The City Manager of Richland is pleased to announce the selection of Martin Pilcher as the incoming Chief of Police, contingent upon the successful completion of a thorough background investigation in accordance with RCW 43.101.095. Pilcher, a distinguished law enforcement leader with over 20 years of experience, has been chosen to lead.

Pilcher currently serves as the Chief of Police in Woodburn, OR, where he oversees 40 sworn police officers, three Community Service Officers, and 7.5 professional staff members. Prior to becoming the Woodburn Chief in 2021, he served as the Deputy Chief since 2018. Pilcher also worked for the Portland Police Bureau as an Internal Affairs Investigator and spent most of his career with the Elk Grove Police Department in Elk Grove, CA. Pilcher possesses a master’s in organizational leadership from Norwich University and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police from the Police Executive Research Forum.

“I am honored and excited to be selected to serve as the Chief of Police for Richland,” said Marty Pilcher. “My goal is to work collaboratively with the community, the department, and other city agencies to ensure that Richland remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. I look forward to meeting with residents and working together to address our community’s needs.”

City Manager, Jon Amundson also expressed gratitude to all those who participated in the selection process, stating, "I would like to thank the other candidates who went through the interview process with us. In addition, I extend my appreciation to all those who participated in the public candidate forum, the multiple interview panels, and the staff who assisted with the logistics of this important process,” said Amundson.

“We are excited to welcome Martin Pilcher as our new Chief of Police,” said Amundson. “His extensive experience and dedication to community-oriented policing make him an excellent fit for our city. We are confident that his leadership will continue to strengthen our police department and support our commitment to public safety.”

The background investigation will encompass a comprehensive review of Pilcher’s professional and personal history, ensuring his suitability for this critical leadership role. The process is expected to be completed within one month.

​The City of Pasco is hosting a Downtown Pasco engagement event on Wednesday, September 18, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Grace Kitchen, 112 N. 2nd Avenue. This event is a gathering and a platform for the valued input of downtown businesses and stakeholders. Your insights will be instrumental in guiding the next steps in the Downtown Pasco Master Plan.
 
It's your vision that will shape the future of Downtown Pasco. The feedback gathered will inform the development of a scope of work with the consultant team Framework, which helped shape the current Master Plan. This Plan is vital to the City's efforts to create a more vibrant and economically thriving downtown. The initiative aims to enhance public spaces, improve walkability, and foster a culturally inclusive atmosphere that celebrates the community's diverse heritage. Downtown Pasco is envisioned as a central hub for residents and visitors, with plans for mixed-use spaces, entertainment, and retail opportunities.
 
The upcoming event is an important opportunity for local businesses and stakeholders to influence future growth and help ensure the development aligns with the community’s needs. Attendees will discuss critical priorities such as infrastructure improvements, safety enhancements, and the promotion of small businesses.
 
Spanish translation services will be provided to ensure all voices are heard as the community shapes the future of Downtown Pasco into a vibrant, welcoming hub.
 
Community and Economic Development Director Jacob Gonzalez will be available for media interviews on Monday, September 16, to discuss the Downtown Engagement Meeting and new regulations for food trucks in the City of Pasco. If you would like to schedule an interview, please contact [email protected] before 1:00 PM on Friday, September 13.

​​The City of Pasco Public Works Department will temporarily shut off water service to customers west of Broadmoor Boulevard along Burns Road on Tuesday, September 17, starting at 9:00 A.M. This scheduled shutdown is necessary to support ongoing construction at the intersection of Burns Road and Broadmoor Boulevard, where a traffic signal is being installed, and a fire hydrant is being relocated as part of the Broadmoor corridor improvements.
 
The water service interruption will begin at 9:00 A.M. and is expected to last until 3:30 P.M. that afternoon. The City of Pasco advises residents in the affected area to plan for their domestic water needs during this time. Once the construction work is completed, service will be promptly restored.
 
This planned outage is necessary to ensure the continued infrastructure development in the area. The City aims to minimize the inconvenience caused and appreciates the understanding and cooperation of residents as we work to improve the community.
 
A map of the affected area is attached.
 
For more information, please contact the City of Pasco Public Works Department at (509) 545-3444.

​With the upcoming anniversary of September 11, 2001, we want to remind our community that the 9-11-01 memorial, located at the Southridge Sports & Events Complex – 2901 Southridge Blvd, will be open and accessible all day on Wednesday, September 11. We encourage everyone to visit at their convenience to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We appreciate the opportunity to join our community in paying respects to those who sacrificed their lives and continue to do so for our safety, security, and freedom. We will never forget!
 
