City Of Richland Postpones National Night Out & City Fair Due To Air Quality Concerns - 08/03/26

The City of Richland has postponed the National Night Out & City Fair, scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, due to forecasted unhealthy air quality resulting from smoke from surrounding wildfires across the Pacific Northwest. 

Out of an abundance of caution, City leadership, in consultation with surrounding jurisdictions, and with information provided by the WA State Department of Ecology and the Benton Clean Air Agency, determined that postponing the event is the best decision to protect the health and safety of community members, volunteers, vendors, public safety personnel, and City staff. 

The City has rescheduled National Night Out & City Fair for Thursday, August 20, 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Howard Amon Park.   

National Night Out & City Fair is one of Richland's signature community events, bringing together thousands of residents, families, and public safety partners for an evening focused on neighborhood connections, public safety, and community engagement. With current air quality conditions expected to create unhealthy outdoor conditions, the City believes postponement is the most responsible course of action. 

"We know many families, community partners, sponsors, and staff have been looking forward to this event," said City Manager Jon Amundson. "While we are disappointed to postpone, the health and safety of our community must come first. We appreciate everyone's understanding and look forward to bringing the community together as soon as conditions allow." 

The City of Richland appreciates the support of its many sponsors, community organizations, volunteers, and public safety partners whose contributions make this event possible each year. 

For updates, visit RichlandWA.gov/NNO. 

Overnight Closure Planned For Steptoe Street As Intersection Project Nears Completion - 08/03/26

Drivers should plan for an overnight closure of Steptoe Street between Canyon Street and the Columbia Park Trail/WSDOT roundabout on Friday, August 7, from 7:00 p.m. to Saturday, August 8, at 7:00 a.m.

The closure is necessary to allow crews to complete work associated with the reconstruction and realignment of the Steptoe Street and Tapteal Drive intersection.

During the closure, Steptoe Street will be closed to through traffic between Canyon Street and the roundabout. Drivers should follow posted detour routes and allow extra travel time.

This work marks another significant milestone in the project, which is expected to continue through mid-August. Once complete, the improvements will enhance traffic flow, safety, and infrastructure in one of Richland's busiest transportation corridors.

The City appreciates the public's patience as crews work to complete the project safely and efficiently.

For more information regarding this project, visit richlandwa.gov/SteptoeTapteal

Big Bro Joe Foundation And Richland Police Partner For Back-to-School Kick-Off Event - 07/29/26

The Big Bro Joe Foundation, in partnership with the Richland Police Department and Richland Police Foundation, invites Tri-Cities families to celebrate the start of a new school year at a free Back-to-School Kick-Off Event on Saturday, August 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fran Rish Stadium in Richland.

The event will bring local families, first responders and community organizations together for a morning of activities, resources, and opportunities to connect. Attendees can meet local first responders, participate in games and family-friendly activities, enjoy music, and learn more about resources available throughout the community.

Activities will include:

Giveaways
Punt, Pass and Kick field events
Music and games
Family activities
Community resource booths
Opportunities to meet local first responders

The event is designed to help young people begin the school year feeling encouraged and supported while strengthening relationships between families, first responders and community partners.

The Back-to-School Kick-Off Event is free and open to the public.

To participate in the Punt, Pass and Kick field events, participants can register at https://bigbrojoe.org/back-to-school-kick-off-event/

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Fran Rish Stadium, Richland, Washington

Cost: Free

Families are encouraged to attend and help kick off the new school year with an afternoon of community, connection, and fun.

Richland To Host Annual National Night Out And City Fair On August 4 (Photo) - 07/27/26

The City of Richland invites residents of all ages to join in the fun at the annual National Night Out and City Fair, held Tuesday, August 4, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Howard Amon Park, near the Fingernail Stage.

This free, family-friendly event is part of the nationwide National Night Out campaign—a community-building initiative that promotes partnerships between law enforcement and neighbors to make our communities safer, more caring places to live.

Richland’s event will bring together police, fire, emergency services, and a variety of City departments for an evening of activities, demonstrations, and opportunities to connect. Attendees can explore exhibits, speak with City representatives, and learn about public services and resources available throughout the community.

