Overnight Lane Closures Planned For South George Washington Way Intersection Project - 08/09/26

Drivers should expect overnight lane closures near the George Washington Way and Columbia Point Drive intersection beginning Tuesday, August 11, as crews install new roadway signs associated with the South George Washington Way Intersection Improvements Project.

Work is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Tuesday and continue until approximately 5 a.m. Wednesday, August 12. Crews will install cantilever signs on Columbia Point Drive east of the WinCo driveway entrance and on George Washington Way north of Benham Street.

Crews will also install the Welcome to Richland sign on northbound George Washington Way, south of the Columbia Point Drive intersection, using the existing WSDOT sign bridge.

The work will require temporary lane closures on:

• Eastbound Columbia Point Drive
• Southbound George Washington Way
• Northbound George Washington Way south of the Columbia Point Drive intersection

At least one lane of traffic will remain open in each affected direction during the work.

If crews are unable to complete all sign installation Tuesday night, work will resume at 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 12.

This is expected to be the last major traffic disruption associated with the South George Washington Way Intersection Improvements Project.

Drivers should use caution through the work zone, watch for crews and equipment, and follow all posted traffic control.

More information about City construction projects can be found at richlandwa.gov/SouthGWay.

Horn Rapids Road Closure And Detour To Shift August 10 (Photo) - 08/07/26

The City of Richland is advising drivers of an upcoming change to the Horn Rapids Road closure and detour associated with the North Horn Rapids Sewer Extension Project.

Beginning mid-morning Monday, August 10, the contractor will shift the current traffic routing on Horn Rapids Road. The mid-morning transition will allow Framatome employees arriving for the morning shift to use the existing route. Employees leaving later that day will need to use the new route via Kingsgate Way, which will also be the access route beginning Tuesday morning.

Once the traffic shift is in place:

• Horn Rapids Road between Kingsgate Way and the Framatome main entrance will reopen to traffic.
• Horn Rapids Road between the Framatome main entrance and Stevens Drive will close.
• Access to Framatome will be available only from the west via Kingsgate Way.
• Battelle Boulevard will serve as the designated detour route.

The new traffic configuration is expected to remain in place through mid-October while construction continues.

Drivers traveling through the area should follow posted detour signs, allow additional travel time, and use caution around construction crews and equipment.

The North Horn Rapids Sewer Extension Project will extend sanitary sewer infrastructure to support current and future development in the Horn Rapids area.

The City appreciates the public’s patience as this important infrastructure work continues.

More information can be found at richlandwa.gov/Projects.

City Of Richland Postpones National Night Out & City Fair Due To Air Quality Concerns - 08/03/26

The City of Richland has postponed the National Night Out & City Fair, scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, due to forecasted unhealthy air quality resulting from smoke from surrounding wildfires across the Pacific Northwest. 

Out of an abundance of caution, City leadership, in consultation with surrounding jurisdictions, and with information provided by the WA State Department of Ecology and the Benton Clean Air Agency, determined that postponing the event is the best decision to protect the health and safety of community members, volunteers, vendors, public safety personnel, and City staff. 

The City has rescheduled National Night Out & City Fair for Thursday, August 20, 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Howard Amon Park.   

National Night Out & City Fair is one of Richland's signature community events, bringing together thousands of residents, families, and public safety partners for an evening focused on neighborhood connections, public safety, and community engagement. With current air quality conditions expected to create unhealthy outdoor conditions, the City believes postponement is the most responsible course of action. 

"We know many families, community partners, sponsors, and staff have been looking forward to this event," said City Manager Jon Amundson. "While we are disappointed to postpone, the health and safety of our community must come first. We appreciate everyone's understanding and look forward to bringing the community together as soon as conditions allow." 

The City of Richland appreciates the support of its many sponsors, community organizations, volunteers, and public safety partners whose contributions make this event possible each year. 

For updates, visit RichlandWA.gov/NNO. 

Overnight Closure Planned For Steptoe Street As Intersection Project Nears Completion - 08/03/26

Drivers should plan for an overnight closure of Steptoe Street between Canyon Street and the Columbia Park Trail/WSDOT roundabout on Friday, August 7, from 7:00 p.m. to Saturday, August 8, at 7:00 a.m.

The closure is necessary to allow crews to complete work associated with the reconstruction and realignment of the Steptoe Street and Tapteal Drive intersection.

During the closure, Steptoe Street will be closed to through traffic between Canyon Street and the roundabout. Drivers should follow posted detour routes and allow extra travel time.

This work marks another significant milestone in the project, which is expected to continue through mid-August. Once complete, the improvements will enhance traffic flow, safety, and infrastructure in one of Richland's busiest transportation corridors.

The City appreciates the public's patience as crews work to complete the project safely and efficiently.

For more information regarding this project, visit richlandwa.gov/SteptoeTapteal

Big Bro Joe Foundation And Richland Police Partner For Back-to-School Kick-Off Event - 07/29/26

The Big Bro Joe Foundation, in partnership with the Richland Police Department and Richland Police Foundation, invites Tri-Cities families to celebrate the start of a new school year at a free Back-to-School Kick-Off Event on Saturday, August 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fran Rish Stadium in Richland.

