The City of Pasco is pleased to announce the opening of the application process for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Interested nonprofit organizations may submit proposals through May 31, 2025. You can find the application packet here: https://www.pasco-wa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/67921/2026-CDBG-RFP-Application-

Pasco expects to receive just over $650,000 in CDBG funds for 2026, though the final amount will depend on the federal allocation and is subject to change.

Proposed projects must meet at least one of the following objectives:

1. Primarily benefit low-income individuals,
2. Eliminate slum or blight conditions within the city, or
3. Create jobs for low-income individuals.
   
   

Only organizations qualified as 501(c)(3) nonprofits may apply. In addition, proposals must address a priority need identified in Pasco’s 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan and must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in federal regulation 24 CFR 570.
To view the Consolidated Plan, visit https://www.pasco-wa.gov/188/Five-Year-Consolidated-Plan or contact the City of Pasco’s Community & Economic Development Department.

The City of Pasco will hold two public hearings to receive community feedback on the distribution of these funds:

• Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
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Both hearings will take place at Pasco City Hall, located at 525 N. 3rd Avenue.

​A long-anticipated stretch of Queensgate Drive is nearing completion and is tentatively scheduled to open to traffic as early as Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
 
This new connection between Keene Road and Shockley Road is part of a developer-led project that has been closely followed by the community. Once open, the roadway will enhance traffic flow, reduce congestion in surrounding areas, and improve overall connectivity in the growing South Richland area.
 
"We know this project has generated a lot of interest and we appreciate the public’s patience as work has progressed,” said Public Works Director, Carlo D’Alessandro. “This new connection will serve both current residents and support future development.”
 
The project aligns with broader transportation goals and reflects the City’s commitment to supporting development that improves livability and access across Richland.
 
Residents are encouraged to follow the City’s social media channels and website for the latest updates.

Washington State University Tri-Cities' Cougar Tracks continuing education program is launching three new industry-aligned training workshops this spring and summer. The hands-on workshops for service excellence and change management are designed to equip professionals with the tools they need to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving economy. 
 
Michelle Hrycauk Nassif, director of Cougar Tracks said the workshops are a collaborative effort with local experts with support from regional partners.  “Thanks to the Port of Benton and Visit Tri-Cities each workshop reflects Cougar Tracks’ mission to foster industry collaboration and elevate workforce readiness across the Tri-Cities region.” 
 
Two of the workshops focus on increasing customer service skills for two different industries: tourism and hospitality, and winery tasting room staff and managers. The third is a full day immersive training on how to manage transformational change. 

• Hospitality That Shines: Tourism & Hospitality Service Excellence Workshop is sponsored by Visit Tri-Cities and Battelle and is offered free of charge. Attendees will gain concierge-level knowledge of Tri-Cities tourism assets and master techniques for service excellence, customer loyalty, retention, and regional tourism enhancement. Two sessions are available 9-11 a.m. or 2-4 p.m. on May 13 at the HAPO Center in Pasco. Complete the registration form to attend.
  
  
• Elevate Guest Experience: Wine Service Excellence Workshop is free for wine professionals in Benton County thanks to a partnership with the Port of Benton. Participants will work directly with award-winning facilitators—April Reddout, Michelle Vaughters, and Reggie Daigneault—on strategies to boost wine club conversions, elevate service excellence, and resolve guest challenges with confidence. The in-person workshop is from 12-4 p.m. on June 13 at the WSU Wine Science Center in Richland. Complete the registration form to attend.
  
  
• Lead Transformational Change: Cougar Tracks Change Architects is a full-day immersive workshop led by Wade Larsen, faculty member in the WSU Carson College of Business, director of workforce development for Wagstaff Inc., and owner of Optimal Talent Dynamics. The cost to attend is $1,295. Participants will gain tools to lead organizational change, foster team alignment, and develop innovation-driven business solutions. The program includes catered lunch, interactive activities, and business networking. Scholarships are available. It is being held 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on June 4 in Room 120 in the Consolidated Information Center on the WSU Tri-Cities campus. Complete the registration form to attend.
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Workforce training scholarships through the City of Richland and the City of Pasco are available to residents, employees and businesses in each city. 
 
For more information about WSU Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks visit the website.

​MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD: KPD is asking the community for their perspective on quality-of-life issues throughout the city and requesting you complete a short survey. The goal of this survey is to learn from both residents and business owners on where our services could adapt to better address these issues, or what external community services we could identify that would help improve quality of life issues. Your perspectives on these issues are important to us!
 
