Meet Your Newest Council Member, Meghan HamiltonAt their meeting on Thursday, February 27, Ridgefield City Council appointed Meghan Hamilton 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. The Council expressed gratitude to both candidates for their time throughout the vacancy appointment process, their dedication to Ridgefield, and their willingness to step into this important role. Councilmember Hamilton is a small business owner, entrepreneur, and proud Ridgefield High School graduate with a strong record of leadership. She has been actively involved with nonprofits, including The Pink Lemonade Project, the Humane Society, the Hough Foundation, and the NW Association for Blind Athletes. In her application, Hamilton expressed her dedication to the community, stating, "I want to be a part of something bigger than myself and dive into the community that raised me and that I am raising my own daughter in." She added, "I would love to invest in my city and continue to push for its growth and betterment."
|
|
|
|
|
|
Council UpdateCity Council Study Sessions Moving to the First and Third ThursdayThe City of Ridgefield is adjusting its City Council meeting schedule to better accommodate the increasing need for in-depth policy discussions on key community issues. While regular City Council meetings will continue to be held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM, study session meetings will now be scheduled on the first and third Thursday of each month at 4:00 PM, as needed, starting Thursday, March 6. All City Council meetings—both regular meetings and study sessions—remain open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend in person at the Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center, or online via Zoom. Additionally, recordings of all meetings will continue to be available on the city website and published as a podcast for easy access. To find recordings on a podcast app, search “Ridgefield, Washington City Meetings.” The first Study Session of this new schedule will take place on Thursday, March 6 at 4 PM in the Columbia Assembly Room at the Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center, 510 Pioneer Street. The topic will be an update on the Climate Chapter of Envision Ridgefield 2045. More information about City Council meetings
February Council Action HighlightsProposed Downtown Parking PlanAs Downtown Ridgefield continues to grow, increased demand for on-street parking has become a challenge. The City has collaborated with local merchants, residents, and community groups to identify solutions to improve parking availability, accessibility, and safety. Council reviewed key issues, including parking availability in the downtown core, ADA parking, loading zones, sight distance concerns, and the need for designated long-term parking. Staff presented a proposed Downtown Parking Plan, incorporating short-term and long-term improvements. Learn more Adopted Ordinance No. 1440 - Carty Road Subarea Development CodeOn February 27, 2025 Council adopted Ordinance No. 1440, Carty Road Subarea Development Code, with amendments. The amendments included modifying the setback from 40 to 30 feet, and prioritizing existing native plantings for consideration for the required Native Landscaping Buffer. For more information, view the Agenda Packet or listen to the meeting. ProclamationsProclamations are a special way to recognize an organization, person, cause or special event. Learn more about Proclamations. - Black History Month- February 17, 2025 - Mayor Cole proclaimed February 2025 as "Black History Month" and encouraged all residents to honor the legacy of Black Americans, to educate themselves on the past and present struggles for justice, and to work together in building a future rooted in equality, inclusion, and hope.
Black History Month 2025 (PDF) Ridgefield Youth Arts Month - February 27, 2025 - Mayor Cole proclaimed March 2025 as "Ridgefield Youth Arts Month" and encouraged students, community organizations and residents to make a commitment to artistic expression and to arts education.
Youth Arts Month 2025 (PDF)
Agenda and MinutesView full Agenda & Minutes*
*Meeting Minutes are added after they are approved at the following Council meeting.
Listen to Recorded Meeting Audio Upcoming MeetingsCity Council Regular Meeting- Thursday, March 13, 6:30 PM, Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center
- Thursday, March 27, 6:30 PM, Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center
City Council Study Session Meeting- Thursday, March 6, 4 PM, Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center
- Thursday, March 20, 4 PM, Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center
Planning Commission- Wednesday, March 5, 6:30 PM, Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center
Parks Board- Wednesday, March 12, 6:30 PM, Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center
Roundabout Committee- Monday, March 10, 6:30 PM, Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center
|
|
|
|
Manage Your Subscription
Stay informed about what matters to you. Manage your email subscription to this newsletter and others from the City of Ridgefield on our website.
|
|
|
|
State of the City - Tuesday, March 18Join us on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 for the premiere of the State of the City video and presentation of the annual Make A Difference Awards. The program will begin at 6 PM, but feel free to arrive early at 5 PM to meet members of the Ridgefield City Council and interact with staff at informative tables aligned with our seven community goals. Each table will feature experts ready to answer your questions and provide insights on topics that are shaping the future of Ridgefield. We encourage you to stop by, ask questions, and explore the key areas driving our city's growth. - Date: Tuesday, March 18
- Time: Join us for the welcome reception at 5 PM, followed by the program at 6 PM.
