Engaging with Ridgefield City Council

City Councilmembers are your representatives on city government. In 2024, they resolved to build on their commitment to listen, connect and engage with all members of the Ridgefield community. The following is a quick guide to engaging with your City Council.

If you have any questions, please contact the City Clerk Julie Ferriss at City.Clerk@RidgefieldWa.us

Meetings

Ridgefield City Council holds Meetings twice a month, on the second and fourth Thursdays at 6:30 PM. These meetings are open to the public, and may be attended in person in the Columbia Assembly Room at the Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center (RACC), 510 Pioneer Street, or online via Zoom. For Zoom access, visit RidgefieldWa.us/163/City-Council

Agendas and Minutes

Agendas for all Council meetings are posted on the Monday prior to the meeting at RidgefieldWa.us/agendas. Minutes are added to the portal after they have been approved at the following meeting.

Recordings & Presentations

All meetings are recorded and the audio is available on popular podcast platforms as “Ridgefield, Washington City Meetings” or on the City website at RidgefieldWa.us/165/City-Meeting-Audio-Files

If you prefer a video recording, the City has just begun publishing video recordings of meetings on YouTube. Find them on the City’s channel at RidgefieldWa.us/youtube

Presentation materials from meetings are included in the Agenda Packet at RidgefieldWa.us/agendas

Sign Up for Email Reminders

People can also sign up for receive City Council agenda notifications via email at RidgefieldWa.us/emails

Speak at a Meeting

Members of the public are invited to speak at the meetings at specific times during each City Council Meeting. This may be done in person, and online. Speakers should begin by stating their full name, and all remarks should be addresses to the Council as a whole.

Public Comment

During a time reserved for “public comment” at the beginning and toward the end of each meeting. Individuals may speak for approximately three minutes on an item of City business that is not subject to a specific Public Hearing.

Public Hearing

During a public hearing listen on the agenda, individuals may speak for approximately three minutes to present their views on the topic of the hearing.

Study Sessions

Ridgefield City Council schedules Study Session meetings on the first and third Thursdays of each month, as needed. These sessions do not follow a formal agenda and are intended to inform Council members about upcoming business and facilitate informal discussions on issues that may later be acted upon in a regular session. Study sessions are public meetings, and members of the public are welcome to attend in person or on Zoom.

Topics

Topics for Study Sessions are posted on the Monday prior to the meeting at RidgefieldWa.us/agendas.

Recordings & Presentations

All meetings are recorded and the audio is available on popular podcast platforms as “Ridgefield, Washington City Meetings” or on the City website at RidgefieldWa.us/165/City-Meeting-Audio-Files

If you prefer a video recording, the City has just begun publishing video recordings of meetings on YouTube. Find them on the City’s channel at RidgefieldWa.us/youtube

Presentation materials from meetings are included in the Agenda Packet at RidgefieldWa.us/agendas.

Direct Contact – Email

Community members may also reach out to Councilmembers directly via email. To send an email to all seven Councilmembers, simply address your email to CityCouncil@RidgefieldWa.us and it will be delivered to the full Council.

If you wish to address a Councilmember individually, their email address is FirstName.LastName@RidgefieldWa.us

Events and Community Spaces

Ridgefield Councilmembers are often out and about in the community and welcome the opportunity to meet and connect with residents. While casual conversations, questions and discussion about current issues are always encouraged, if you’d like to discuss more complex issues, please consider the setting and plan to follow up with an email or schedule a meeting for a more in-depth discussion.

Meet your Councilmembers

  1. Head and shoulder photo of Matt Cole

    Matt Cole

    Mayor

    Position 4
    Term expires: December 31, 2029

    Matt Cole has served on City Council since 2022. Currently in his first term as mayor, his focus is on community engagement efforts and smart growth initiatives that respect both progress and preservation in Ridgefield. 

    Mr. Cole’s professional background includes a 20-year career in business and creative marketing, in both entrepreneurial and corporate positions where he developed a strong foundation in organizational leadership. He also enjoyed a distinguished career as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve specializing in expeditionary intelligence. 

    Mayor Cole serves on the Urban County Policy Board and the Regional Transportation Council and holds ex-officio board positions with Ridgefield Main Street and the Ridgefield Art Association. He graduated from Whitworth University with a degree in political science. The Mayor balances his professional and community focus with an active home life as husband to Kelliana and proud father of Lincoln, McKenzie, and Henry. 


  1. Head and shoulder photo of Judy Chipman

    Judy Chipman

    Mayor Pro Tempore

    Position 7
    Term expires: December 31, 2027

    Judy Chipman is a lifelong Ridgefield resident who returned to the community nine years ago to reconnect with her roots. She brings a wealth of experience in public service and leadership, having served nine years on the Columbia Credit Union Board of Directors and retiring from the Bonneville Power Administration in 2017.

    In 2018, Judy was appointed to the Ridgefield Planning Commission, where she contributed to the city’s growth and development. In 2021, she was elected to the Ridgefield City Council and currently serves as Mayor Pro Tempore.

    Councilmember Chipman represents Ridgefield as a liaison to several key organizations, including Clark Regional Wastewater, Friends of the Ridgefield Community Library, and the Ridgefield Art Association. She also serves as an alternate liaison for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce.

    An enthusiastic supporter of community life, Judy enjoys attending Ridgefield Raptors games, walking through her neighborhood, and embracing the small-town charm that makes Ridgefield unique.


