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1 month ago

Walla Walla Valley proponent updates College Place council on Sweet Onion Bikeway nomination A Walla Walla resident told College Place council the Walla Walla Valley Sweet Onion Bikeway scored 31.8 of 35 in Washington State Parks' Scenic Bikeway program and advanced to stage 2; if designated, the route could receive wayfinding signage funding through the Washington State Trails Association.

The Walla Walla Valley Sweet Onion Bikeway has scored a remarkable 31.8 out of 35, advancing to the next stage in the Scenic Bikeway program—could this be the scenic route our community has been waiting for?

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1 month ago

College Place council approves committee consolidations, salary update, code and meeting-time changes At its Feb. 24 meeting, the College Place City Council approved ordinances to dissolve two advisory boards into the Planning Commission, adopted a salary ordinance adding a police COLA and a Project Manager 2 position, updated the business-license threshold, accepted a $150,000 climate planning grant, and moved regular meetings to 6 p.m.

The College Place City Council is shaking things up with major administrative changes, including the repeal of two advisory boards and a new salary adjustment for police—what does this mean for the community?

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1 month ago

College Place commission reviews draft historic-preservation element, urges stronger language for archaeological resources Consultants from JUB Engineers presented a revised historic-preservation element for College Place's 2026 comprehensive plan; commissioners generally endorsed four preservation policies but urged clearer language on archaeological/buried resources, parks, inventory scope and local-history access. A CLG-funded district nomination remains on hold pending federal funding.

College Place is on the brink of a historic transformation, with plans to preserve its rich heritage while addressing vital archaeological concerns!

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1 month ago

College Place planning commission reviews comprehensive plan update and disputes county UGA recommendations The College Place Planning Commission reviewed draft goals and policies for the cityomprehensive plan, discussed housing, ADUs, utilities (including reclaimed-water red 'purple pipe' options) and raised objections to county staff recommendations that would limit the city istrict's requested UGA expansions.

The College Place Planning Commission is grappling with vital decisions on housing, urban growth areas, and innovative water solutions that could reshape the city's future.

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3 months ago

SR-125 detour driving traffic into College Place; council weighs enforcement and long-term fixes Council members raised congestion concerns after construction-related detours at SR-125 in Myra are routed through Commercial Drive and local streets; staff said the detour has been permitted and recommended a transportation work session to consider counts, enforcement and potential roundabout options.

Traffic chaos is looming in College Place as a detour from the SR-125 construction causes major backups on local streets!

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#CollegePlaceWallaWallaCounty #WA #UrbanPlanning #PublicSafety #CollegePlaceTraffic #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment

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3 months ago

City attorney reviews Washington Public Records Act with College Place council City attorney Eric Ferguson walked council members through training deadlines, the broad definition of public records in Washington, risks of mixing personal and official accounts, and retention requirements; staff offered to assist with certificates and record searches.

City Attorney Eric Ferguson laid down the law on the Washington Public Records Act, revealing crucial training deadlines and the serious risks of mixing personal and official communications.

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4 months ago

Council approves $1.01 million amendment for Reservoir 4 and transmission main work Council authorized a $1,010,000 amendment to JUB Engineers' contract—bringing the contract to $2,021,900—to fund final design and construction-phase services for Reservoir 4 and the transmission main, which is being delivered in three subprojects and includes cultural monitoring and 160 field observation days.

The College Place City Council just approved a $1.01 million boost for a vital infrastructure project that will enhance water delivery and support local development!

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4 months ago

College Place council adopts 2026–2031 capital facilities plan; large water, road and wastewater projects remain contingent on grant funding Council adopted the 2026–2031 capital facilities plan with a correction to Well Number 9 funding and also approved ordinances adopting equipment replacement and IT plans; council emphasized that many large projects depend on grants and low‑interest loans.

The College Place City Council just unveiled a bold $178 million capital facilities plan for the next six years, but the success of major projects hinges on securing essential grant funding.

