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Monthly E-Newsletter / September 2025 |
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Happy September, everyone!
This month's e-newsletter includes news about new City software, recent and upcoming programs for local families, Fire and Police crews' activities in the community, progress on construction projects, street closures, job opportunities, and more. Please read on!
As a reminder for City utility customers, this month's City Central newsletter is available for viewing or downloading at wallawallawa.gov/newsletter.
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New software rolled out
In August, City staff began using two new software platforms to help us better serve residents. First, we now have the ability to send out news and updates as text messages in addition to emails, using GovDelivery. Residents can subscribe to any of our 29 current topics and receive news in your inbox and/or on your phone. Learn more and sign up here.
The second platform is the EPL system for the Development Services Department that makes permitting quicker and easier. Residents and contractors can create an account at wallawallawa.gov/permits. Customers can log in to apply for and receive permits, make payments, check on permit status, and more. Call 509-524-4710 for more information.
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 Staff active at conferences
City staff aren't just leaders in our community, they're also influential in our region. In August, the Washington City/County Management Association’s 2025 Summer Conference and the Northwest Women’s Leadership Academy's Women’s Leadership Summit were held in Walla Walla. Development Services Deputy Director Emily Arteche presented at the conference (shown above), and City Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain was a member of a leadership panel at the summit.
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Last week, Mountain View Cemetery staff moved to this temporary office location, just outside the main Cemetery entrance. They'll work from there while the existing, nearly 100-year-old office is being rebuilt. |
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On Aug. 20, Parks and Recreation staff hosted a meeting with more than 70 local golfers to update them on the transition plan for the Department to resume operation of Veterans Memorial Golf Course. Another discussion topic was the Metropolitan Park District — a plan to improve, expand, and maintain Walla Walla’s parks. There seemed to be a lot of excitement from the golfers regarding both plans.
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Staff from Walla Walla Public Library and Parks and Recreation partnered on a family-friendly event on Aug. 15 at Heritage Square, featuring building activities and crafts ahead of a screening of “A Minecraft Movie.”
Visit the Recreation Catalog for information on upcoming recreation programs for residents of all ages, including the All Comers Track & Field Meet on Sept. 28.
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The Aug. 19 Back to School Bash at the library also recognized the winners of our annual Bookmark Contest, with age group winners across four categories through adults. The contest was organized by Library Technician Yvette Selfa (center). Come pick up one of the winning bookmarks at the library and support a local artist’s work! |
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On Aug. 2, the Science Circus played to a full house at the library as kids and families learned all about gravity, centripetal force, and inertia through the magic of juggling and acrobatics.
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The summer's last PictureLab session was on Aug. 14, with kids and families learning about the lives of artists and their work through stories and creative activities. More than 40 kids and parents participated in each weekly session, making it the library's most popular weekly children’s program.
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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Firefighters are always working hard to perfect their craft to ensure they are serving the public with the highest possible level of professionalism.
Walla Walla Fire Department crews have been training over the past few weeks to get two new employees up to speed (shown here).
On Aug. 21, WWFD and Walla Walla County Fire District 4 crews conducted joint training exercises at the former Rite Aid building. Firefighters created a low-visibility environment using simulated smoke to practice search-and-rescue operations in a large commercial structure. These opportunities are critical for strengthening teamwork, refining tactics, and preparing for real-world emergencies.
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Walla Walla Fire and Police Department personnel had the honor of participating in the annual National Night Out celebration on Aug. 5. The event features the Chief for a Day program, this year represented by WWFD Chief for a Day Matthew Vawter and WWPD Chief for a Day Allie Wright. Walla Walla's first responders say this is one of the most rewarding parts of their job, and seeing the joy among the young chiefs is something everyone involved will remember forever.
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Visit GoWallaWalla.us for information on current, upcoming, and completed projects.
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Pavement Maintenance: In August, the Street Division paved the remainder of Sturm Avenue between Shelton and Abbott roads (shown here). Traffic crews applied new striping on the curve transition from Sturm to Abbott.
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Sumach Street 4th to 6th IRRP: The contractor is nearing completion of the sewer system and water main replacement along Sumach Street. Work on sidewalks and curb ramps at the intersections of 4th Avenue and Cherry Street, as well as 4th and Oak Street, is in progress.
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Pioneer Park Pedestrian Improvements & Whitman Street IRRP: The project is now complete. Although the work faced several delays and unforeseen circumstances, the improvements strengthen infrastructure and address the needs identified by residents. Guided by a multi-year public engagement process, the project reflects the valuable feedback of community members and stakeholders.
- The Myra Road South Extension and Howard IRRP projects remain on hold during the labor dispute between the contractors and their employees.
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 Upcoming Street Closures
- Home Avenue between Bryant Avenue and Aubin Road will be closed Sept. 3-4 for water service replacement.
View all current and upcoming closures on the Street Closures page. Visit this page to sign up to receive street closure announcements by email or text message.
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The City is currently hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions, including Accounting Supervisor, Civil Engineers, Entry-level Firefighters and Police Officers, Landfill Equipment Operator, temporary staff in Public Works and Parks and Recreation, and more. For details and to apply, visit our Human Resources page.
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Upcoming Events
City Council Work Sessions
4-6 p.m. • Sept. 8 and 22 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
City Council Regular Meetings
6:30 p.m. • Sept. 10 and 24 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
Planning Commission Meeting
6:30 p.m. • Sept. 8 • Walla Walla City Hall
View all upcoming City events on the City Calendar.
Community Nonprofit Featured Events
- The Goodwill Employment Connection Center's Fall Walla Walla Valley Hiring Event for job seekers: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sept. 9 in the College Place Goodwill parking lot. Information: 509-525-5999
- Trilogy Recovery Community's 2025 Run for Recovery & Fun Fest: 9 a.m. on Sept 20 at Pioneer Park. Games, raffles, prizes, vendor booths, family activities, and the run/walk events. Registration: TrilogyRecovery.org
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