Council Update

Vacancy Appointment Process

City Council is working through the process to appoint a qualified person to fill vacant Position 1. Applications for appointment were accepted January 13-29 and Council is currently reviewing applications to determine candidates who will move forward in the process. The next step for appointment candidates is a Town Hall Public Forum on February 20.

Residents are invited to participate in the process to appoint a new Council member. Community members can suggest interview questions, attend the Town Hall Public Forum and/or interviews at City Council, and offer their observations on the candidates. 

More information on the Vacancy Appointment Process

January Council Action Highlights

Policy Approval for Police Body Worn and Vehicle Mounted Cameras

At the January 9, 2025 meeting the Ridgefield City Council approved the Ridgefield Police Department's (RPD) policies for body-worn cameras (Policy 06.07) and vehicle-mounted cameras (Policy 06.08). This decision marks a significant step toward equipping all RPD officers and vehicles with these devices, enhancing public safety and transparency.

The adoption of these policies is just the beginning. During the first half of 2025, RPD will focus on staff training, policy development, and equipment installation. Full implementation is planned for the second half of the year. The City of Ridgefield will keep the community updated throughout this process. Learn more

City Council Supports Ridgefield School District Propositions 12 and 13

On Thursday, January 23, Ridgefield City Council held a Public Hearing for Resolution No. 658, supporting Ridgefield School District’s Propositions 12 and 13 levy measures. After listening to comments, all six members of Council unanimously passed the resolution.

During the meeting, several Council Members spoke to their support of the School District's Propositions:

“Passage of this levy to build this new building is absolutely essential. Please all of you talk to anyone you know and encourage them to vote yes on this levy.” 
Council Member Clyde Burkle

“I want to pay compliment to the district leadership for listening to the community to say this is more of a funding structure we are interested in and finding a creative solution to bring back to the voters that was really reflective of that feedback. So, kudos to you guys.” 
Council Member Rian Davis

“We’re doing this because we believe in this community and we believe in the need here, so we’re looking to you now voters to get this done” 
Mayor Matt Cole

Learn more

City Council Appoints Two New Members to Roundabout Committee

On January 23, City Council appointed Dan Mittelstadt and Kathleen Huber to the Roundabout Committee. The Roundabout Committee is an advisory committee comprised of five volunteer citizens who recommend roundabout center island design concepts to City Council. The Roundabout Committee meets once per month, on Mondays at 6:30 PM, and their meetings are open to the public. 

The City relies on dedicated volunteers who are passionate about Ridgefield on our advisory boards, commissions and committees to represent diverse perspectives and contribute to better decision-making. Thank you to these new members, and all members, serving in this capacity.

About Boards and Commissions

Agenda and Minutes

View full Agenda & Minutes*
*Meeting Minutes are added after they are approved at the following Council meeting.
Listen to Recorded Meeting Audio

Upcoming Meetings

City Council Regular Meeting

• Thursday, February 13, 6:30 PM, Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center
• Thursday, February 27, 6:30 PM, Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center

City Council Vacancy Appointment Process

• Town Hall Public Forum - Thursday, February 20, 6 PM, Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center. Details
• Interviews at City Council Study Session - Thursday, February 27, Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center. Time to be announced on Agenda by February 24.

Planning Commission

• Wednesday, February 5, 6:30 PM, Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center

Parks Board

• Wednesday, February 12, 6:30 PM, Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center

Roundabout Committee

• Monday, February 10, 6:30 PM, Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center

City Holiday: Monday, February 17

City Offices will be closed on Monday, February 17 in observation of Presidents Day. Some services are available when offices are closed through the City website, RidgefieldWa.us. Emergency personnel will remain available 24/7.

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Pioneer Street Closed - Detour in Effect

Pioneer Street is closed between Discovery Drive and 56th Place until Tuesday, April 22. This consolidated closure will allow the city's contractor to complete deep utility work associated with the Pioneer Widening project. 

Progress is coming along well, read the January 29 update.

Check traffic conditions via navigation map or the live traffic cameras prior to departure to determine your best route. See detour map.

• Main Detour: Travel between east and west Ridgefield via S Royle Road, Wells Drive, Timm Road, S 6th Way, and S 56th Place.
• Local Business Access: Ridgefield Physical Therapy, Mountain View Dental, and Costco will remain accessible via Discovery Drive or N 56th Place.
• Northbound Traffic: Consider traveling on N Royle Road to access the La Center exit of I-5.

Learn more about this closure.

In Case You Missed It

News releases and announcements from the past month.

Applications Open for City Partners Program

Community groups may be eligible for fee waivers or grant funding. Learn more

City Council Supports Ridgefield School District Propositions 12 and 13

City Council unanimously passed Resolution No. 658, supporting the Ridgefield School District's levy measures. Learn more

City Council Appoints Matt Cole Mayor, Judy Chipman Mayor Pro Tempore

Cole and Chipman will serve as Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for the remainder of the 2024-2025 term. Learn more

Ridgefield City Council Approves Body-Worn and Vehicle-Mounted Camera Policies

During the first half of 2025, RPD will focus on staff training, policy development, and equipment installation. Full implementation is planned for the second half of the year. Learn more

Tyler King Appointed as Ridgefield's First Police Detective

The addition of a dedicated Detective is a big step forward in providing high-quality service to our community. Learn more

Ron Onslow Retired from Ridgefield City Council

On Thursday, January 9, Mayor Ron Onslow attended his last meeting as a Ridgefield City Council Member. Learn more