Hello, Camasonians! It’s your friendly neighbor MysterThomas here, diving into what makes our community truly exceptional and how we can all work together to elevate Camas to the next level. Today, we’re talking about the vision having a AAA-rated community, the gold standard that represents excellence in facilities, services, and amenities that benefit everyone who calls Camas home. So grab a cup of your favorite coffee, and let’s imagine what a AAA rating could look like for our amazing town.

What Defines a Community Standard of AAA?

Achieving a AAA community standard means reaching the pinnacle of quality in all aspects of our town, the kind of quality that fosters inclusivity, well-being, and a sense of belonging for every resident. It’s about going beyond basic infrastructure and services to create a place where everyone, from young families to seniors, can enjoy the best in comfort, convenience, and opportunity.

A AAA rating doesn’t just happen overnight; it requires a collective vision and ongoing effort to provide residents with the finest facilities, services, and amenities. It means striving for quality in every area of community life—be it education, safety, health, leisure, or sustainability. Let’s explore what facilities and services would elevate Camas to this status.

Facilities, Services, and Amenities: Achieving AAA Excellence

1. Utilities & Infrastructure

• Reliable Power and Water: Achieving a AAA standard means consistently delivering clean water and reliable power to every household and business. Infrastructure upgrades ensure that power outages are minimized and our water supply is safe, efficient, and eco-friendly.
  • Do you have a business here in Camas, WA that provides these services?
• High-Speed Internet: Essential in today’s world, high-speed, affordable internet access for every resident and business ensures Camas stays connected and competitive. This means widespread fiber-optic availability and initiatives to close the digital divide.
  • Who are our service provider options? Who offers the cleanest pipe to the first connection across high frame networks?

2. Transportation

• Public Transportation: A robust and well-maintained public transportation system with eco-friendly buses and shuttles linking key parts of the town. Achieving AAA means offering accessible options for everyone, including the elderly and those with disabilities.
  • Learn more about the C-TRAN service.
• Pedestrian and Cycling Infrastructure: Expanding and maintaining safe sidewalks, trails, and dedicated bike lanes encourages healthy commuting and recreational options, making the town more walkable and less dependent on cars.
  • Are there new pathways that could be designed, expanded, or upgraded to improve inner-city connections between Camas, WA to Washougal, WA and Vancouver, WA?

3. Health & Well-Being

• Healthcare Facilities: To achieve AAA status, Camas needs comprehensive healthcare services that are easily accessible. This includes clinics, hospitals, mental health resources, and wellness centers to support the physical and mental well-being of every resident.
  • Can a for profit service be created for all Camasonians can pay a yearly fee for basic health care, year round?
• Parks and Recreation: Well-maintained parks, community gardens, sports facilities, and outdoor recreational spaces are crucial. A AAA community prioritizes access to green spaces, providing areas for exercise, relaxation, and gatherings.
  • What do we have now?
  • Are there any opportunities to improving the existing grounds?

4. Safety & Emergency Services

• Police, Fire, and Emergency Response: A AAA rating requires a highly trained, community-focused police department, alongside fire and emergency services that are both well-equipped and responsive. Safety must be a shared commitment, with proactive community engagement programs.
  • Mayor Steve Hogan has this well under control. He has been leading the conversation for the voice of Camas for a few years now and we’re grateful for his continued vision.
• Disaster Preparedness: Readiness for natural disasters or emergencies is key. AAA means having detailed plans and resources available, along with public education to ensure all residents know how to stay safe.
  • What are the natural disasters that all Camasonians face living here in Camas, WA?

5. Education & Cultural Services

• Top-Notch Schools: Education is the foundation of a thriving community. To reach a AAA standard, our schools must offer state-of-the-art facilities, diverse learning opportunities, and well-supported educators who can meet the needs of all students.
  • Chris Reykdal will have his work cut out for him with his leadership and vision for the incredible AAA standard that Camas, WA already experiences. There are many conversations he will look forward to having with us all.
• Libraries and Cultural Centers: A AAA community offers more than just books. Libraries become cultural hubs, providing learning programs, makerspaces, art exhibitions, and events for all ages, cultivating a lifelong love of knowledge.
  • Could our Libraries enable someone in the Camas community to operate a small boutique coffee shop working with coffee makers here in Camas, WA to provide a safe space for new people to meet and have a conversation?

