Vancouver Reporter

The Vancouver City Council approved its next budget, finding a way to close a $4 million gap in the $1.3 billion spending plan. 

"The adopted 2021-22 budget continues to fund all core city services at existing levels and includes increases in the programs of the highest importance to our community," Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle said in a November release about the budget's adoption. "This budget reflects our focus as a city, which is to assure a firm foundation, implement current initiatives, advance key strategic projects and programs, and plan for A Stronger Vancouver into the future."

The $4 million budget gap, city leaders said in the release, was a result of an economic downturn that COVID-19 created, in part by shuttering businesses. 

"While it was created during an unprecedented time for our city, including a global pandemic and civil and racial justice unrest, this budget is consistent with the direction set by the City Council and reflects the Vancouver community vision, the City's strategic plan, the adopted financial policies, and input from City employees, boards and commissions, and the community," Vancouver City Manager, Eric Holmes, said in the release.