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Monthly eNewsletter / October 2026 |
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 Happy October, everyone! This month's issue includes upcoming family-friendly events, staff accomplishments, feedback opportunities, 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.
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 City to host pumpkin carving event for youths
Children 12 and younger are invited to participate in the free Pumpkin Carving Contest, hosted by Parks and Recreation and the Walla Walla Public Library. The event runs from 2-4:15 p.m. on Oct. 21 at Veterans Memorial Golf Course. Register online or when you arrive.
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 Public hearing to focus on code amendments
Proposed amendments to Walla Walla Municipal Code will have a public hearing at the City Council regular meeting on Oct. 14, 2026, and will be on the agenda for adoption at the City Council meeting on Oct. 28, 2026. The code amendments include the updated Comprehensive Plan 2046 and updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance. Residents are welcome to attend and provide comments in person or via Zoom, or watch the livestreams available on the City website. Questions? Please contact the Development Services Department at 509-524-4710 or permits@wallawallawa.gov.
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Weekly programs at the Walla Walla Public Library are still going strong! From Bilingual Storytime (shown here) to the Community Spanish Table and the Open Evening Knitting Group, WWPL's temporary space has been busy with residents learning, creating, connecting, and having fun. Visit the library's calendar to see all the programs and events coming up in October for kids, families, teens, and adults. Follow WWPL on Facebook for the latest updates.
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The Golf Maintenance team aerated and sanded greens at Veterans Memorial Golf Course in mid-September. The cooler temperatures and precipitation slowed the work a bit, but golfers have appreciated the final product. The aerated cores are repurposed to grow in a nursery green — a new addition to the course — which will be utilized to make quick repairs to greens when needed.
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September was a busy month for the Parks and Recreation Department, including the All-Comers Track Meet (shown here) and the Fall Youth Soccer League, which included 1,100 participants. Huge thanks to all the coaches, parents, referees, and everyone involved in maintaining and setting up the fields! Visit the Recreation Catalog for information on upcoming recreation programs for residents of all ages, including the Co-Ed Kickball Tournament, golf lessons, indoor soccer, pumpkin carving contest, and more.
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The Walla Walla 2050 collaborative will host the annual Walla Walla Basin Watershed Open House from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 27 at the Water & Environmental Center at Walla Walla Community College. The event will feature interactive stations, family-friendly activities, and free refreshments, along with opportunities to learn about water-related efforts throughout the Basin. City staff will be there with updates on Walla Walla's water system, wildfire impacts and watershed recovery, efforts to reduce water loss, and resources for water conservation.
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Congratulations to the three members of the City’s Building Permitting Division — Pamela Ransier, Emily Davis, and Angelica Escalante — for passing their International Code Council exams and becoming Certified Permit Technicians in Washington state. This achievement reflects the City's core values of Service and Leadership in action. Residents can trust that Permitting staff are fluent in all aspects of permitting and can help them work through the process accurately and efficiently.
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Visit GoWallaWalla.us for information on current, upcoming, and completed projects, including the Pine Street Reconstruction (shown here), Preventative Bridge Maintenance, Library Renovation, and more.
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The Walla Walla Fire Department, in partnership with Walla Walla County Fire District 4 and College Place Fire Department, has launched the SAM (Safety Always Matters) Program. This program is designed to provide fire safety, emergency preparedness, and prevention training to every public and private elementary school throughout our county. By bringing safety education directly to our schools, local fire agencies are helping students, teachers, and staff learn how to prepare for emergencies, respond appropriately, and build a safer community for everyone.
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A crew from Parks and Recreation helped WWFD complete a landscaping project at Station 2 in September. The work has made a tremendous difference and helps the station look its best. This year marks 20 years since the station's construction through a bond levy supported by Walla Walla citizens. WWFD is proud to celebrate this milestone, and is planning an event to thank residents for their continued support.
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Congratulations to Walla Walla Police Department Officers Brandon Swant and Brady Knowles (above/below, respectively, with WWPD Chief Chris Buttice) for successfully completing their 19 weeks of Police Academy training. WWPD Command staff attended the graduation in Spokane last month to celebrate the achievement.
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Last month, officers from WWPD and College Place Police Department recertified in Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) and precision immobilization technique (PIT) training at the HAMMER Federal Training Center in Richland. Personnel from both agencies provided the instruction. This refresher training helps to protect the public by reducing crashes and safely ending dangerous vehicle pursuits.
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This month, the Walla Walla Valley Hunger Relief Coalition is asking community members, businesses, schools, churches, and organizations to join Harvest for Hope, a community-wide campaign to combat hunger. For more information and to help, visit the campaign website, or call BMAC at 509-529-4980.
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The City is currently hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions, including GIS Specialist, Emergency Services Dispatcher, Recreation Assistant, Peer Support Specialist, Water Distribution Operator, 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. • Oct. 12 and 26 • 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. 14 and 28 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
Community Featured Events
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Veterans Stand Down and Resource Fair: 2-6 p.m. on Oct. 2 in Building D at Walla Walla Community College. Veterans Affairs staff and many other community agencies will be on hand with services and resources for Veterans. Register by calling 509-524-2675 or fill out this form.
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International ShakeOut Day: 10:15 a.m. on Oct. 15. Join City staff and millions of people across the world practicing earthquake safety.
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