Highlights include:

Opening Ceremony at 5:00 p.m. on the Fingernail Stage
Free corndogs for the first 500 guests compliments of GESA Credit Union and the City of Richland.
Live DJ and demonstrations every 15 minutes on the Fingernail Stage:

5:15PM – Drone Demonstration
5:30PM – Bomb Robot Demonstration
5:45PM – Meet K-9 Cody
6:00PM – Fire Gear Display
6:15PM – AI Call System Demonstration
6:30PM - HeartSafe Hands-only CPR
6:45PM – Meet K-9 Cody
7:00PM - Go-Team Therapy Dogs

Interactive booths, games, and giveaways for all ages
City Pass Challenge for children 12 and under with a chance to win one of several bicycles (Drawings will be held at 7:15 p.m. Must be present to win).
Food trucks and concessions available for purchase throughout the event

The Corndog Company of Eastern Washington
Sweet Snack Attack
Gabby’s Kettle Corn & Lemonade

To ensure a safe and walkable space, Lee Boulevard at Amon Park Drive will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event. Parking is available at the Richland Community Center, along the park.

Join us in celebrating community spirit and partnership with the people who serve and protect our neighborhoods every day. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information, visit richlandwa.gov/NNO.

The City Of Richland Seeks Interested Citizens For Board, Committee And Commission Vacancies - 07/20/26

The City currently has existing and forthcoming openings on seven (7) of its Boards, Committees, and Commissions (BCC):

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Citizens Review Committee

Economic Development Committee
Library Board
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Personnel Committee
Planning Commission
Utility Advisory Committee

**Below is a brief description of each BCC. **

Americans with Disabilities Act Citizens Review Committee

Created in response to federal legislation to provide fundamental due process for persons aggrieved by the implementation and/or administration of the Americans with Disabilities Act as it applies to the policies, procedures, equipment, and property of the City of Richland.

Economic Development Committee

Formulates economic goals, strategies, and policies for the City in a structured framework providing both time and measurement criteria and assesses existing economic development policies for the purpose of recommending modifications, as may be appropriate, to assure achievement of economic goals approved by City Council.

Library Board

Establishes basic policies for the operation of the Richland Public Library, which includes budgetary planning to provide library services to the community. The Library Trustees have the powers and duties provided under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

Reviews grant applications and makes recommendations to City Council regarding allocation of local lodging tax funds, and reviews and comments on any proposed imposition of lodging tax, increase in the rate of lodging tax, repeal of an exemption from lodging tax, or change in the use of revenue received from lodging tax.

Personnel Committee

Monitors the administration and grading of competitive examinations and hears appeals on any disciplinary action resulting in suspension, demotion, reduction in pay or termination, any alleged violation of the established personnel plan related specifically to hiring or promotional opportunities, and any challenge to the reasonableness of the appointing authority’s actions related to a reduction in force.

Planning Commission

Prepares a comprehensive plan for the orderly physical and social development of the City; holds public hearings and make recommendations regarding plats, plans for subdivisions, or dedications of land; prepares and recommend zoning regulations, amendments, extensions, or additions to regulations or plans for physical development; reviews federal requirements for the administration of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs and makes recommendations on program procedures; reviews CDBG grant applications and makes recommendations to City Council; serves as an advisory body to the City Council.

Utility Advisory Committee

The Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) serves as an advisory body to the City Council relative to policy and planning for the managing, financing and operation of the utilities owned and operated by the City of Richland.

This is a great opportunity to learn how your city operates and to help shape its future. 

For further details on these positions or to apply, visit https://www.richlandwa.gov/government/advisory-boards-commissions-and-committees/current-vacancies and scroll to the Current Vacancies page.

For more information, please contact:

Jennifer Rogers, City Clerk (509) 942-7389 

Update - Highlighted Below: City Of Richland Announces Leslie Road Closure For Microsurfacing Work - 07/16/26

Microsurfacing work will begin Friday, July 17, as part of the City of Richland’s 2026 Pavement Preservation Program.

The contractor, Intermountain Slurry Seal, will begin with a required test area on Jericho Court in the late afternoon. Work will then move to Leslie Road beginning at 8 p.m.

Leslie Road will be fully closed from Columbia Park Trail south to Gage Blvd. according to the following schedule:

• Columbia Park Trail to Timmerman Drive from 8 p.m. to midnight, Friday, July 17
• Timmerman Drive to Gage Boulevard from 11:00 p.m. to approximately 8:00 a.m., Saturday, July 18

Detours will be in place. Canyon Street will remain open for traffic crossing Leslie Road, but motorists will not be able to turn onto Leslie Road.

The full closure will provide a safer work area and allow the contractor to complete a higher-quality pavement treatment. Night work was selected because of traffic volumes on Leslie Road and nearby businesses at the Gage Boulevard intersection.

Reader boards will be placed in advance of the closure. Drivers should expect detours, side street closures, reduced speeds, and delays.

Microsurfacing work will resume during daytime hours beginning Monday, July 20 through Wednesday, July 22.

