Vote For Derek Thompson 2025

My Bio

Candidate Bio: Derek O. Thompson for Vancouver City Council

Campaign Slogan: When the Citizens Thrive, the City Thrives as Well.

For the past 13 years, Vancouver has been my cherished home. I’ve witnessed its transformation from a close-knit town into a vibrant city, and I am running for City Council to ensure our growth is guided by thoughtful, compassionate leadership that serves every resident. My belief is simple: when the citizens thrive, the city thrives as well.

My journey in Vancouver began as a cosmetologist, a profession that taught me the power of connection and encouragement. This led me to found HANDS of Favor in 2013, a non-profit dedicated to serving our most vulnerable. For seven years, we provided free haircuts and grooming services to the homeless and underserved, building partnerships with 24 organizations across four counties, including Open House Ministries and Project Homeless Connect. Through this work, I had the privilege of listening to countless stories and directly touching the lives of over 20,000 people. This experience gave me a deep, first-hand understanding of the challenges facing our community.

I am running for City Council because my practical experience and compassionate approach are what Vancouver needs now. My priorities are focused on the well-being of all our citizens:

1. Ending Homelessness with Sustainable Solutions: I have seen firsthand that temporary fixes are not enough. I will champion evidence-based, compassionate solutions and advocate for responsible funding to help individuals reintegrate into our community.
2. Strengthening Public Safety and Community Trust: Vancouver residents deserve to feel safe. I will be a strong advocate for a fully funded police force, while also supporting comprehensive mental health and addiction services to foster positive relationships and guide people back to productive lives.
3. Addressing Our Mental Health Crisis: We have a burgeoning mental health problem that must be addressed and fixed. I will work with local health organizations and community partners to expand access to affordable mental healthcare, ensuring our residents have the support they need to thrive.
4. Supporting Our Veterans: It is our duty to support the men and women who have served our country. I am committed to developing innovative solutions to ensure our veterans receive the assistance they need and deserve.
5. Cultivating Educational Excellence: A strong city is built on a strong educational foundation. I will work collaboratively with our schools and parents to ensure safe and nurturing learning environments that produce responsible students.
6. Fostering Responsible Growth: We must manage our city's growth with foresight and equity. I will work to invest in infrastructure, protect our green spaces, champion small businesses, and address the critical need for affordable and sustainable housing.

My time with HANDS of Favor taught me the power of collaboration and unwavering dedication. I am prepared to work diligently with my fellow council members, city staff, and, most importantly, the residents of Vancouver, to bring about tangible, positive change.

I humbly ask for your trust and your vote for Vancouver City Council. Together, we can build a safer, more compassionate, and more prosperous Vancouver for all.

My Key Issues