6. Community & Social Services

• Community Centers: A thriving community center that serves as a meeting place for people of all ages helps foster social ties. Programs for kids, families, and seniors—whether it’s workshops, classes, or community dinners—create an inclusive environment.
  • What is the status of our community center?
• Support Services: Accessibility to services that support vulnerable residents, including housing assistance, food banks, and counseling, is crucial. A AAA rating means no one in our community is left behind, and everyone has access to essential resources.
  • Who are the counselors of Camas, WA?

7. Sustainability & Environment

• Green Initiatives: From recycling programs to renewable energy projects and sustainable building practices, achieving AAA means keeping environmental sustainability at the core of community planning. This includes clean energy incentives, waste reduction programs, and the preservation of our beautiful natural surroundings.
  • Assess our current infrastructure that provides services for the residence of Camas, WA.
• Urban Farming and Gardens: Community gardens and urban farming initiatives encourage local food production and foster a sense of connection to the land and each other. A AAA rating means integrating these spaces across neighborhoods, ensuring everyone has access to fresh, healthy produce.
  • What farms do we have here in Camas, WA? What opportunities could be cultivated to elevate our existing farmers to provide AAA quality goods? Are there any farms willing to consider a co-op lifestyle?

Subcategories to Explore for a AAA Rating

Achieving a AAA standard means exploring opportunities that go beyond the essentials. Here are a few exciting areas where Camas can push boundaries:

• Digital Services & Smart City Initiatives: Offering cutting-edge digital services to residents, including apps for accessing municipal information, community alerts, smart parking, and a seamless way to interact with local government.
• Arts and Entertainment: Creating an arts district or supporting local artists with public art installations and community events can boost culture and foster creativity. Street festivals, performances, and maker spaces all help weave arts into the fabric of the town.
  • Everyone in the Camas, WA Arts community has AAA nailed with their collective and incredible vision. There are so many shops, crafters, and creators to celebrate and embrace throughout our city. You have to visit RedDoor Gallery during First Friday’s. Heidi, Liz, and Tamra casts a charming spell when it comes to celebrating AAA artists of Camas, WA.
• Local Business Support: A AAA community is one where small town, local businesses can thrive. Providing grants, support for startups, coworking spaces, and networking opportunities would help create a vibrant local economy, enriching the Camas experience.
  • The Downtown Camas Association has this nailed. Every month they all bring their AAA game and the helpful volunteers of Camas, WA bring their energy together to help put on an amazing start of the month experience during their First Friday celebrations. Being able to create an application that can engage everyone in Camas, WA to know about this historic part of Camas, WA.
• Community Engagement: Establishing channels for residents to participate in decision-making processes—through town halls, feedback apps, or committees—ensures that every voice is heard. It’s about fostering an active, engaged citizenry.
  • We need to have a platform developed to enable every Camasonian to have a conversation. We ask for 15 minutes of someone’s time to ask a question and to have a conversation.
  • Everyone’s voice should be encouraged to voice your own AAA need for each and everyone of us in Camas, WA.
  • Communities could be created from our community to allow the ability to have a focused conversation. We all have a voice in our community. This platform needs to be able to engage everyone.
    • By paying for the $60 year roadways subscription service, you will be able to speak freely here and have your voice be heard when it comes to all things AAA rating Camas living.

Moving Forward Together

Achieving a AAA rating for Camas is not just about having great infrastructure and services; it’s about cultivating a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable community. This vision will require everyone, from local businesses and government officials to every single resident, to play their part.

Let’s take this journey together, building a Camas that’s not only a wonderful place to live today but an even better place for future generations. Share your ideas, get involved in community discussions, and be part of shaping what a AAA Camas looks like for you and your neighbors.