In this episode of Evergreen Perspective, Ben Christly sits down with Vancouver City Councilor Kim Harless-Felix for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about what’s really happening inside local government — far beyond the headlines and social media arguments.

Kim reflects on her recent re-election, the rise of negative campaigning in local races, and what Vancouver voters signaled about big-money politics. But the discussion goes much deeper than campaigns. Together, Ben and Kim unpack the real drivers of affordability, from rising construction costs to income inequality, and explore how tools like the Affordable Housing Fund, MFTE, and permit-fee deferrals actually work on the ground.

They take a hard look at the city’s ethics framework, how vague policies can be weaponized, and why reform is needed to protect both public trust and good governance. Kim explains what people most often misunderstand about the role and limits of city council, why public comment genuinely matters, and how advocacy and governance require different hats — especially when tough compromises are on the table.

Other topics include:

• The tension between developers, neighborhood needs, and equitable growth
• Why the BIA and Realtors lean a certain political direction
• Prevailing wage, apprenticeships, and how Vancouver chooses contractors
• The myth of “local corruption” and why most conspiracy claims fall apart
• The hyper-partisan debate around the I-5 replacement bridge
• Navigating egos, expectations, and the “welcome to politics” moment
• Kim’s goals for her next term, including climate action, smart density, and pushing state leaders for economic solutions
• How residents can meaningfully influence decisions — and why showing up matters

This episode offers a grounded, transparent look at how city government actually functions, what stands in the way of progress, and how ordinary people can shape the future of Vancouver.

Evergreen Perspective continues its mission of bringing real conversations with real local leaders — conversations rooted in facts, community, and hope.

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