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News Release

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 

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 

Update - Highlighted Below: City Of Richland Announces Leslie Road Closure For Microsurfacing Work - 07/16/26

Microsurfacing work will begin Friday, July 17, as part of the City of Richland’s 2026 Pavement Preservation Program.

 

The contractor, Intermountain Slurry Seal, will begin with a required test area on Jericho Court in the late afternoon. Work will then move to Leslie Road beginning at 8 p.m.

 

Leslie Road will be fully closed from Columbia Park Trail south to Gage Blvd. according to the following schedule:

 

• Columbia Park Trail to Timmerman Drive from 8 p.m. to midnight, Friday, July 17
• Timmerman Drive to Gage Boulevard from 11:00 p.m. to approximately 8:00 a.m., Saturday, July 18

 

Detours will be in place. Canyon Street will remain open for traffic crossing Leslie Road, but motorists will not be able to turn onto Leslie Road.

 

The full closure will provide a safer work area and allow the contractor to complete a higher-quality pavement treatment. Night work was selected because of traffic volumes on Leslie Road and nearby businesses at the Gage Boulevard intersection.

 

Reader boards will be placed in advance of the closure. Drivers should expect detours, side street closures, reduced speeds, and delays.

 

Microsurfacing work will resume during daytime hours beginning Monday, July 20 through Wednesday, July 22.

 

A schedule map and additional project information are available at richlandwa.gov/ppp.

Update - Highlighted Below: City Of Richland Announces Leslie Road Closure For Microsurfacing Work - 07/16/26

Microsurfacing work will begin Friday, July 17, as part of the City of Richland’s 2026 Pavement Preservation Program.

 

The contractor, Intermountain Slurry Seal, will begin with a required test area on Jericho Court in the late afternoon. Work will then move to Leslie Road beginning at 8 p.m.

 

Leslie Road will be fully closed from Columbia Park Trail south to Gage Blvd. according to the following schedule:

 

• Columbia Park Trail to Timmerman Drive from 8 p.m. to midnight, Friday, July 17
• Timmerman Drive to Gage Boulevard from 11:00 p.m. to approximately 8:00 a.m., Saturday, July 18

 

Detours will be in place. Canyon Street will remain open for traffic crossing Leslie Road, but motorists will not be able to turn onto Leslie Road.

 

The full closure will provide a safer work area and allow the contractor to complete a higher-quality pavement treatment. Night work was selected because of traffic volumes on Leslie Road and nearby businesses at the Gage Boulevard intersection.

 

Reader boards will be placed in advance of the closure. Drivers should expect detours, side street closures, reduced speeds, and delays.

 

Microsurfacing work will resume during daytime hours beginning Monday, July 20 through Wednesday, July 22.

 

A schedule map and additional project information are available at richlandwa.gov/ppp.

CITY OF RICHLAND LAUNCHES 2026 NATIONAL COMMUNITY SURVEY - 07/15/26

The City of Richland is launching its 2026 National Community Survey and is asking residents to share their perspectives on the community, City services and priorities for the future.

 

Beginning this month, randomly selected Richland households will receive a postcard in the mail inviting them to participate in the survey. Residents who receive an invitation are encouraged to follow the instructions provided and complete the survey.

 

The City conducts the National Community Survey every two years, with previous surveys completed in 2022 and 2024. The 2026 survey will allow the City to continue tracking trends over time and better understand residents’ perceptions of Richland’s quality of life and City services.

 

“Community feedback is an important part of how we evaluate our services and plan for the future,” said City Manager Jon Amundson. “By conducting this survey every two years, we can better understand where we are doing well, where residents see opportunities for improvement and how community priorities may be changing over time.”

 

The National Community Survey was developed by the National Research Center at Polco and is designed specifically for local governments. The survey gathers resident feedback on topics including the economy, mobility, community design, utilities, safety, the natural environment, parks and recreation, health and wellness, education, arts and culture, and community engagement. Results also allow Richland to compare its performance with communities across the country.

 

The initial survey uses a random sample of households to provide statistically reliable and representative feedback from the community. Residents who receive a postcard are strongly encouraged to participate.

 

Residents who are not selected for the initial survey will also have an opportunity to provide feedback. A community-wide online survey will open to all Richland residents later this summer.

 

“We want residents to know that if a survey invitation arrives in their mailbox, their participation is important,” Amundson said. “And if you are not selected for the initial survey, there will still be an opportunity for you to share your voice when the community-wide survey opens.”

 

Survey results will be compiled and shared with the community following completion of the process. The City will use the findings to help evaluate services, identify community priorities, and inform future planning and decision-making.

