The City of Vancouver is in the midst of a major planning effort called Our Vancouver 2045, a comprehensive update to the city’s long-term vision and land use plan that will guide growth and development over the next two decades. This isn’t just bureaucratic planning, it’s a roadmap for how our community will grow, where housing and jobs will be located, and how infrastructure like transportation, parks, and services will support that growth.
Why This Matters for Buyers & Sellers
The Comprehensive Plan fundamentally shapes how land can be used across the city and that has real implications for the housing market.
• Growth & Housing Supply: The plan anticipates accommodating significant population and job growth over the next 20 years, including planning for at least 38,000 new housing units to support expected growth.
• Zoning Modernization: As part of the update, Vancouver is revising its zoning code to create a more flexible system with a broader mix of housing types from single-family homes to townhomes and multifamily products, helping support diverse housing needs.
• Neighborhood Investment: Decisions about land use, transportation, parks, and services can increase the desirability of certain areas, influencing home values and long-term neighborhood character.
For homebuyers, this means being aware of how future land use and zoning changes could impact availability and affordability in your target areas. For sellers, understanding where growth is planned or prioritized can help highlight the value and potential of your property to prospective buyers.
What I Learned from the November Event
I was honored to attend the 10th Annual Growing Southwest Washington Conference in November, which focused on the Our Vancouver process. You can read more about my takeaways here.
It was inspiring to see so many residents, business owners, and local leaders engaged in shaping what our city will look like in 2045. The conversation underscored that this plan is not just about development, but about building a community that supports livability, connectivity, and opportunity for all.
Hearing directly from planners and community members gave me insights into how these long-range goals are translated into real policy decisions and how those decisions are tied directly to the real estate market we live and work in every day.
What to Watch Next
The City is continuing to refine draft maps and engage the community in feedback before finalizing the Comprehensive Plan and updated zoning code. Residents are encouraged to explore maps of proposed land use changes, provide input through the city’s engagement platform, and attend upcoming Planning Commission and City Council meetings.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or planning your next move, staying informed about Our Vancouver 2045 can help you anticipate where opportunities may grow from neighborhood amenities to future housing patterns.
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