Our community, even amongst its growth and it’s strengths, is in crisis. More people are experiencing homelessness than ever, and while many of them are families who can’t make ends meet, a small but visible portion of them are dealing with opioid addiction. Beyond that, people who still have homes are struggling with opioid addiction, creating a life at risk of homelessness, among other things.

Our city and county do not currently have enough resources to care for our most vulnerable in this opioid crisis, and yet major corporations have made billions of dollars getting people addicted to those same opioids. We are at a point where our leaders must take a stand or risk our community not being able to come back from this.

Recently, Ty took a stand. He urged the council to allow the city to participate in the joint litigation that has been filed by municipalities in the state of Washington, and council agreed. Ty has expressed hope that any money recovered would be used towards treatment programs in our county.

To read more about the opioid crisis and what role the city, and Ty, are playing in solving it, be sure to read this article from The Columbian on 10/4/19: Vancouver sues opioid producers, suppliers. 

Recently, when talking to constituents at the door, we learned that many of our senior citizens are concerned about aging in place.

In Ty's four years on council, he has focused on making Vancouver a community where our senior citizens and most vulnerable populations can age in place. At the door, one of the things our team learned was that many senior citizens are concerned about being taxed out of their homes as property taxes change in the city and the county.

Senior Citizens are eligible to apply for a property tax exemption, as are folx who are living with disabilities. The Clark County Assessors office provides information at this link (VISIT HERE) for property tax exemption. Information like this allows for the ultimate goal of people being able to live safely and comfortably in Vancouver no matter their age.

A core component of the work Ty has been proud to do as a city councilor is community investment that allows people to age and stay in their homes. The more our city invests in walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, public transportation that is more easily accessible for all, and city growth that gives residents quick and easy access to shopping and fresh produce no matter their neighborhood, the easier it will be for people to live in Vancouver longer.