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Monthly E-Newsletter / February 2026 |
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 Happy February, everyone!
This monthly newsletter includes an opportunity to provide feedback, family recreation events, library programs for all ages, project updates, and more. Please read on!
As a reminder for City utility customers, this month's City Central newsletter is available to view or download at wallawallawa.gov/newsletter.
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 Opportunity for residents to provide feedback
The team working to update Walla Walla's comprehensive plan is inviting area residents to provide input by completing four mini polls, which are available in English and Spanish. The third poll opened today, seeking input on Walla Walla's economic development through the year 2046. Residents' participation in this process is essential, as it ensures the vision and goals of the Walla Walla community are accurately reflected in the updated comprehensive plan.
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A group of four City of Walla Walla representatives made their annual legislative visit to Olympia in late January: Councilmembers Jeffrey Robinson (left) and Rick Eskil (center), City Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain (second from right), and Public Works Director Ki Bealey (right). (They're pictured here with the City's legislative lobbyist, Mara Machulsky.) Over two days, the group had 24 meetings with legislators to discuss the City’s state priorities, including US 12 Phase 8, rural healthcare, housing, protecting the Mill Creek Watershed from wildfire, and more. Meetings included 16th District legislators Sen. Perry Dozier, Rep. Skyler Rude, and Rep. Mark Klicker.
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Youth Indoor Soccer League kicked off in January with 375 youths, grades K-8, participating. Registration is currently open for a couple of popular events: the Feb. 18 Mother-Son Superhero Bash and the March 14 Father-Daughter Ball. Visit the Recreation Catalog to register and for information on the other recreation programs coming up for residents of all ages.
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The City's Facilities Maintenance team has been working hard on the renovation of the Parks and Recreation Office/ Pro Shop/Cafe at Veterans Memorial Golf Course. Isn't it looking great?
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A new drop box for utility payments is now available, conveniently located in the alley driveway between Walla Walla City Hall and Walla Walla Title Company. Customers can drive up and drop off a utility payment without getting out of their vehicle, making the process quicker, easier, and more secure. The existing utility payment drop box on 3rd Avenue next to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers building will officially close on April 30, 2026.
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January programs at the Walla Walla Public Library included a string quartet appearance as part of the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival, Lego Day (shown here), All-ages Reflection Journaling, a Writers Group, Wacky Watercolors, and many more fun, family-friendly activities. 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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The Campaign to Revitalize the Walla Walla Public Library is an exciting renovation project that will transform the library into a vibrant, modern, and inclusive space for all. The library's interior is being reimagined and redesigned to bring the building into the 21st Century, with new programming space, modern technology, and functionality that accommodates the many ways that the library serves as a gathering place.
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In January, the contractor on the Myra Road South Extension project began work around the Myra Road/SR-125 intersection. The south side of the roundabout at Myra/125 is being built first. Once that section is complete, traffic will be shifted to navigate the partially built roundabout while the north side of the roadway is demolished and rebuilt. This week, the contractor continues utility adjustments, including electrical work.
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At the Jan. 21 City Council meeting, the contract to construct the Hobson–Division–Madison IRRP Project was awarded to Culbert Construction, Inc. The project will replace leaking steel water lines, install a new sewer main, and storm infrastructure. The full roadway will be reconstructed within the project limits, including curb, gutter, much of the sidewalk, and driveway approaches. Visit GoWallaWalla.us for information on current, upcoming, and completed projects.
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Walla Walla Police Department recently received new mini ballistic shields, which will be placed into the front-line vehicles to keep officers safe. These are tools that are necessary when responding to active shooter situations, helping to protect officers as they enter to deal with the threat. Shown here, WWPD Capt. Kevin Bayne demonstrates how a shield is held.
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WWPD's 2026 Citizens Academy kicked off in January. The program offers community members an inside look at local law enforcement operations and the criminal justice system, and is designed to build stronger community connections and open dialogue.
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Jan. 7 was the two-year anniversary of the passing of Walla Walla Fire Department Engineer/Paramedic Ryan Pleasants. Members of the department and their families gathered at Fire Station 2 to dedicate a patio space as a memorial to Ryan, including a garden bed and gas fire pit. WWFD looks forward to many more gatherings at the memorial patio where they can continue to honor Ryan and his family.
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The City is currently hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions, including Fleet Technician, Grounds Maintenance Worker, Dispatcher, Police Officers, Firefighters/Paramedics, and more. For details and to apply, visit the City's employment portal.
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Upcoming Events
City Council Work Sessions
4-6 p.m. • Feb. 9 and 23 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
City Council Regular Meetings
6:30 p.m. • Feb. 11 and 25 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
Presidents' Day Holiday Closure
Monday, Feb. 16
City facilities and offices will be closed in observance of the holiday.
Community Nonprofit Featured Events
- Parent Night at Comprehensive Healthcare: 5:30-7:15 p.m. on Feb. 11. Meet other parents, get parenting tips, and learn practical skills. Register online here.
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