After more than two years of grassroots organizing, collecting more than 6,500 signatures, and pursuing legal action to place a citizen initiative on the ballot, Save Vancouver Streets has announced it will not seek further review following an unfavorable ruling by the Washington State Court of Appeals.
The organization originally challenged the City of Vancouver's refusal to advance its initiative, despite collecting approximately 50 percent more signatures than required under the City Charter. Following an unsuccessful ruling in Clark County Superior Court in June 2025 and a subsequent appeal, the group has decided that pursuing the matter before the Washington State Supreme Court would not be a responsible use of its supporters' resources.
"We are deeply disappointed that more than 6,500 Vancouver residents can sign a petition seeking a public vote, only to have their voices effectively dismissed by their own City Council," said Save Vancouver Streets organizers. "The citizen initiative process should not depend on whether elected officials agree with the proposal. We believe this outcome has seriously weakened an important tool for public accountability."
Save Vancouver Streets was formed by residents concerned about proposed changes to neighborhood streets and what they viewed as inadequate public engagement. The group continues to raise concerns about planned changes to major corridors, including Andresen Road, 164th Avenue, and Mill Plain Boulevard.
While its legal challenge is ending, the organization encourages residents to remain engaged, demand transparency, and make their voices heard before major street decisions are finalized.
"Our legal fight may be over, but our fight for meaningful public involvement in Vancouver's future is not."
The full statement from Save Vancouver Streets can be found here: https://clarkcountytoday.com/documents/save-vancouver-streets-community-statement-october-13-2026
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