With only one more day to go in 2023, it’s time to look ahead to 2024. Here are few things we expect to be in — and out — in the coming year.
In: Bridges. Although final design and height are to be determined, the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program is moving steadily ahead. About two-thirds of the project has been funded by state and federal grants and tolls.
Out: Tunnels. Although some armchair engineers still harrumph, leadership has solidified on a replacement bridge to carry Interstate 5 between Vancouver and Portland.
In: More land for housing.
Out: More land for manufacturing.
In: Green initiatives and looking at transportation through an equity lens.
Out: Fixing the potholes and rough spots on Interstate 5 and city streets.
In: Brinksmanship. The year ends with Congress unable to work together on matters of national importance (the budget) and worldwide importance (Ukraine).
Out: Statesmanship. Forbes recently reported political polarization is at an all-time high in the United States, which does not bode well for next year’s election cycle.
In: Main Street construction. In 2024, Vancouver plans to begin fulfilling its Main Street Promise, a two-year, $21 million rebuild of 10 blocks between West Fifth and West 15th streets. The goal is to make Main safer, more accessible and better connected.
Out: Waterfront Vancouver construction. Tower cranes are coming down for the simple reason that most of the 21 new city blocks have been developed. Development will next radiate to the north, near City Hall, and to the east, near Who-Song & Larry’s.
In: VanCooler.
Out: Vancooter; Vantucky.
In: Chain restaurants. Salt & Straw, Raising Cane’s, and, allegedly, In-N-Out Burger, are coming to Clark County next year. For those who eat at home, Trader Joe’s is expected to open in Salmon Creek by spring.
Out: Diners. In Clark County, Denny’s is long gone, IHOP is down to one location and Shari’s has thinned its ranks.
In: Renting houses, at least until mortgage rates fall.
Out: Flipping houses, at least until mortgage rates fall.
In: Streaming.
Out: Cable. Except for baby boomers.
In: Hot, smoky Augusts and Septembers. Although 2023 wasn’t a bad year for Washington wildfires, the Jenny Creek Fire put a scare into residents in the vicinity of La Center. Smoke from Canadian fires repeatedly made our air unhealthy. Current lack of snow and predictions of a strong El Nino winter are already raising concerns about the 2024 wildfire season.
Out: Snow days. Schoolchildren are just wasting their time hoping for an extra week of winter break.
In: Ridgefield.
Out: Gresham, Ore.
In: Amtrak Cascades. The intercity rail service recently launched additional daily trains between Portland and Seattle (the service corridor actually stretches all the way from Eugene, Ore., to Vancouver, B.C.) And six new “Airo” trainsets are on order to replace the 20th-century cars currently in service.
Out: Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad. The freight operator of the county-owned railroad line to Chelatchie Prairie continues to draw public criticism and recently received a federal stop-work order after it began expanding its Chelatchie rail yard without permits. The railroad has said it is operating responsibly.