The event will bring local families, first responders and community organizations together for a morning of activities, resources, and opportunities to connect. Attendees can meet local first responders, participate in games and family-friendly activities, enjoy music, and learn more about resources available throughout the community.

Activities will include:

Giveaways
Punt, Pass and Kick field events
Music and games
Family activities
Community resource booths
Opportunities to meet local first responders

The event is designed to help young people begin the school year feeling encouraged and supported while strengthening relationships between families, first responders and community partners.

The Back-to-School Kick-Off Event is free and open to the public.

To participate in the Punt, Pass and Kick field events, participants can register at https://bigbrojoe.org/back-to-school-kick-off-event/

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Fran Rish Stadium, Richland, Washington

Cost: Free

Families are encouraged to attend and help kick off the new school year with an afternoon of community, connection, and fun.

Richland To Host Annual National Night Out And City Fair On August 4 (Photo) - 07/27/26

The City of Richland invites residents of all ages to join in the fun at the annual National Night Out and City Fair, held Tuesday, August 4, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Howard Amon Park, near the Fingernail Stage.

This free, family-friendly event is part of the nationwide National Night Out campaign—a community-building initiative that promotes partnerships between law enforcement and neighbors to make our communities safer, more caring places to live.

Richland’s event will bring together police, fire, emergency services, and a variety of City departments for an evening of activities, demonstrations, and opportunities to connect. Attendees can explore exhibits, speak with City representatives, and learn about public services and resources available throughout the community.

Highlights include:

Opening Ceremony at 5:00 p.m. on the Fingernail Stage
Free corndogs for the first 500 guests compliments of GESA Credit Union and the City of Richland.
Live DJ and demonstrations every 15 minutes on the Fingernail Stage:

5:15PM – Drone Demonstration
5:30PM – Bomb Robot Demonstration
5:45PM – Meet K-9 Cody
6:00PM – Fire Gear Display
6:15PM – AI Call System Demonstration
6:30PM - HeartSafe Hands-only CPR
6:45PM – Meet K-9 Cody
7:00PM - Go-Team Therapy Dogs

Interactive booths, games, and giveaways for all ages
City Pass Challenge for children 12 and under with a chance to win one of several bicycles (Drawings will be held at 7:15 p.m. Must be present to win).
Food trucks and concessions available for purchase throughout the event

The Corndog Company of Eastern Washington
Sweet Snack Attack
Gabby’s Kettle Corn & Lemonade

To ensure a safe and walkable space, Lee Boulevard at Amon Park Drive will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event. Parking is available at the Richland Community Center, along the park.

Join us in celebrating community spirit and partnership with the people who serve and protect our neighborhoods every day. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information, visit richlandwa.gov/NNO.

The City Of Richland Seeks Interested Citizens For Board, Committee And Commission Vacancies - 07/20/26

The City currently has existing and forthcoming openings on seven (7) of its Boards, Committees, and Commissions (BCC):

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Citizens Review Committee

Economic Development Committee
Library Board
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Personnel Committee
Planning Commission
Utility Advisory Committee

**Below is a brief description of each BCC. **

Americans with Disabilities Act Citizens Review Committee

Created in response to federal legislation to provide fundamental due process for persons aggrieved by the implementation and/or administration of the Americans with Disabilities Act as it applies to the policies, procedures, equipment, and property of the City of Richland.

Economic Development Committee

Formulates economic goals, strategies, and policies for the City in a structured framework providing both time and measurement criteria and assesses existing economic development policies for the purpose of recommending modifications, as may be appropriate, to assure achievement of economic goals approved by City Council.

Library Board

Establishes basic policies for the operation of the Richland Public Library, which includes budgetary planning to provide library services to the community. The Library Trustees have the powers and duties provided under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

Reviews grant applications and makes recommendations to City Council regarding allocation of local lodging tax funds, and reviews and comments on any proposed imposition of lodging tax, increase in the rate of lodging tax, repeal of an exemption from lodging tax, or change in the use of revenue received from lodging tax.

Personnel Committee

Monitors the administration and grading of competitive examinations and hears appeals on any disciplinary action resulting in suspension, demotion, reduction in pay or termination, any alleged violation of the established personnel plan related specifically to hiring or promotional opportunities, and any challenge to the reasonableness of the appointing authority’s actions related to a reduction in force.

Planning Commission

Prepares a comprehensive plan for the orderly physical and social development of the City; holds public hearings and make recommendations regarding plats, plans for subdivisions, or dedications of land; prepares and recommend zoning regulations, amendments, extensions, or additions to regulations or plans for physical development; reviews federal requirements for the administration of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs and makes recommendations on program procedures; reviews CDBG grant applications and makes recommendations to City Council; serves as an advisory body to the City Council.

Utility Advisory Committee

The Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) serves as an advisory body to the City Council relative to policy and planning for the managing, financing and operation of the utilities owned and operated by the City of Richland.

This is a great opportunity to learn how your city operates and to help shape its future. 

For further details on these positions or to apply, visit https://www.richlandwa.gov/government/advisory-boards-commissions-and-committees/current-vacancies and scroll to the Current Vacancies page.

For more information, please contact:

Jennifer Rogers, City Clerk (509) 942-7389