PR: Richland City Council Swears In Three Councilmembers, Selects Mayor And Mayor Pro Tem - 01/06/26

The Richland City Council officially welcomed three councilmembers during its meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, with the swearing-in of Pat Holten (Position 3), Kurt Maier (Position 6), and Ryan Whitten (Position 7).

Pat Holten was recently elected to serve in Position 3, bringing decades of experience in education, community service, and civic involvement to the Council. Kurt Maier and Ryan Whitten were both re-elected to their respective positions, continuing their service and leadership on behalf of the Richland community.

In addition to the swearing-in ceremony, the City Council selected Theresa Richardson to serve as Mayor and Shayne VanDyke to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for 2026.

Council Position 4 remains vacant, with the City of Richland currently accepting applications from qualified residents interested in serving on the City Council. Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m., January 16, 2026.

Per the Richland City Charter, the individual appointed to fill the vacancy will serve until the candidate elected in the November 3, 2026, General Election takes office. Eligibility requirements and application materials are available at richlandwa.gov/bccvacancies.

For more information about the City Council vacancy or the application process, please visit richlandwa.gov or contact the City Clerk’s Office at 509-942-7390.

Southeast Communications Center To Launch A.I. Support For Non-Emergency Calls - 01/06/26

The Southeast Communications Center (SECOMM) will soon launch a new artificial intelligence (A.I.) tool to assist with non-emergency calls, helping ensure emergency lines remain available for urgent, life-threatening situations while improving service for non-emergency callers.

The new system, called Aurelian, will not be used for 911 calls. All emergency calls will continue to be answered and managed directly by trained Emergency Communications Dispatchers.

Residents should continue to call 509-628-0333 for non-emergency requests.

Instead, Aurelian will assist with common non-emergency calls such as general questions, reporting a crime that is no longer in progress, minor traffic concerns, and other calls that do not require an immediate emergency response. The technology gathers initial information, helps route calls appropriately, and provides summaries that are reviewed by SECOMM staff.

“Our priority has always been public safety,” says Jay Atwood, Executive Director of Benton County Emergency Services. “This technology allows our Emergency Communications Dispatchers to stay focused on emergency calls, while still ensuring non-emergency callers receive timely, accurate assistance.”

Supporting Emergency Communications Dispatchers — Not Replacing Them

The A.I. system is designed to support dispatchers, not replace them. Emergency Communications Dispatchers remain fully responsible for decision-making, response coordination, and emergency handling. If a non-emergency call is identified as urgent or complex at any point, it is immediately transferred to a dispatcher.

Calls for police, fire, or medical emergencies will always receive priority attention from trained professionals.

Improving Efficiency and Access

Call volumes continue to increase each year, particularly during major incidents or community emergencies. Non-emergency calls during these times can contribute to longer wait times for those needing immediate help.

By using A.I. to assist with non-emergency call triage, Southeast Communications aims to:

• Reduce wait times for callers
• Keep emergency lines open for critical situations
• Improve overall response efficiency
• Support dispatcher workload and well-being

The system can communicate in English, Spanish, and up to 14 additional languages, improving accessibility for a broader range of callers. On average, similar agencies using this technology report saving dispatchers approximately three hours per day, with about 74% of non-emergency calls handled through automation.

Commitment to Safety and Transparency

Anticipated to kick-off on January 13, 2026, the A.I. system will be closely monitored following launch, with SECOMM leadership overseeing performance and outcomes. Caller privacy remains protected, and the technology does not replace human review or professional judgment.

More information about this new capability, including how and when it will be implemented, will be shared as the launch approaches. Visit www.bces.wa.gov/non-emergency for a list of FAQ’s and additional information.

Applications Being Accepted For Vacancy On Richland City Council - 01/06/26

PLEASE NOTE THE UPDATED TERM OF SERVICE HIGHLIGHTED BELOW:

The Richland City Council is accepting applications from qualified residents interested in serving on the City Council to fill a vacancy in Position No. 4.

The individual appointed by Council will serve until the candidate elected in the November 3, 2026, General Election takes office.

The appointment and service of councilmembers is governed by the Richland City Charter.

Eligibility Requirements, 

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a registered voter
• Have resided within the City of Richland for at least two continuous years prior to appointment
• Be a citizen of the United States
• Not hold any other public office (with the exception of service in the National Guard, organized reserves, or as a Notary Public)
• Not be employed by the City of Richland

Council Meetings

The Richland City Council meets regularly on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at Richland City Hall, 625 Swift Boulevard. Council workshops are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. All meetings are televised.

Application Process

Interested individuals must submit a completed application and resume through the City’s website no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 16, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications are available on the City’s website under richlandwa.gov/bccvacancies. Interviews will be scheduled following review of submitted materials.