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4 months ago

Council backs funding application for new well, authorizes design contracts for well rehab and roundabout After staff said Well 8 is not viable, council unanimously approved a resolution supporting a DWSRF loan application for a new municipal well (Well 9). Council also authorized a $577,892 RH2 design agreement for Well 3 rehabilitation and approved a contract amendment for roundabout design at East‑West Road and College Avenue.

College Place is making bold moves to secure its water future, redirecting efforts to a new well after Well 8 falls short—what's next for the city's infrastructure?

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4 months ago

College Place council approves 2026 property tax levy and recommends utility tax increases to shore up reserves City council approved a 2% increase in the 2026 property tax levy and staff recommended raising the utility tax from 10% to 13% (including stormwater) to bolster current‑expense reserves; officials said the average household would see roughly $6.58 per month in combined impacts.

The College Place City Council just approved a property tax levy increase and utility tax hike, promising to bolster city reserves with minimal impact on households—find out what this means for your wallet!

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5 months ago

College Place LTAC lowers reserve to 15% and recommends $81,600 in grants to City Council The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee voted to lower its reserve from 20% to 15% to free up about $4,800 in grant funds and approved a package of recommended awards totaling roughly $81,600 to present to the City Council for final approval. Key awards include $18,000 for the City Freedom Festival, $15,500 for Powerhouse Theater, $15,000 for Visit Wala

The College Place Lodging Tax Advisory Committee has approved a funding package of $81,600 for local events, while also reducing its reserve to increase available allocations—what does this mean for the community?

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5 months ago

College Place preliminary 2026 budget shows multi‑year drawdown; staff proposes utility taxes and modest rate increases Staff presented a preliminary 2026 budget that forecasts a multi‑year drawdown in several funds and proposed revenue measures including utility tax increases (10–13% scenarios), modest utility rate increases and a 2–3% property tax assumption to help stabilize reserves.

The College Place City Council faces a significant budget challenge with a projected $1.2 million decline over two years, prompting proposals for utility tax increases and rate hikes to stabilize reserves.

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5 months ago

College Place accepts 0% loan from state for Southeast Twelfth Street water design The City of College Place accepted a State Department of Health 0% interest loan for $500,000 plus a 2% loan fee ($10,000) to fund engineering, hydrogeologic assessment, permits and related costs for water improvements along Southeast Twelfth Street from College Avenue to Myra Road. Council authorized the public works director or designee to sign.

The City of College Place just secured a groundbreaking 0% interest loan of $500,000 to transform Southeast Twelfth Street, paving the way for essential water improvements!

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#CollegePlaceWallaWallaCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #SustainableDevelopment #PublicInfrastructure

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5 months ago

Council tables $180,000 Lions Park change order, approves $120,000 amendment for closeout work and begins operations planning City staff asked for an additional $180,000 to cover change order 11 on the Lions Park construction contract and also requested $120,000 to pay Anderson Perry for professional services related to closeout. The council voted to table the $180,000 change‑order funding until Nov. 12 but authorized the mayor to sign amendment No. 6 with Anderson Perry,

The College Place Council has put a $180,000 change order for Lions Park on hold while approving $120,000 for essential professional services, as discussions on the future community center heat up.

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5 months ago

College Place says Lions Park project over budget after $500,000 federal award withdrawn City finance staff told the parks board that Lions Park construction will finish over budget after a $500,000 federal arts endowment award was rescinded; the city borrowed from its TIF fund and plans to repay over three years, reducing near-term parks projects.

The Lions Park project in College Place has spiraled to nearly $7.4 million, leaving the city grappling with a significant budget shortfall after losing a crucial $500,000 federal grant.

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5 months ago

Council adopts state and federal legislative priorities, approves ordinance allowing city-owned off-road vehicles and confirms appointments At its Oct. 14 meeting the City of College Place City Council approved its 2026 state and federal legislative priority lists, adopted an ordinance allowing city-owned off-road vehicles and wheeled all-terrain vehicles to operate on public streets for emergency services and maintenance, and approved the consent agenda of appointments.

The College Place City Council just made major moves by adopting its 2026 legislative priorities and allowing city-owned off-road vehicles on public streets for emergency services!

