Vancouver is situated on the north bank of the Columbia River directly across from Portland, Oregon. The Pacific Coast is less than 90 miles to the west and the Cascade Mountain Range rises on the east. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and Mt. Hood are less than two hours away while the spectacular Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area lies 30 minutes to the east. A vibrant, growing city, Vancouver has an incorporated population of 200,000, a direct service population of nearly 300,000 (utilities and fire/EMS), and an urban growth area population of nearly 400,000.  The city is in a sustained period of significant growth and urbanization, adding more than 30,000 new residents in the last 10 years.  After 17 years of service with the city – 14 as City Manager - the current