A schedule map and additional project information are available at richlandwa.gov/ppp.

CITY OF RICHLAND LAUNCHES 2026 NATIONAL COMMUNITY SURVEY - 07/15/26

The City of Richland is launching its 2026 National Community Survey and is asking residents to share their perspectives on the community, City services and priorities for the future.

Beginning this month, randomly selected Richland households will receive a postcard in the mail inviting them to participate in the survey. Residents who receive an invitation are encouraged to follow the instructions provided and complete the survey.

The City conducts the National Community Survey every two years, with previous surveys completed in 2022 and 2024. The 2026 survey will allow the City to continue tracking trends over time and better understand residents’ perceptions of Richland’s quality of life and City services.

“Community feedback is an important part of how we evaluate our services and plan for the future,” said City Manager Jon Amundson. “By conducting this survey every two years, we can better understand where we are doing well, where residents see opportunities for improvement and how community priorities may be changing over time.”

The National Community Survey was developed by the National Research Center at Polco and is designed specifically for local governments. The survey gathers resident feedback on topics including the economy, mobility, community design, utilities, safety, the natural environment, parks and recreation, health and wellness, education, arts and culture, and community engagement. Results also allow Richland to compare its performance with communities across the country.

The initial survey uses a random sample of households to provide statistically reliable and representative feedback from the community. Residents who receive a postcard are strongly encouraged to participate.

Residents who are not selected for the initial survey will also have an opportunity to provide feedback. A community-wide online survey will open to all Richland residents later this summer.

“We want residents to know that if a survey invitation arrives in their mailbox, their participation is important,” Amundson said. “And if you are not selected for the initial survey, there will still be an opportunity for you to share your voice when the community-wide survey opens.”

Survey results will be compiled and shared with the community following completion of the process. The City will use the findings to help evaluate services, identify community priorities, and inform future planning and decision-making.

Additional information about the 2026 National Community Survey, including details about the community-wide survey when it becomes available, will be posted at richlandwa.gov/CommunitySurvey.

City Of Richland Earns Prestigious GFOA Triple Crown Award For Excellence In Financial Reporting And Budgeting - 07/10/26

The City of Richland has once again been recognized for its outstanding financial management, earning the Government Finance Officers Association's (GFOA) Triple Crown Award for fiscal year 2024.

The Triple Crown Award is one of the highest honors in governmental finance, recognizing organizations that have successfully earned all three of GFOA's premier awards during the same fiscal year:

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

For fiscal year 2024, only 441 governments across North America received this distinguished recognition.

"This award reflects the City's ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds," said Jon Amundson, City Manager. "Our Finance team, led by Finance Director, Brandon Allen, works diligently to ensure our financial reporting and budgeting meet the highest professional standards while providing clear and meaningful information to our residents, City Council, and stakeholders."

Adding to this accomplishment, the City recently learned it also received GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2026 budget document, continuing Richland's long-standing tradition of excellence in financial planning and reporting.

The GFOA's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting recognizes governments that produce annual financial reports that go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles. The Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award honors governments that present financial information in a format that is accessible and understandable to the public. The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award recognizes budget documents that serve as effective policy, financial, operational, and communications tools.

"Our residents expect responsible financial management, and this recognition demonstrates our commitment to meeting that expectation," said Amundson. "These awards are a testament to the professionalism and expertise of our Finance Department and the City's dedication to sound fiscal practices."

The Government Finance Officers Association represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada and promotes excellence in government financial management through best practices, professional development, and recognition programs.

To view the current City budget visit richlandwa.gov/Budget.

Road Closures Planned For See3Slam Basketball Tournament (Photo) - 07/07/26

Motorists should plan for temporary road closures in downtown Richland this weekend as the ninth annual See3Slam 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament returns on Saturday and Sunday, July 11–12, 2026.

A section of George Washington Way will be closed beginning Friday, July 10, at 6:00 p.m. through Sunday, July 12, at 7:00 p.m. to accommodate tournament activities.

The closure will affect George Washington Way between Newton and Knight Streets. Local business access will remain available from Swift Boulevard to Newton Street. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes, follow posted detours, and use caution when traveling near the event area.

Event participants and spectators are encouraged to park in the public parking areas identified on the attached event parking map.

See3Slam is a community 3-on-3 basketball tournament for players of all ages, organized by the Tri-Cities Sunrise Rotary. Proceeds support local charities and help provide the gift of sight to those in need. The weekend also features food vendors, live entertainment, exhibition games, and center court competitions for the whole family.

For additional event information, visit www.see3slam.com.