Mayor highlights Arbor Day, new "Pizza and Policy" sessions and local grant opportunities

Mayor Marla Keethler used the March 4 meeting to preview community engagement and grant opportunities, including an Arbor Day event on March 21 at Rheingarten Park and a series of "Pizza and Policy" sessions beginning in April to discuss water infrastructure, conservation and other topics.

Keethler said the city is pursuing potential state recreation grants for the Bluff Trail, exploring Bureau of Reclamation WaterSmart grant opportunities for water projects, and continuing efforts to revive funding for an Aquifer Storage Recovery project. She also reported the city has discussed a stalled USPS PO box issue with Senator Murray's office and said the matter remains stuck at the regional postal level; she suggested the city may need more assertive advocacy.

Councilmember Morella Mora introduced Jill Catherine of the Gorge Leadership Institute, who described INSPIRE: Celebrating Women in the Gorge (2025), an event that honored 16 local women across arts, education, business and nonprofit leadership and helped raise interest and funding for local groups including Skamania Kids and Youth (SKY) Community Center.

Councilmembers also reported local activities: a water facilities tour for members, plans for a draft EV-ready ordinance led by Councilmember Patty Fink, Tree Board preparations for Tree Fest and an outreach plan from the Community Development Committee.