 

Additional information about the 2026 National Community Survey, including details about the community-wide survey when it becomes available, will be posted at richlandwa.gov/CommunitySurvey.

CITY OF RICHLAND LAUNCHES 2026 NATIONAL COMMUNITY SURVEY - 07/15/26

The City of Richland is launching its 2026 National Community Survey and is asking residents to share their perspectives on the community, City services and priorities for the future.

 

Beginning this month, randomly selected Richland households will receive a postcard in the mail inviting them to participate in the survey. Residents who receive an invitation are encouraged to follow the instructions provided and complete the survey.

 

The City conducts the National Community Survey every two years, with previous surveys completed in 2022 and 2024. The 2026 survey will allow the City to continue tracking trends over time and better understand residents’ perceptions of Richland’s quality of life and City services.

 

“Community feedback is an important part of how we evaluate our services and plan for the future,” said City Manager Jon Amundson. “By conducting this survey every two years, we can better understand where we are doing well, where residents see opportunities for improvement and how community priorities may be changing over time.”

 

The National Community Survey was developed by the National Research Center at Polco and is designed specifically for local governments. The survey gathers resident feedback on topics including the economy, mobility, community design, utilities, safety, the natural environment, parks and recreation, health and wellness, education, arts and culture, and community engagement. Results also allow Richland to compare its performance with communities across the country.

 

The initial survey uses a random sample of households to provide statistically reliable and representative feedback from the community. Residents who receive a postcard are strongly encouraged to participate.

 

Residents who are not selected for the initial survey will also have an opportunity to provide feedback. A community-wide online survey will open to all Richland residents later this summer.

 

“We want residents to know that if a survey invitation arrives in their mailbox, their participation is important,” Amundson said. “And if you are not selected for the initial survey, there will still be an opportunity for you to share your voice when the community-wide survey opens.”

 

Survey results will be compiled and shared with the community following completion of the process. The City will use the findings to help evaluate services, identify community priorities, and inform future planning and decision-making.

 

Additional information about the 2026 National Community Survey, including details about the community-wide survey when it becomes available, will be posted at richlandwa.gov/CommunitySurvey.

City Of Richland Earns Prestigious GFOA Triple Crown Award For Excellence In Financial Reporting And Budgeting - 07/10/26

The City of Richland has once again been recognized for its outstanding financial management, earning the Government Finance Officers Association's (GFOA) Triple Crown Award for fiscal year 2024.

 

The Triple Crown Award is one of the highest honors in governmental finance, recognizing organizations that have successfully earned all three of GFOA's premier awards during the same fiscal year:

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

 

For fiscal year 2024, only 441 governments across North America received this distinguished recognition.

 

"This award reflects the City's ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds," said Jon Amundson, City Manager. "Our Finance team, led by Finance Director, Brandon Allen, works diligently to ensure our financial reporting and budgeting meet the highest professional standards while providing clear and meaningful information to our residents, City Council, and stakeholders."

 

Adding to this accomplishment, the City recently learned it also received GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2026 budget document, continuing Richland's long-standing tradition of excellence in financial planning and reporting.

 

The GFOA's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting recognizes governments that produce annual financial reports that go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles. The Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award honors governments that present financial information in a format that is accessible and understandable to the public. The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award recognizes budget documents that serve as effective policy, financial, operational, and communications tools.

 

"Our residents expect responsible financial management, and this recognition demonstrates our commitment to meeting that expectation," said Amundson. "These awards are a testament to the professionalism and expertise of our Finance Department and the City's dedication to sound fiscal practices."

 

The Government Finance Officers Association represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada and promotes excellence in government financial management through best practices, professional development, and recognition programs.

 

To view the current City budget visit richlandwa.gov/Budget.

City Of Richland Earns Prestigious GFOA Triple Crown Award For Excellence In Financial Reporting And Budgeting - 07/10/26

The City of Richland has once again been recognized for its outstanding financial management, earning the Government Finance Officers Association's (GFOA) Triple Crown Award for fiscal year 2024.

 

The Triple Crown Award is one of the highest honors in governmental finance, recognizing organizations that have successfully earned all three of GFOA's premier awards during the same fiscal year:

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

 

For fiscal year 2024, only 441 governments across North America received this distinguished recognition.

 

"This award reflects the City's ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds," said Jon Amundson, City Manager. "Our Finance team, led by Finance Director, Brandon Allen, works diligently to ensure our financial reporting and budgeting meet the highest professional standards while providing clear and meaningful information to our residents, City Council, and stakeholders."

