A Grateful Farewell to Councilmembers Barajas and Blasdel

Councilmember and former Mayor of Pasco Blanche Barajas is wrapping up her final term on Pasco City Council, after eight years of service. Barajas was first elected in 2017 to represent District 1, taking office in January 2018. In 2020, she became the first Latina selected to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. Following her re-election in 2022, she made history again as the first Latina Mayor of Pasco.

During her time as Mayor, Barajas signed a friendship and cooperation agreement between the City of Pasco and the State of Colima, Mexico. She also supported major job growth and investment in Pasco, including development of new Amazon facilities in east Pasco, a 3-acre greenhouse from Local Bounti, expanded operations at Reser’s, and the opening of Darigold’s processing center at the Port of Pasco’s Reimann Industrial Complex. Barajas also helped drive expansion of the City’s Process Water Reuse Facility, which supports industrial growth while protecting water resources.

As Mayor, Barajas led community investments such as the renovation of Peanuts Park and the Pasco Farmers Market, and celebrated the opening of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy in Pasco. As a Councilmember, she successfully advocated for allowing DACA recipients to become law enforcement officers and helped establish Pasco’s Inclusivity Commission, which advises the City Council on promoting inclusion and belonging in the community.

In 2024, Barajas received an Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities, recognizing her knowledge and leadership in areas such as governance, legal responsibilities, resource management, community planning, and equity and inclusion. She has also been a dedicated mentor to local youth and a strong advocate for improving community access to City services.

The City of Pasco is also grateful to Melissa Blasdel for her service on the City Council. Blasdel was appointed in 2023 to represent District 6 following the resignation of then– Mayor Pro Tem Craig Maloney and is stepping down at the conclusion of her appointed term. During her tenure, Blasdel served with dedication, maintaining perfect attendance at City Council meetings in 2024 and actively engaging with residents and local business leaders. In 2025, she completed the Pasco Police Citizens Academy and joined the board of the Colima-Pasco Friendship & Collaboration Association.

​The City of Pasco thanks both Councilmembers for their service and commitment to the community, and for the lasting contributions they have made to Pasco.