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6 months ago

City Council Approves $54M Capital Facilities Plan for 2026 Infrastructure Projects Council outlines funding for wastewater, water, and community center projects over the next year.

The College Place Economic Development Commission is tackling budget challenges head-on, aiming to secure funding for a new police station and exciting upcoming projects!

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6 months ago

College Place Economic Development Commission Initiates Comprehensive Plan Update and Halloween Festivities Commission discusses comprehensive plan update, Halloween event, and capital facilities planning details.

The College Place Economic Development Commission is gearing up to unveil exciting plans for Halloween festivities while tackling crucial updates that will shape the community's future!

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6 months ago

City Council Plans $8M Water Tower Project and Community Engagement for 250th Anniversary Council outlines water projects funding and community initiatives for the 250th anniversary celebration.

College Place is investing $8 million in a new water tower and exciting community initiatives to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence!

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8 months ago

Walla Walla Voters Face Proposition 1 Sales Tax for 911 Center Funding Proposition 1 proposes a sales tax to finance the aging 911 dispatch infrastructure.

College Place voters will soon decide on a crucial 0.2% sales tax to fund the aging 911 dispatch center—will you support the future of emergency services in our community?

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9 months ago

City Council meeting canceled due to lack of quorum reschedules for July 22 City Council fails to convene as quorum is not met, reschedules for July 22.

The City Council meeting in College Place, WA, was abruptly canceled for lack of quorum, delaying key discussions on transportation improvements until July 22.

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9 months ago

CETA team commended for enhancing funding and economic strategies CETA receives praise for refining strategies to optimize funding opportunities and community support.

The College Place City Council is taking bold steps to boost local economic growth and community engagement through innovative strategies with the Community Economic Development and Tourism Agency.

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9 months ago

College Place City Council welcomes interim administrator Michael Mathias during workshop Council introduces interim city administrator Michael Mathias at workshop with no public comments.

The City of College Place has welcomed new interim city administrator Michael Mathias, but can the community step up to engage in this pivotal moment for their leadership?

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9 months ago

Mayor initiates live streaming for council meeting in 2025 Mayor confirms live streaming and recording setup for council meeting at 5:31 PM.

The recent City Council Workshop in College Place isn’t just another meeting; it’s a groundbreaking step towards transparency and community engagement that could redefine local governance!

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9 months ago

College Place outlines economic development strategy focusing on diverse businesses and downtown revitalization City leaders present five foundational goals to enhance economic growth and community collaboration.

College Place is gearing up for a vibrant future with a bold economic development strategy that balances growth and charm—get ready for exciting changes!

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9 months ago

New City Manager Shirley Mathias praises Des Moines staff during town meeting Shirley Mathias acknowledges Des Moines staff's dedication and complex infrastructure challenges.

Shirley Mathias, the new interim city manager of College Place, is ready to lead the charge towards sustainable growth, backed by a dedicated team and ambitious plans for the future.

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9 months ago

Saldanha presents comprehensive economic development strategy to College Place City Council Council reviews comprehensive strategy essential for federal funding eligibility and economic growth.

College Place is gearing up for a transformative future with a new economic development strategy that promises to reshape its identity and unlock federal funding!

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9 months ago

College Place leaders celebrate Mike's nine years of impactful community service Council members commend Mike's leadership and numerous contributions to College Place during farewell.

After nearly a decade of transformative leadership, Mike's departure from College Place leaves behind a legacy of over $100 million in community enhancements and a thriving local economy.

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#CollegePlaceWallaWallaCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #CulturalLandscape #CommunityVibrancy

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9 months ago

City announces infrastructure upgrades funded by state grants and new sidewalk projects City plans extensive public works upgrades including sidewalks and wastewater improvements funded by grants.

Exciting changes are on the horizon for College Place, with major infrastructure upgrades and new community services aimed at creating a more vibrant and connected city!

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10 months ago

Mayor discusses bus shelter needs amid rising heat in College Place Mayor highlights insufficient bus shelter provisions for public safety and wellness during heatwaves.

As temperatures soar, College Place officials are wrestling with the urgent need for bus shelters to protect vulnerable residents from the heat while waiting for public transit.

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