Clark County seeks volunteers for the Historic Preservation Commission

Published Date

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking applicants for two seats on the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission. The three-year terms will begin on July 1, 2025. The seats will be appointed by the Clark County Council.

The seven-member volunteer commission is responsible for:

  • Reviewing nominations to the National Register of Historic Places
  • Reviewing nominations and designating properties to the Clark County Heritage Register
  • Conducting design review for changes to buildings and sites on the local register
  • Reviewing and deciding applications for the Special Valuation Tax Incentive for historic properties
  • Overseeing education and outreach.

The commission typically meets at 6 pm the first Wednesday of each month at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St, Vancouver, Washington. Meetings are currently conducted in a hybrid format via Webex and in person.

The county is looking for people who can bring:

  • Interest, experience, or knowledge in history; historic preservation, rehabilitation or restoration; architecture or related disciplines such as planning, American studies or cultural anthropology, archaeology, or geography
  • Ethnic, cultural, social, and geographic diversity to the group; and
  • Outstanding strategic communication and public speaking skills and experience meeting with a wide range of individuals and organizations

All applicants must be available for an interview with a committee of current Historic Preservation Commissioners. A follow-up interview with the City of Vancouver or Clark County Council may be required. 

To apply, submit a letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager's Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.

The application deadline is 5 pm Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

For more information about the commission and the Historic Preservation program, please visit www.clark.wa.gov/planning/historic.

 

CONTACT
Bart Catching, Community Planning
564.397.4909
bart.catching@clark.wa.gov

Susan Ellinger, Community Planning 
564.397.4516
susan.ellinger@clark.wa.gov