Following is the timeline for the Honor Guard and moments of remembrance, that will be observed at the 9-11-01 memorial location:

• 0630 Presentation of the Colors/National Anthem/Posting of the Guard
• 0645 The start of Changing of the Guard every half hour on the half hour.
• 0846 Moment of Silence for AA Flight 11 and the North Tower
• 0903 Moment of Silence for UA Flight 175 and the South Tower
• 0937 Moment of Silence for AA Flight 77 and the occupants of the Pentagon as well as the passengers of UA Flight 93 in Shanksville Pennsylvania.
• 0959 Line-of-Duty Death (LODD) Bell Signal for the emergency responders who died in the collapse of the South Tower.
• 1028 LODD Bell Signal for the emergency responders who died in the collapse of the North Tower.
• 1030 Lowering and folding of the flag on the 9/11 memorial in honor of all those whose lives were lost due to this attack, during and following September 11th, 2001.
• 1045 Retirement of the colors and end of the memorial events.

 
This year’s Honor Guard is comprised of members of the Tri-Cities Professional Firefighters Honor Guard and members from the Kennewick Police and Benton County Sheriff’s departments.
 
9-11-01 Memorial Background - The City of Kennewick was one of only a few communities throughout the entire United States that received a piece of steel from the World Trade Center and we are extremely proud to have this memorial in Kennewick. Lampson International worked in conjunction with the City of Kennewick and the Port Authorities of New York and New Jersey to facilitate the monument's transfer and fabrication. The memorial quickly grew into a community-wide volunteer project that had numerous local businesses and residents working in partnership and donating generously. The three-ton, 35-foot-tall monument was dedicated on September 11, 2011.

​​The Sturgeon Cove Playground at Howard Amon Park is set for a major transformation this fall. Beginning the week of Monday, September 9th, 2024, crews will start demolition and construction of the new playground structures, with the project expected to take approximately 6–8 weeks to complete.

Planning and design for this upgrade commenced in 2023, and the new playground will feature a range of enhancements and additions aimed at increasing safety, accessibility, user capacity, and overall enjoyment. The playground is centered around a cruise boat theme, featuring colors and accents inspired by the natural world of the Columbia River.

The redesigned playground at this popular amenity will include a larger play structure with an expanded footprint, improved ADA accessibility, and a range of new play features. Highlights of the new playground include:

• A replica paddle wheel cruise ship inspired by those on the Columbia River
• Dueling ziplines
• Additional swings
• Play areas catering to both preschool-aged children and all-ages
• Sensory play equipment
• An inclusive whirl feature
• An expression swing

The following amenities will remain following the construction period:

• The Elephant Slide, a cherished piece of Richland’s history
• Fish sculptural elements
• Rock climbing features
  
  

The playground will also see the installation of a new shade structure over the adjacent picnic tables, funded by a generous donation from community member Robert “Bob” Zinsli. This new shade structure will enhance visitor comfort. 

While the playground is closed for construction, visitors are advised to adhere to posted signage and safety instructions. Users are encouraged to visit one of the many other parks Richland has to offer. The park finder can be accessed by going to www.richlandparksandrec.com/parklocator.
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We appreciate the community's patience and understanding as we work to improve Howard Amon Park for everyone’s enjoyment. For updates on the project, please visit: www.ci.richland.wa.us/projects.

How are we going to meet the clean energy demands of the future? The Washington State University Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF) invites the community to learn the answer to this vital question at an open house and ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 4:30 – 6 p.m. 

The transition to clean energy is a complex, multi-stakeholder problem that INEF is positioned to tackle by coordinating and connecting WSU energy efforts and partners to innovate systems-level clean energy and carbon-neutral solutions. "The complexity of the energy ecosystem requires us to work beyond traditional boundaries and technical silos,” says Noel Schulz, INEF's inaugural director. “INEF is excited to collaborate across the WSU system and with the state of Washington.”  

Schulz is joined by Assistant Director for Engineering and Environment, Yonas Demissie; Assistant Director for Agriculture, Extension and Outreach, Chad Kruger; and the new WSU Energy Program Director, Georgine Yorgey. “These talented leaders embody the multifaceted and comprehensive approach INEF is taking toward a clean energy future,” said Schulz. 

INEF has identified nearly 30 groups in the WSU system involved in energy-related efforts. Its goal is to connect these groups, along with policymakers, other researchers and stakeholders, with the ideas, expertise and analytics to create actionable solutions. In addition to growing these connections, INEF plans to leverage WSU Tri-Cities’ ongoing educational activities and capabilities along with the Tri-Cities regional energy hub to develop the needed workforce.  

The open house serves as an opportunity to further educate stakeholders and the community at large about how it will work as a connector, bringing various entities together to form the bigger solution.  

Sandra Haynes, chancellor at WSU Tri-Cities, spearheaded the institute in 2021 along with a $500,000 gift from the late Bob Ferguson, a visionary leader at the Hanford site and WSU Tri-Cities advocate. INEF was solidified in July 2023 after Gov. Inslee and the Washington Legislature approved funding to hire administrators, staff and faculty. “We are so excited to have INEF up and running and in a space of its own. This has been a vision for so many of us and I am pleased to welcome the community to come see how we are responding to the big questions involved with moving from clean up to clean energy.”  
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INEF is located at 2892 Pauling Ave., in Richland. The open house will feature brief remarks from WSU leadership and stakeholders, tours, interactive displays and networking opportunities. For those interested in attending, registration is requested by completing a registration form. To learn more about the WSU Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures visit www.tricities.wsu.edu/inef  

Columbia Ability Alliance is proud to announce the release of our 2023-2024 Impact Report, highlighting a year of significant achievements and community impact. The report reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering individuals with unique abilities, breaking down barriers, and creating a more inclusive community across the Tri-Cities. 