 

Adding to this accomplishment, the City recently learned it also received GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2026 budget document, continuing Richland's long-standing tradition of excellence in financial planning and reporting.

 

The GFOA's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting recognizes governments that produce annual financial reports that go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles. The Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award honors governments that present financial information in a format that is accessible and understandable to the public. The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award recognizes budget documents that serve as effective policy, financial, operational, and communications tools.

 

"Our residents expect responsible financial management, and this recognition demonstrates our commitment to meeting that expectation," said Amundson. "These awards are a testament to the professionalism and expertise of our Finance Department and the City's dedication to sound fiscal practices."

 

The Government Finance Officers Association represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada and promotes excellence in government financial management through best practices, professional development, and recognition programs.

 

To view the current City budget visit richlandwa.gov/Budget.

Road Closures Planned For See3Slam Basketball Tournament (Photo) - 07/07/26

Motorists should plan for temporary road closures in downtown Richland this weekend as the ninth annual See3Slam 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament returns on Saturday and Sunday, July 11–12, 2026.

 

A section of George Washington Way will be closed beginning Friday, July 10, at 6:00 p.m. through Sunday, July 12, at 7:00 p.m. to accommodate tournament activities.

 

The closure will affect George Washington Way between Newton and Knight Streets. Local business access will remain available from Swift Boulevard to Newton Street. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes, follow posted detours, and use caution when traveling near the event area.

 

Event participants and spectators are encouraged to park in the public parking areas identified on the attached event parking map.

 

See3Slam is a community 3-on-3 basketball tournament for players of all ages, organized by the Tri-Cities Sunrise Rotary. Proceeds support local charities and help provide the gift of sight to those in need. The weekend also features food vendors, live entertainment, exhibition games, and center court competitions for the whole family.

 

For additional event information, visit www.see3slam.com.

Attached Media Files: EventMap.png,

Road Closures Planned For See3Slam Basketball Tournament (Photo) - 07/07/26

Motorists should plan for temporary road closures in downtown Richland this weekend as the ninth annual See3Slam 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament returns on Saturday and Sunday, July 11–12, 2026.

 

A section of George Washington Way will be closed beginning Friday, July 10, at 6:00 p.m. through Sunday, July 12, at 7:00 p.m. to accommodate tournament activities.

 

The closure will affect George Washington Way between Newton and Knight Streets. Local business access will remain available from Swift Boulevard to Newton Street. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes, follow posted detours, and use caution when traveling near the event area.

 

Event participants and spectators are encouraged to park in the public parking areas identified on the attached event parking map.

 

See3Slam is a community 3-on-3 basketball tournament for players of all ages, organized by the Tri-Cities Sunrise Rotary. Proceeds support local charities and help provide the gift of sight to those in need. The weekend also features food vendors, live entertainment, exhibition games, and center court competitions for the whole family.

 

For additional event information, visit www.see3slam.com.

Attached Media Files: EventMap.png,

Columbia Playfield Parking Lot Improvements Begin July 3 (George Prout Closed July 3-12) (Photo) - 07/01/26

Beginning July 3, 2026, the City of Richland will begin construction on the northern half of the Columbia Playfield parking lot as part of a project to improve safety, accessibility, and the overall condition of the facility.

 

The project includes full reconstruction of the existing pavement surface, stormwater drainage improvements, new parking lot striping, and the installation of parking lot lighting.

 

During construction, the northern section of the parking lot will be closed to the public. Access to the Columbia Playfields will remain available off Stevens Drive through the Mansfield Street entrance.

 

As part of the project, improvements to the ADA and maintenance access serving George Prout Pool will take place during the first two weeks of July. To safely accommodate this work, George Prout Pool will be closed to all users from July 3 through July 12. The pool is scheduled to reopen for public use on July 13.

 

The parking lot west of the pool will remain open throughout construction. Temporary ADA accommodations will be provided from the western section of the parking lot to maintain accessible access to the facility while work is underway. Additional parking will be available in the Columbia Playfield south parking lot and along Swift Blvd.

 

Construction of the northern parking lot is expected to be completed in early fall 2026. The northern parking lot will remain closed for the duration of the project. Residents and visitors are asked to obey all posted construction signs, barricades, and detours to help ensure the safety of both the public and construction crews.

 

The City appreciates the community's patience during construction as these improvements are completed.

Attached Media Files: ClosureMap.png,

Columbia Playfield Parking Lot Improvements Begin July 3 (George Prout Closed July 3-12) (Photo) - 07/01/26

Beginning July 3, 2026, the City of Richland will begin construction on the northern half of the Columbia Playfield parking lot as part of a project to improve safety, accessibility, and the overall condition of the facility.

