Councilmember Kim Harless - Vancouver, WA

06/19/2026

Today, we honor Juneteenth, the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom. This occurred TWO AND A HALF YEARS after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Juneteenth is widely celebrated as a second Independence Day — a true day of “liberty and justice for all.”

Juneteenth is both a celebration and a reminder that the work of building a more just, equitable, and inclusive community continues. As someone who has spent their personal life and career advocating for fairness, opportunity, and protecting the voices of all people, I believe we are strongest when everyone has the chance to thrive. 🌟

Today, let’s celebrate freedom, reflect on our shared history, and recommit ourselves to creating a future where equality and opportunity are available to all.

Happy Juneteenth! ❤️🖤💚

The photo for this post is one I took in a past year of the Juneteenth flag waving at Vancouver City Hall. It’s not a perfect photo, but I remember the pride and joy I felt in my heart when I snapped it.

Join Odyssey World International Education Services and the City of Vancouver at the Juneteenth Freedom Celebration tomorrow, Saturday June 20th, at Esther Short Park from 10:00am to 3:00pm!

05/27/2026

Excited to join today’s groundbreaking for the first infrastructure project in the future Heights District redevelopment!

The East Mill Plain and MacArthur intersection upgrade is the first step toward creating a more connected, walkable neighborhood with safer streets, green spaces, housing, local businesses, and community gathering places in the heart of Vancouver.

Grateful to everyone who helped bring this vision to life and looking forward to the progress ahead!

https://www.cityofvancouver.us/business/planning-development-and-zoning/long-range-planning/plans-projects/the-heights-district/

05/15/2026

05/13/2026

Been asking for this for years — so happy we are doing it now! This is a pilot, so my hope and desire is we make it permanent. Keep up the positive comments and so can then make the waterfront pedestrian first, safer, and more enjoyable with the lack of noisy, revving cars and fuming tailpipes.

Walk-friendly Waterfront Way weekends are back for the summer! ⁠
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After hearing positive feedback from businesses, visitors, and the community last weekend, the City is piloting weekend pedestrian-only access on part of Waterfront Way through Labor Day weekend.⁠
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The temporary closure creates more space to walk, dine, connect, and enjoy the waterfront experience during busy summer weekends.⁠
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• Closure area: Waterfront Way from Parkway Place to Esther Street⁠
• Schedule: 4 p.m. Fridays through 5 a.m. Mondays, every weekend through Labor Day weekend⁠
• Parking: More than 2,000 nearby parking spaces are available at The Waterfront Vancouver Parking Center and Terminal 1⁠
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Explore parking options, including apps to reserve parking before you go, at https://www.cityofvancouver.us/economic-prosperity-and-housing/parking/downtown-parking/

05/02/2026

Thank you to Vancouver Metro LULAC Council 47026 for bringing together housing and homelessness leaders, advocates, and elected officials for a thoughtful conversation on state tenant laws and how they’re working in practice. Important discussions like RCW 50.18.410, which addresses evictions and nonprofit interventions, highlight how policy impacts people in real time. I appreciate the shared commitment to improving outcomes. A special thank you to Senator Jessica Bateman, Senate Housing Committee Chair for making the trip to Vancouver.

04/17/2026

Honored to see Vancouver recognized as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in 2026. Only 3 Washington cities made this list and we are the only city in the top 20!

This doesn’t happen by accident. It reflects years of thoughtful work on City Council and, more importantly, the strength of our community. From investing in infrastructure and public spaces to supporting local businesses and schools, it’s a collective effort.

I’m proud to serve alongside dedicated colleagues and to be part of a community that shows up, stays engaged, and takes pride in where we live. This recognition belongs to all of you.

Our 13th annual Best Places To Live list is here! Explore the list using our interactive filtering and sorting tools and find your best place to live!

04/17/2026

Throwback to my first year on council when I had the opportunity to visit our sister city, Joyo.

Today I attended the Sakura Festival (first photo), and it brought back great memories of that experience. It’s a meaningful reminder of the strong cultural connection we share and the importance of keeping those relationships alive.

Grateful to be part of a community that celebrates tradition, partnership, and global friendship 🌸

04/10/2026

Great time attending a Penguin Huddle networking event after work last evening!

I had the chance to connect with students, professors, deans, foundation staff, industry partners, and fellow alumni. Clark College is part of my origin story and will always hold a special place in my heart.

Proud to be a Penguin! 🐧

04/04/2026

Walnut Grove Neighborhood Cleanup Day!

Proud to be part of a great partnership between the neighborhood association, the City of Vancouver, and Waste Connections to help beautify the community and support neighbors who may face transportation or financial barriers when it comes to removing bulky items.

Even better, we were able to divert usable, non-broken items for donation instead of sending them to the landfill.

I was happy to volunteer and even found a few items of my own to bring along. Proud to be part of a community that shows up and takes care of one another.

03/27/2026

Equal Pay Day marks how far into the new year women have to work to earn what men earned in the previous year.

That means women are effectively working these extra months just to catch up. This gap impacts families, communities, and our economy.

And the disparity is even greater for Native women, who don’t reach Equal Pay Day until November 19.

Fair pay isn’t just about equity, it’s about strengthening working families and building an economy that works for everyone. 💪💜

The annual observance marks how far into the new year women must work to make what men earned in the previous year. This year, it's March 26, a day later than it was in 2025.