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Monthly E-Newsletter / October 2025 |
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Happy October, everyone!
This monthly e-newsletter includes community feedback opportunities, family activities from Parks & Recreation and the library, construction project updates, and more. Please read on!
As a reminder for City utility customers, the October City Central newsletter is available to view or download at wallawallawa.gov/newsletter.
Bike licenses no longer required
In September, the Walla Walla City Council approved an ordinance that makes bicycle registration voluntary and free. Previously, city code required residents to register and pay a $5 fee for each bicycle they ride on the street. Although licensing is no longer mandatory, residents can choose to register their bikes with the Walla Walla Police Department, which can help recover lost or stolen bikes.
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 Town hall meeting to discuss Forest Service project
The City will host a town hall this month where residents will have the opportunity to share their questions and comments regarding the U.S. Forest Service's Tiger-Mill Project. The town hall will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 14 in the City Council chambers. Full details and a comment form are available at wallawallawa.gov/tiger-mill.
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 Park funding proposition will be on ballot
In September, the City Council approved a resolution that will place the Metropolitan Park District (MPD) proposition on the Feb. 10, 2026, ballot. City of Walla Walla voters will consider a $0.75/$1,000 assessed property value levy to fund the creation of an MPD that would provide dedicated funding to improve, expand, and maintain the City’s park system. Complete details are available on the City website.
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On Sept. 29, 25 City employees representing nine departments spent their lunch hours volunteering at the Blue Mountain Action Council Food Bank. Our team filled 2,146 bags as part of BMAC's Backpack Bridge program, which provides weekend meals for local students who might not have enough to eat. Thanks to these staff members for demonstrating the City's core values of Service and Community.
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The Fall Youth Soccer League began playing games in September and will continue through Oct. 18. This year, there are 1,052 youths from grades K-8 participating in the program. Visit the Recreation Catalog for information on upcoming recreation programs for residents of all ages, including drawing, soccer for littles, and an adult kickball tournament.
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The Walla Walla Public Library hosts a special event at 2:30 p.m. today (Oct. 1) in partnership with The Little Theatre of Walla Walla's production of "Shrek the Musical." Donkey will read "Shrek!" by William Steig, the book that inspired the films, then guide kids into a fun art activity. All artists who contribute their work will be entered in a drawing for free tickets to full musical performances beginning Oct. 24. Visit the library to create and contribute your art by Oct. 22. More information is available on The Little Theatre's website.
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On Sept. 20, the library hosted a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture where Picture Lab brought its Fiesta y Arte program with dancing and music, arts and crafts, and treats. Other family-friendly library events last month included a wire bookmark making workshop for middle- and high-school students, the ever-popular Mocktails and Mini Art, and storytimes for kiddos of various ages. Visit the library's calendar for all upcoming events for kids, families, teens, and adults — and follow WWPL on Facebook for the latest updates.
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In September, the City's CDBG Coordinator Lydia Caudill (second from left) was elected Vice President of the Northwest Association of Community Development Managers. NWACDM is a regional nonprofit that promotes collaboration for HUD-funded community development managers in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Lydia has been involved with the organization for four years, and is inspired by learning about the challenges other communities face and how they respond to bring safety, security, and joy to their low-income residents.
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Walla Walla Police Department staff attended wide-ranging in-service training in September. Topics covered included domestic violence protection orders, first-aid, and CPR. Thanks to staff from the City Attorney's office, WWPD's Crime Victim Services, and Walla Walla Fire Department's CARES Team for providing this valuable training.
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A group of 11 Walla Walla Fire Department personnel traveled to Colorado Springs last month to honor Engineer/Paramedic Ryan Pleasants as his name was placed on the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial wall. Located in the shadow of Pikes Peak, the Memorial honors the sacrifice made by International Association of Fire Fighters members who have given their lives in the line of duty. A solemn ceremony is held there every September.
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Visit GoWallaWalla.us for information on current, upcoming, and completed projects.
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Howard Street (pictured above): The contractor completed roadway paving and striping on Howard Street between Juniper Street and Bryant Avenue last week. The road will remain closed while the contractor works on signage, lighting, striping, landscaping, and other finishing touches.
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Sumach Street: Last week, crews began removing old curb and sidewalks along Sumach.
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Myra Road: Last Thursday, the contractor began the cement-amended soil process for Taumarson, Highland, and Myra roads. This process strengthens the soil, creating a durable and stable base for the roadways.
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Walla Walla Avenue: The Street Division began paving prep work on Walla Walla Avenue between Roosevelt and Wellington. Once this is completed, Walla Walla Avenue will be repaved.
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The City's Environmental Programs Coordinator, Dara Osborne (left), partnered with the Walla Walla County Regional Stormwater Group to install two pet waste stations at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds where a lot of pet waste is left. Proper pet waste management is important for stormwater systems because rainfall runoff can carry pet waste into storm drains, ditches, and streams, and ultimately into rivers, lakes, and marine waters.
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Human Resources staff members Elizabeth Hernandez and Julissa Virrey Soto represented the City at the Goodwill Employment Connection Center's Fall hiring event in September, along with more than 20 other employers. The career fair was a chance to connect with potential candidates and highlight the career opportunities the City has to offer. Current job openings include Emergency Services Dispatcher, Firefighter and Firefighter/Paramedic, Recreation Coordinator, Sports Officials, and more! For details and to apply, visit our Employment Portal.
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Upcoming Events
City Council Work Sessions
4-6 p.m. • Oct. 6 and 20 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
City Council Regular Meetings
6:30 p.m. • Oct. 8 and 22 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
CDBG Program and Application Workshop
9-10 a.m. • Oct. 8 • Walla Walla City Hall
A brief overview of the program and the application will be shared, followed by time for questions and answers. More info here.
Tiger-Mill Project Town Hall
5:30-7:30 p.m. • Oct. 14 • Walla Walla City Hall
Comprehensive Plan Update Project Open House
4:30-6:30 p.m. • Oct. 15 • Walla Walla Public Library
Learn more about the Comprehensive Plan project and share your ideas. Food, refreshments, and activities for children will be provided.
Community Nonprofit Featured Events
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Community Council's Digital Resource Fair: 4-7 p.m. on Oct. 16 at Walla Walla Community College. This free community event helps people connect with technology.
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Downtown Trick or Treat: 3-5 p.m. on Oct. 31 in downtown Walla Walla. Have your child dress up, bring their trick or treat bag and be ready to have some Spooktacular Halloween fun!
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