Rapid growth across Clark and Cowlitz County continues to put pressure on local roads, public utilities, and housing supply. What is your single highest-priority infrastructure or development project over the next 12–18 months, and how will your city fund and execute it without overtaxing local residents?
MAYOR COLE:
It’s no secret that Ridgefield is a fast-growing community. Growth brings opportunity, but it also creates pressure to make sure our infrastructure keeps pace with that growth. Few projects illustrate that better
than South Royle Road. Residents have been asking for improvements to this corridor for years, particularly safer routes for students walking and biking to school. We’ve completed the first two phases, and a third phase, connecting Hillhurst Road to Hay Field Circle, is planned for summer 2027. That means new sidewalks, lighting, improved utilities and a trail connection near Ridgefield High School.
We’ve already secured state grant funding and are pursuing additional outside dollars for the remaining improvements. Our goal is pretty straightforward: make this vital transportation corridor safer and more accessible while limiting the burden on local taxpayers.
Between shifting retail trends and rising operating costs, maintaining a balanced city budget while supporting local business is an ongoing challenge. What specific steps is your administration taking to attract and retain local businesses, and where do you see the greatest opportunity for commercial growth in your city?
MAYOR COLE:
One thing I’ve learned is that growth alone doesn’t create a thriving local economy. We have to be intentional about where we invest and how we support businesses. The commercial growth near I-5 is a tremendous opportunity. Those businesses generate sales tax revenue that helps support services and investments throughout Ridgefield, including our downtown. Making the most of that opportunity means investing in the success of our downtown, too.
That’s why we launched RISE, our downtown revitalization initiative, bringing together local businesses, Ridgefield Main Street, the Chamber of Commerce and residents to help shape downtown’s future. We’re also making it easier to do business here. Recent code updates passed by our Council reduce costs and barriers for small businesses.
Our vision isn’t one commercial district competing with another. It’s a strong regional shopping destination, thriving neighborhood businesses and a downtown that’s unmistakably Ridgefield.
Beyond roads and budgets, what do you consider your city’s greatest non- financial asset or strength today, and what is one emerging issue or concern facing your residents that you feel isn’t getting enough attention?
MAYOR COLE:
I’d put our city employees up against just about anyone. They are one of Ridgefield’s greatest strengths, and too often their work goes unnoticed. As Ridgefield grows, more people depend on City services, and the needs of our community continue to evolve. We want residents to be able to count on those services to be high-quality and community-focused, whether that means getting a question answered, maintaining our infrastructure or responding to community needs.
One of the biggest community needs for all of North Clark County is having spaces to gather, hold meetings and events, and recreate. For decades, North Clark County has needed and been promised a place to do that. We’re working to build the Ridgefield Community and Recreation Center to finally support those community connections.
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This is part of The Reflector's Community Leader Entries monthly series. For more information, read our message from James Doyle, Reflector Chief of Staff/Editor, here.