- Location: Ridgefield High School Performing Arts Center, 2630 S Hillhurst Rd
Light refreshments will be served in the lobby beginning at 5 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pioneer Street Closed - Detour in EffectPioneer 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. 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. |
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Volunteer OpportunitiesMarch 22 - Ivy Pull at Abrams ParkJoin the Watershed Alliance of SW Washington at Abrams Park on Saturday morning to help remove invasive English ivy and give native plants room to grow. Registration required, learn more. April 19 - Spring Clean UpSign up to volunteer at the annual Spring Clean Up on Saturday, April 19. Help empty vehicles and direct visitors to the various stations. Sign up April 26 - Ivy Pull at Abrams ParkJoin the Watershed Alliance of SW Washington at Abrams Park on Saturday morning to help remove invasive English ivy and give native plants room to grow. Registration required, learn more. |
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Community EventsTuesday, March 4: Art ChatART CHAT is a library program held once a month to promote awareness of art in the Ridgefield area, to encourage sharing of art, to teach art techniques, to share local art events, and to network with peers. Bring one or two pieces of your art to share, or just come to enjoy the camaraderie. Learn more Friday, March 7: Friday ConnectionsJoin the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce for networking event every Friday from 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM at Lava Java. Thursday, March 13: Ridgefield Main Street Community MeetingCommunity meetings are held the second Thursday of each month. 8:30 am in the Columbia Assembly Room at the RACC. All are welcome! Learn more Tuesday, March 18: State of the CityJoin us for an Open House, premiere of the State of the City video and presentation of the Make A Difference Awards. Open House 5-6 PM, Program 6-7 PM. Learn more Saturday, March 22: Ivy Pull at Abrams ParkJoin the Watershed Alliance of SW Washington at Abrams Park on Saturday morning to help remove invasive English ivy and give native plants room to grow. Registration required, learn more. Saturday, April 5: First Saturday Discover Downtown DashGather your friends, family, or go solo for an EPIC scavenger hunt contest in Downtown Ridgefield! This isn't just a search - it’s a race against time as you navigate indoor and outdoor locations, complete thrilling challenges, collect exclusive tokens, and make lasting memories. Learn more Community Events CalendarDid you know that the City hosts a community calendar on our website where all Ridgefield organizations can submit their events to be shared? Check it out to stay on top of what is happening in Ridgefield. |
|
|
|
|
|
In Case You Missed ItNews releases and announcements from the past month. Nominations Open for 2025 Make A Difference AwardsNominations were accepted for the 2025 Make A Difference Awards. The awards will be presented at the State of the City on Tuesday, March 18. Learn more City Seeking Youth Volunteer for Parks Board PositionThe Ridgefield City Council is seeking an energetic and organized teen to be the first youth member for the Ridgefield Parks Board. Learn more Join the Ridgefield Dragon Boat Team on the River in 2025Are you ready to try something new, get active, and be part of a vibrant team? Team Calapya, Ridgefield’s dragon boat team, is looking for new members to join the crew for the 2025 season! Learn more Ridgefield Public Works Director Chuck Green to Retire this SummerRidgefield Public Works Director Chuck Green has announced that he will be retiring from the City of Ridgefield effective June 30, 2025. He is looking forward to traveling with his wife and continuing to be involved in the local community. Learn more City Council Appoints Meghan Hamilton to Fill Vacant PositionAt their meeting on Thursday, February 27, Ridgefield City Council appointed Meghan Hamilton to fill a mid-term vacancy after a rigorous and competitive process. Learn more
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