  1. Head and shoulder photo of Meghan Hamilton.

    Meghan Hamilton

    Councilmember

    Position 1
    Term expires: December 31, 2029

    Meghan Hamilton joined the council in 2025 and is a passionate entrepreneur and dedicated advocate for Ridgefield’s vibrant business community. As the owner of GLAMbeauty Bar, Hadley Beauty Co. (a luxury makeup brush line), and the Your Body Your Values clothing and merchandise brand, Meghan brings a wealth of experience in small business development and creative enterprise.

    Her career began in the hospitality industry, including roles at the W Seattle and Nordstrom, where her interest in beauty and customer experience flourished. Meghan now shares her expertise regularly as the host of monthly beauty segments on AM Northwest, helping others feel confident and empowered through beauty and self-care.

    On the Ridgefield City Council, Meghan is focused on supporting the city’s growing business landscape through active engagement with Ridgefield Main Street, the Chamber of Commerce, and partnerships with the Ridgefield School District to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.

    Councilmember Hamilton currently serves as the City Council liaison for outside boards and committees for the Ridgefield School District, Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, Ridgefield Main Street and the alternate liaison for Clark Cowlitz Fire Rescue.

    A proud community member and Spudder (Class of 2001), Meghan looks forward to cheering on the Ridgefield Raptors and enjoying the beautiful Pacific Northwest summers on the water with friends & family, including her incredible daughter Hadley & her amazing partner, Joel.


  1. Head and shoulder photo of Clyde Burkle

    Clyde Burkle

    Councilmember

    Position 2
    Term expires: December 31, 2027

    Mr. Burkle has lived in Ridgefield for 19 years. Mr. Burkle has served on the Civil Service Commission, Salary Commission, and Budget Review Board. He is a member of the Ridgefield Lions Club and helped found the Ridgefield Food Project (Green Bag Project). 

    Councilmember Burkle serves as the City Council liaison for Clark Regional Wastewater and Port of Ridgefield.

    Councilmember Burkle was a finalist for the inaugural Make A Difference Award. His favorite place to spend time is Downtown Ridgefield, and he enjoys walking the waterfront trail to the Refuge, then back to Downtown along Main Ave. Prior to moving to Ridgefield, Mr. Burkle spent 42 years in management with the Kmart Corporation.

    Councilmember Clyde Burkle has served on City Council since 2023.


  1. Head and shoulder photo of Lee Wells

    Lee Wells

    Councilmember

    Position 3
    Term expires: December 31, 2027

    Mr. Wells has been in the community over 60 years. He, along with his wife and their five children, is a graduate of Ridgefield High School. To date, he has had nine grandchildren in the Ridgefield school system. Mr. Wells retired from Columbia River Log Scaling and Grading Bureau after 44 years of service. He was President of Ridgefield Junction Neighborhood Association for six years and Legislative Director for Clark/Cowlitz Farm Bureau for six years. Mr. Wells has made several trips to Washington DC to discuss estate taxes, wildlife management and other community concerns. He and his wife, Geri, continue to run the family farm they bought in 1972.

    Currently, Wells serves as the City Council liaison for the Discovery Clean Water Alliance, Junction Neighborhood Association and Clark County Weed Board (noxious weeds). He also serves as the alternate liaison for the Port of Ridgefield.

    Councilmember Lee Wells has served on City Council since 2008.


  1. Head and shoulder photo of Katie Favela

    Katie Favela

    Councilmember

    Position 5
    Term expires: December 31, 2027

    At their meeting on Thursday, April 11, 2024, Ridgefield City Council unanimously appointed Katie Favela to fill a mid-term vacancy after a rigorous and competitive process that included a detailed application, public forum, and interviews with City Council. Councilmember Favela ran unopposed to retain her seat in the General Election in November 2025 to complete the term.

    Councilmember Favela is a licensed clinical social worker with a deep commitment to public service and community well-being. A proud Ridgefield resident for over a decade, she brings both professional expertise and personal investment to her role on the City Council.

    Prior to her council service, Katie was a member of the Ridgefield Planning Commission, where she helped guide thoughtful, community-focused development. She also works closely with the Ridgefield School District as a mental health professional, supporting the emotional health of students and families.

    A strong advocate for public safety, mental health, and overall community wellness, Councilmember Favela draws on both her professional background and personal experience. As the spouse of a first responder, she understands the importance of supporting those who serve and their families.

    Councilmember Favela and her husband are raising two children in Ridgefield: their daughter is entering middle school, and their son graduated from Ridgefield High School and currently serves in the United States Air Force. They also serve as a host family for the Ridgefield Raptors, reflecting their deep commitment to youth and community engagement.


  1. Headshot of Councilmember Rian Davis

    Rian Davis

    Councilmember

    Position 6
    Term expires: December 31, 2029

    At their meeting on Thursday, October 10, 2024, Ridgefield City Council appointed Rian Davis to fill a mid-term vacancy after a rigorous and competitive process that included a detailed application, public forum, multiple opportunities for public input and interviews with City Council. 

    Councilmember Davis is an 8th grade history and language arts teacher who enjoys running on Ridgefield’s trails and training for triathlons around the county. He has volunteered on the Ridgefield Parks Board since 2018, serving as chair since January 2023. Davis has also spent time on his HOA Board, serving as the Ridgefield representative on the Clark County Mosquito Control District Board of Trustees, and has been active in Ridgefield Little League as a coach and Board member. When asked why he was interested in serving on City Council, Davis wrote in his application, “My desire to serve on the Ridgefield City Council is driven by maintaining and growing the community culture that makes our city special.”