Key Accomplishments: 

• Employment Services: Provided over 2,650 hours of job coaching, serving 73 clients, resulting in the successful placement of 33 clients into meaningful employment with our network of 35 employer partners. 
• Opportunity Kitchen: Celebrated the graduation of 15 students from our 12-week vocational training program, providing nearly 900 hours of training, and equipping them with essential skills for careers in food service, catering, and hospitality. 
• Community Center: Enhanced social integration for clients through a robust calendar of 7,871 activities, including 15 weekend outings and valuable partnerships with local organizations. 
• Federal Building Services: Expanded our janitorial services through the AbilityOne program, including the launch of a Mobile Janitorial initiative, further supporting individuals with disabilities in the workforce. 
• Solutions Department: Produced 125,000 welding hoods through 6 contracts, providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to develop technical skills while earning a paycheck. 

 
“Our team at CAA continues to serve an increasing number of community members with disabilities and other barriers in life-enriching ways,” stated Michael Novakovich, President & CEO of Columbia Ability Alliance. Thanks to the trust of our clients and community partners, we are positively impacting culture in organizations across our region and building an even better community for all to enjoy.” 

Since 1963, Columbia Ability Alliance, formerly Columbia Industries, has been at the forefront of providing services that support individuals with disabilities in achieving personal independence and success. This year’s Impact Report underscores the strength and diversity of our programs, including Employment Services, Opportunity Kitchen, the Community Center, and our federal contracts. 
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The full 2023-2024 Impact Report is available online at columbiaabilityalliance.com/impact-report/. We invite community members, partners, and stakeholders to review the report and celebrate the collective accomplishments that have made a lasting difference in the lives of so many. 

​Yakima Federal Savings and Loan Association (Yakima Federal) announced today the appointment of Lori Mattson and Manuel Pedrosa to its Board of Directors.

• Lori Mattson is a 30-year resident of the Tri-Cities and the President and CEO of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce. She joined the Chamber in 2004 and assumed her current role in October 2008. Mattson is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute of Organization Management and serves on several boards, including the Benton Franklin Workforce Development Council, Fuse SPC, TRIDEC, and Visit Tri-Cities.
• Manuel Pedrosa serves as the Chief Information Officer at Yakima Neighborhood Health Services, a community health center in Yakima, WA. During his six years in this role, Pedrosa has built a secure IT infrastructure that meets the complex technical and regulatory needs of the organization. With a background in banking and manufacturing IT, Pedrosa holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines.

The Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) announced that BFCOG’s Metropolitan Planning Organization Deputy Director, Erin Braich, will be the inaugural recipient of their Rising Professional award at the 2024 AMPO Annual Conference in Salt Lake City on September 26 in front of over 400 MPO professionals from across the nation.

The Rising Professionals Award, being awarded for the first time, “celebrates the significant achievements of emerging leaders in the MPO world, specifically those who have eight years of professional MPO experience or less. This accolade honors an individual who embodies AMPO’s core values of Knowledge, Impact, and Collaboration and recognizes a rising professional who demonstrates exceptional expertise in their field, makes significant contributions to the advancement of metropolitan planning, and fosters collaboration within the community. Whether through innovative projects, impactful research, or dedicated service, the recipient of the Rising Professionals Award inspires others and drives positive change in their MPO region.”, according to the organization’s website.

Erin was nominated by BFCOG’s Executive Director Michelle Holt, with endorsing comments from local, state, and federal partners and local community leaders. “I have had the honor and privilege of working with Erin Braich since 2021. I have been so impressed with his technical planning skills and leadership abilities as a young professional. During Erin’s tenure, BFCOG has undergone several challenges that required him to rise to the occasion and lead, even serving as interim executive director for several months before my hiring. The level of respect his peers afford him is remarkable at this stage of his career, and his team admires and respects him. He is a mentor, leader and a true example of professional achievement for a young professional. I enthusiastically nominate Erin for the AMPO Rising Professionals Award.”
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Erin Braich joined BFCOG in 2018 as a Transportation Specialist II and progressed to Transportation Planning Manager in 2020 before being promoted to MPO Deputy Director in 2022. He obtained a Master of Urban and Regional Planning, a Graduate Certificate in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance from the University of Hawaii, and a Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning from Eastern Washington University. He is the president of the Columbia Section of the Washington State American Planning Association (APA), a board member, and a past president of Bike Tri-Cities.