About the survey:
• Only takes about five minutes to complete
• Can be completed from your phone, table, or computer
• We don’t collect personal identifiable information, so the survey is anonymous
• Is meant for residents or business owners in Kennewick
• Is looking for your honest assessment based on your experiences related to quality-of-life issues in Kennewick
• Will provide KPD with valuable insight to help us improve our service and tackle quality of life issues
• Ends May 14th

Get ready for a high-energy day of basketball, food, and family fun as Title One hosts the Hot Shot Competition on Saturday, May 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in their parking lot. This exciting event will raise funds to support Elijah Family Homes, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering families in recovery.

Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their shooting skills with a total of 15 shots – 5 from 3 different spots on the court. The final shot from each location is the coveted “$$ Ball,” worth extra points. The participant with the highest score will be crowned the Top Shooter of the Tri-Cities!

Divisions and Entry Fees:
​Adult Division (14 & up): $50 entry fee - Extra rounds available for $25 each
Junior Division (13 & under): $25 entry fee - Extra rounds available for $25 each

In addition to the competition, the event will feature food vendors, music, and activities for the whole family.

Prizes include Gonzaga Men’s Basketball tickets for two (Adult Division) and fun giveaways for Junior competitors.

You can pre-register here on Eventbrite to secure your spot.

Join us and shoot for a cause while helping support local families on their path to recovery.

3 Rivers Community Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Edith Bishel Fund for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The Edith Bishel Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired operated for 29 years, providing invaluable services to the community. Following Edith L. Bishel's passing, she bequeathed the land and funds to establish the center. Although the center closed its doors in 2024, 3 Rivers Community Foundation now oversees the Edith Bishel Fund, ensuring continued access to resources for individuals in the community.

This fund is dedicated to providing essential care, resources, support, and equipment to individuals who are blind or visually impaired in Southeastern Washington. Funding requests may include financial assistance for medical expenses or equipment, security deposits, utility/service deposits, transportation costs, and more. Grants will be distributed through an application-based process to ensure that those in need receive the necessary support to lead fulfilling lives. To maintain transparency and accountability, funds will be allocated directly to service providers, vendors, or organizations rather than individuals.

Eligibility and Guidelines:

• A physician must verify that the applicant has blindness or a visual impairment.
• The applicant must demonstrate financial need.
• The applicant may be required to participate in a phone interview.
• Application does not guarantee funding.
• Applicants are limited to one application per year.
  
  

For more information about the Edith Bishel Fund for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the application process, please visit www.3rcf.org.

The City of Pasco is gearing up for our annual Cinco de Mayo celebration with a parade and all-day festival on Saturday, May 3rd—and you’re invited! This free, family-friendly event has something for everyone: delicious food, exciting performances, and fun activities from morning to evening. 

Kick things off at 10:00 AM by grabbing a spot at Volunteer Park to watch the colorful Cinco de Mayo parade roll through. Then, head over to Peanuts Park for the main event, featuring vendors, a kids zone, and live entertainment you won’t want to miss. 

Enjoy performances from: 

• Baile Folklórico 
• Mariachi bands from Pasco and Chiawana High Schools 
• The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation 
• Competencia de Caballos Bailadores (Dancing Horses Competition) 
• Musical artists Meño Lugo and Rogelio Martinez 
  
  

At 2:00 PM, don’t miss the action-packed boxing competition, always a crowd favorite! 

In between performances, stroll through food trucks and vendor booths along Peanuts Park and Lewis Street, offering everything from tasty treats to handmade jewelry and local info. Relax in the beer garden provided by LBA; check out big rigs, including City of Pasco vehicles, and jump into the fun at our silent dance party, where DJs spin tunes directly into your headphones. It’s your chance to truly dance to your own beat! 

Mark your calendars—the Tri-Cities’ biggest Cinco de Mayo celebration is happening Saturday, May 3rd in Downtown Pasco. Special thanks to our sponsors:  

• The Pasco Economic Development Project 
• Les Schwab Tires 
• Port of Pasco 
• Amazon 
• Gesa Credit Union 

​Join us for an action-packed morning at the 2nd Annual Community Wildfire Preparedness Expo, happening Saturday, May 3, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Badger Mountain Community Park (north entrance, off Englewood Drive, near the Dog Park).
 
This family-friendly event is your chance to explore emergency vehicles, watch live demonstrations, and connect with the heroes and experts who help protect our community. Meet firefighters, wildlife and land management pros, and emergency service agencies as they share tips, tools, and tactics to keep you and your neighborhood safe from wildfire threats.
 
