Just north of Portland, Oregon across the Columbia River, Clark County and its biggest city, Vancouver, are witnessing a rapid growth and revitalization making Clark County the fastest growing area in the state of Washington. Its close proximity to the city of Portland once cast a shadow on the former sleepy town of Vancouver, commonly even referred to as a Portland suburb.  Not any more.  This burgeoning city has fast become a metropolitan destination in its own right for visitors and meeting planners alike. 

The City of Vancouver, in partnership with private investors, have put over $200 Million into redevelopment efforts with four new mixed use buildings adding new housing, retail, and office space as well as a new hotel and convention center.  All these projects surround the also newly revitalized Esther Short Park, a four-square-block park in the heart of downtown, transforming it into a public gathering spot reminiscent of old-time town squares.

The infrastructure boost is coupled with a population influx putting the Vancouver metro region population at roughly 250,000, about one-sixth the size of neighboring Portland’s population.  Clark County has better funding and support for its schools than Portland and no income tax.  Not to mention residential real estate is more affordable, the traffic is less congested, and there is more available land for business growth. 

The recent addition of two new facilities, the Clark County Exhibition Hall, boasting 100,000 square feet of exhibition space, and the Vancouver Convention Center with 30,000 square feet of meeting space, have also helped to draw tourism and convention business to the area.  Meeting and event planners find Vancouver a great alternative to Portland.  Leisure visitors now make Vancouver their destination and consider Portland a side trip, rather than the other way around. In 2005, the travel industry brought $329 Million in direct travel spending to Clark County, $24 Million in State and local taxes, while travel related jobs accounted for another $88 Million in economic gain.

Vancouver may be growing, but they haven’t lost ties to their heritage.  Visitors are often surprised at the depth and magnitude of cultural diversity in the area.  There is live theater, night clubs featuring the best of local music, art galleries, classical concerts including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and outdoor festivals.  The recent growth has also given rise to an assortment of great restaurants and boutique shops, and the area’s rich history is showcased in the many historic attractions and museums.