about the DRA, including links to current and past meeting agendas and minutes, please visit www.cityofvancouver.us/dra.
Media contact: Tim Becker, Strategic Communications Manager, 360-831-3240, tim.becker@cityofvancouver.us