 

The project includes full reconstruction of the existing pavement surface, stormwater drainage improvements, new parking lot striping, and the installation of parking lot lighting.

 

During construction, the northern section of the parking lot will be closed to the public. Access to the Columbia Playfields will remain available off Stevens Drive through the Mansfield Street entrance.

 

As part of the project, improvements to the ADA and maintenance access serving George Prout Pool will take place during the first two weeks of July. To safely accommodate this work, George Prout Pool will be closed to all users from July 3 through July 12. The pool is scheduled to reopen for public use on July 13.

 

The parking lot west of the pool will remain open throughout construction. Temporary ADA accommodations will be provided from the western section of the parking lot to maintain accessible access to the facility while work is underway. Additional parking will be available in the Columbia Playfield south parking lot and along Swift Blvd.

 

Construction of the northern parking lot is expected to be completed in early fall 2026. The northern parking lot will remain closed for the duration of the project. Residents and visitors are asked to obey all posted construction signs, barricades, and detours to help ensure the safety of both the public and construction crews.

 

The City appreciates the community's patience during construction as these improvements are completed.

Attached Media Files: ClosureMap.png,

City Of Richland Announces Independence Day Holiday Closures - 06/29/26

The City of Richland reminds residents that several City facilities will be closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

Friday, July 3 (Independence Day Observed)

  • Richland City Hall – Closed
  • Richland Public Library – Closed
  • Richland Community Center – Closed
  • George Prout Pool – Closed
  • Horn Rapids Landfill – Open
  • Curbside garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection – Regular schedule

 

Saturday, July 4 (Independence Day)

  • Richland Public Library – Closed
  • Richland Community Center – Closed
  • George Prout Pool - Closed
  • Horn Rapids Landfill – Closed

 

Sunday, July 5

  • Richland Public Library – Open
  • Richland Community Center – Open
  • George Prout Pool - Closed
  • Horn Rapids Landfill – Closed

Please note: George Prout Pool will be closed from July 3 – 12th to accommodate parking lot paving at Columbia Playfields.

 

All other City facilities will reopen during their regular business hours on Monday, July 6, 2026.

Emergency police, fire, and medical services will operate as normal throughout the holiday weekend. Residents should call 911 only for emergencies.

To report the illegal use of fireworks, residents are asked to call the non-emergency dispatch line at 509-628-0333. Using the non-emergency number for fireworks complaints helps keep 911 lines available for emergencies requiring an immediate response.

The City also encourages residents to celebrate responsibly by following local fireworks regulations and practicing safe handling. Before lighting fireworks, know the rules where you live, keep a water source nearby, and never leave fireworks unattended. Additional information about fireworks regulations and safety tips is available at richlandwa.gov/fireworks.

The City of Richland wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Independence Day weekend.

City Of Richland Announces Independence Day Holiday Closures - 06/29/26

The City of Richland reminds residents that several City facilities will be closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

Friday, July 3 (Independence Day Observed)

  • Richland City Hall – Closed
  • Richland Public Library – Closed
  • Richland Community Center – Closed
  • George Prout Pool – Closed
  • Horn Rapids Landfill – Open
  • Curbside garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection – Regular schedule

 

Saturday, July 4 (Independence Day)

  • Richland Public Library – Closed
  • Richland Community Center – Closed
  • George Prout Pool - Closed
  • Horn Rapids Landfill – Closed

 

Sunday, July 5

  • Richland Public Library – Open
  • Richland Community Center – Open
  • George Prout Pool - Closed
  • Horn Rapids Landfill – Closed

Please note: George Prout Pool will be closed from July 3 – 12th to accommodate parking lot paving at Columbia Playfields.

 

All other City facilities will reopen during their regular business hours on Monday, July 6, 2026.

Emergency police, fire, and medical services will operate as normal throughout the holiday weekend. Residents should call 911 only for emergencies.

To report the illegal use of fireworks, residents are asked to call the non-emergency dispatch line at 509-628-0333. Using the non-emergency number for fireworks complaints helps keep 911 lines available for emergencies requiring an immediate response.

The City also encourages residents to celebrate responsibly by following local fireworks regulations and practicing safe handling. Before lighting fireworks, know the rules where you live, keep a water source nearby, and never leave fireworks unattended. Additional information about fireworks regulations and safety tips is available at richlandwa.gov/fireworks.

The City of Richland wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Independence Day weekend.