For more information, visit richlandwa.gov or contact the City Clerk’s Office at 509-942-7389.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The City of Richland does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status.

Cocoa & Crafts With First Responders Returns To Richland Public Library (Photo) - 01/05/26

Columbia Point Marina Shoreline Retaining Wall Repair Project Begins (Photo) - 12/31/25

The City of Richland will begin construction on the Columbia Point Marina Shoreline Retaining Wall Repair Project starting January 5, 2026, following the holiday season. This project will require a temporary detour and impact a portion of the Riverfront Pathway Trail near Columbia Point Marina.

The project includes demolition of an existing, failed basalt column shoreline retaining wall and replacement with a new mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) precast concrete modular block wall. Additional work includes installation of wall drains, backfill, handrailing, traffic control measures, and restoration of asphalt and concrete pavement surfaces.

Construction is expected to last approximately eight weeks, weather permitting.

Pathway Impacts and Detours

During construction, sections of the Riverfront Pathway will be impacted, and a signed detour will be in place to safely route pedestrians and cyclists around the work area. A map showing the project location and detour route is available for public reference.

To accommodate winter conditions, the contractor will place cold mix asphalt as a temporary surface during construction. Hot mix asphalt will be installed in the spring to complete the pathway restoration.

Project Purpose

This project addresses shoreline stabilization needs and improves long-term safety and durability along the marina waterfront, helping preserve this popular recreational area for future use.

The project has already been awarded to a contractor, and work is anticipated to begin as scheduled on January 5, 2026.

The City of Richland appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during construction and encourages residents to plan ahead when using the Riverfront Pathway this winter.

For more information about this project and other City construction updates, visit www.richlandwa.gov/projects.

City Of Richland Facilities Closed For New Year’s Holiday - 12/30/25

The City of Richland announces that all City facilities will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in observance of the New Year’s holiday. This includes Richland City Hall, the Richland Community Center, the Richland Public Library and the Horn Rapids Landfill.

In addition, the following facilities will observe early closures on New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31:

• Richland Community Center will close at 5:00 p.m.
• Richland Public Library will close at 5:00 p.m.

Garbage collection will continue on its normal schedule, and emergency services will continue to operate without interruption during the holiday.

Normal operating hours for all City facilities will resume on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for City services during the holiday closure. Online services and information remain available at www.richlandwa.gov.

For more information, please contact the City of Richland at 509-942-7390 or visit the City’s website.

City Of Richland Facilities Closed For Christmas Holiday - 12/22/25

PLEASE NOTE THE CORRECTED DAY FOR RESUMING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS BELOW.

The City of Richland announces that all City facilities will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, and Thursday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Normal business hours will resume on Friday, December 26, for the following facilities:

• Richland City Hall
• Richland Community Center (NOTE: The Richland Community Center is also closed December 22-23 for annual maintenance)
• Richland Public Library
• The Horn Rapids Landfill

Garbage Collection Update:
There will be no garbage collection on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25. Collection services will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week, with service continuing through Saturday. Normal collection schedules will resume on Monday.

Emergency services, including police and fire, will remain available during the holiday closure.

The City of Richland wishes residents a safe and happy holiday season and thanks the community for their understanding.

For more information about City services, visit www.richlandwa.gov.

City Of Richland Invites Public To Help Prioritize The Future Of Parks, Recreation, And Open Space - 12/16/25

The City of Richland is inviting residents to participate in the second public survey for the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan, a key component of the City’s Future in Focus initiative.

The PROS Plan will guide decisions about Richland’s parks, recreation programs, and open spaces for the next six years and beyond. Earlier this year, the City launched its first community survey and received strong participation and valuable feedback. Since then, City staff and partners have reviewed existing parks and programs, evaluated service gaps, and met with community members and decision-makers to better understand current and future needs.

What we’ve heard so far is that the community values:

• Reinvesting in and maintaining existing parks and recreation resources
• Embracing Richland’s unique history, culture, and natural environment
• Providing safe connections that serve all residents and neighborhoods

Now, the City is asking residents to help identify what matters most and where City resources and energy should be focused first.

The PROS Plan Prioritization Survey is open now and will close on January 2, 2026. The survey is brief and open to all community members.

Survey Link:
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8612892/City-of-Richland-Parks-Recreation-and-Open-Space-Plan-Prioritization-Survey

Community feedback will directly inform future investments and ensure Richland’s parks, recreation programs, and open spaces reflect what residents value most.

For more information about the PROS Plan and the Future in Focus initiative, visit richlandwa.gov/FutureInFocus.