Formed in early 1994, the Hanford Communities is an intergovernmental cooperative organization consisting of representatives from Benton and Franklin Counties, the cities of Richland, Pasco, Kennewick, and West Richland, as well as the Port of Benton. These jurisdictions are the closest in proximity to the Hanford Site and are home to nearly all Hanford’s workforce.

At the time, Pam Brown-Larsen was hired to lead the group’s efforts to monitor and provide input on important Hanford issues. In addition, this organization took on the role of informing citizens throughout our region about Hanford cleanup activities.

Since its inception, the City of Richland has served as the Operating Jurisdiction. The Operating Jurisdiction is responsible for carrying out the purposes and the mission of Hanford Communities. “The City of Richland has been pleased with the accomplishments and regional impact of this group,” says City Manager and Hanford Communities Administrative Board Chair, Cindy Reents.

Hanford Communities Governing Board Chair Bob Thompson states, “Pam Larsen recently announced her retirement from the Hanford Communities after serving diligently for over 25 years. We appreciate her service and commitment to Hanford.”

Throughout the years, the role of the Hanford Communities has evolved as cleanup has progressed, with members offering increased guidance regarding Hanford policy, providing thorough public education tools, and performing ongoing coordination with state and federal agencies.

Subsequently, the local Hanford Communities participating jurisdictions recently approved the Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) as the new Operating Jurisdiction of the Hanford Communities. TRIDEC’s VP for Federal Programs, David Reeploeg, took over as the new Executive Director of Hanford Communities, effective May 23, 2020.

TRIDEC is a local non-profit organization that promotes economic diversification and facilitates job creation and retention throughout our region. In addition, TRIDEC leads the Tri-Cities community on issues of economic importance and advocates for the policies and funding needed to support the Hanford clean-up mission.