Hosted by Richland Fire & Emergency Services and over ten community partners, this event is all about empowering residents—especially those near open spaces—with the knowledge and resources to stay safe. Each year, the expo travels to a new location, so don’t miss this one in your neighborhood!
 
Badger Mountain Community Park is located at 350 Keene Road in South Richland. The event will take place in the parking lot near the dog park, northwest entrance of Englewood. 
 
Mark your calendar, bring the family, and let’s get wildfire-ready—together!

​Gesa, one of Washington’s largest community-focused credit unions, is proud to announce the continued success of its Forevergreen Affinity Card, an impact program created in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. In its second year, through member participation, the program raised over $181,000 – nearly triple the amount raised in the first year – and directly supported planting more than 73,000 trees across the Pacific Northwest. 
 
“From day one, the Forevergreen Affinity Card has been about creating simple, everyday opportunities for our members to give back,” said Brandon Allison, AVP of Community Impact at Gesa Credit Union. “It’s incredible to see this program grow thanks to our members who have joined us in making a difference just by using their debit card. With every swipe they’re helping plant more trees in our region –supporting a stronger future for our communities.”
 
Launched in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation in 2023, the Forevergreen Affinity Card is one of several debit card designs available through Gesa’s Affinity Debit Card Program, an impact initiative that donates funds every time a participating card is used. To date, the Forevergreen Affinity Card alone has raised more than $247,000 and helped fund the planting of more than 104,000 trees across the Pacific Northwest.
 
"Gesa Credit Union's commitment to planting trees in forests of greatest need is inspiring and has powerful benefits for local communities. We're excited to celebrate our partnership together," said Dan Morrow, Vice President, Partnerships at the Arbor Day Foundation.
 
This Year’s Impact
From January to April 2024, a total of 200,000 trees including, Western hemlock, Western larch, ponderosa pine, and Douglas fir, were planted throughout Washington to support the Washington Department of Natural Resources Managed Lands. Gesa’s contribution alone funded more than 35,000 of those trees. These efforts will have a lasting impact on the future of the region’s forests.
 
In addition to this effort, Gesa helped fund plantings through the Climate Resilient Watershed Tree Plantings project in Washington. This initiative focuses on restoring forests affected by wildfires, and rehabilitating floodplain forests to help protect nearby communities from severe flooding. A key component of the project included supporting regional Tribes in their environmental goals.
 
Together, these projects demonstrate how everyday debit card use through Gesa’s Forevergreen Affinity Card can contribute to impactful work throughout the Pacific Northwest.
 
Affinity Debit Card Program
Gesa Credit Union proudly offers an extensive suite of Affinity Debit Cards that give back to local organizations with every swipe – all at no cost to its members. With more than 65 Affinity Debit Cards to choose from, Gesa members can select a card that supports a cause they are passionate about, such as local schools, planting trees in the Pacific Northwest, or groups honoring local hero like healthcare workers, firefighters, law enforcement, educators, and veterans. To date, Gesa’s Affinity Debit Card Program has donated more than $3 million to local organizations.
 
All Affinity Debit Cards are available exclusively at Gesa Credit Union and are free to Gesa members with a checking account. There is no fee for members to switch their card to any of the designs.  Anyone who lives, works, or worships in Washington, Idaho, or Oregon is eligible to become a member and support local causes.
 
For more information about Gesa Credit Union and its Affinity Debit Card Program visit www.gesa.com/debit-cards-and-affinity-partnerships/. For more information about the Arbor Day Foundation, visit arborday.org. 

The first intersection improvement on Thayer and Williams is complete and now it's time for the second to begin on Stevens Drive and Symons Street.
 
The intersection will close during construction, which should be complete by the beginning of June. The detour routes are noted above in yellow on the map. 
 
The 2025 Intersection Safety Improvement Projects include: 

• Mini roundabout at:
  • Swift Boulevard & Wright Avenue (early June 2025 – mid August 2025)
• Curb extensions, along with new signage, pavement markings, and traffic control measures at:
  • Goethals Drive & Torbett Street
  • Wright Avenue & Lee Boulevard
• Advanced Warning System at Kennedy Road & Duportail Street, which will alert drivers to stopped vehicles at the intersection or turning onto Duportail Street reducing congestion and the risk of accidents.
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These projects are designed to improve traffic flow and safety across the city.