College Place, Washington Development News
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City Council Regular Meeting 7 14 2026 Video
Published: Jul 14, 2026
City Council Fills Key Commission Seats, Commissions Now Fully Staffed
The City Council approved appointments to two commission seats. Charles Peters was appointed to the Civil Service Commission, having resided in College Place for six years. Tara Luthie was appointed to the Lodging Tax Advisory Commission (LTAC); while she resides in Walla Walla, she manages vacation rentals within College Place and fits the LTAC's requirement for representation from the hotel rental industry. Both commissions are now fully staffed.
Public Works Achieves Significant Savings with In-House CDL Training Program
The Public Works Department has implemented a more efficient and cost-effective in-house training program for Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL), partnering with Diversified Logistics Training Solutions (DTS). Previously, staff were sent to a program in Pasco costing approximately $5,500 per trainee plus travel and overtime, totaling nearly $36,000 per CDL. The new DTS program, which brings a certified trainer to College Place, costs about $7,000 per person and takes only five days, significantly reducing costs and staff downtime. This innovation was recognized by the American Public Works Association (APWA), and the city will be presenting a session on their success at the fall conference. This program significantly cuts costs and training time compared to previous methods.
Economic Development Tracker Reveals Diverse Projects, Zoning Challenges Highlighted
The economic development tracker update revealed several ongoing projects and potential opportunities. Murphy USA (gas stations at Walmart) is on hold due to supply chain issues. Cobblestone Hotels (now Project Sleeptight) is no longer being pursued due to their franchise model requiring investors, and suitable sites like Whitman/Myra, 12th and College, near Hop Thief, and Mccur/Christensen sites are identified. The TIB Urban Arterial Program (UAP) offers potential funding for road projects with an economic development component, such as a small roundabout at Whitman to alleviate a "pork chop" access issue. Project LK (assisted living facility) faced geotechnical challenges due to imported fill soil on the Myra and Garrison Village Way site, highlighting stricter city regulations on importing fill now. Project Bullseye (expanding business) is still being pursued, with ICSC Las Vegas being a key venue for meetings. Project Early Bird (IHOPs, etc.) looks for locations near hotels, with Commercial Drive and Myra/SR125 identified as potential sites. Project Y (Yolks grocery) is on hold as they assess store closures, and the city feels oversaturated with grocery stores. Project Smile (light production facilities) is considering West Whitman Drive or airport property. Project Marketplace (apparel/home retail) has interest from a retailer following the WCO Foods opening. Project Fast Lane (quick-serve food) is being monitored as In-N-Out and Chick-fil-A expand regionally. Project Blue Mountain Vista (Southwest 12th and Myra) is being marketed for hotel or mixed-use retail, possibly townhomes. Project Crossroads Plaza (Arbini property) off McMin and Pepper Bridge is being considered for warehouse retail or gas stations, contingent on urban growth boundary expansion and a potential roundabout at College Ave and SR125. Project Flight (aerospace) at Martin Airfield depends on utility extensions. Project Sod (25 acres off Walla) is proposed for multifamily development, addressing the need for affordable units. Residential projects include Homestead Subdivision Phase 4 (35 single-family units replacing planned cottages), Hillrest Construction (nine duplex lots at SW 6th), Latitude Apartments (formerly Villages at Fort Walla Walla, 60 units in next phase, but facing issues with a multifamily tax exemption program), Sermon Development (40 apartments completed), Stone Creek Development (retooling to single-family), Villages of Garrison Creek Phase 12 (under construction, 13 more units planned), and Deer Meadows Subdivision (12 lots, developers are slow-moving). Martin Airfield (80 acres) is being considered for mixed-use, apartments, and single-family homes. The city is facing challenges with the county's Urban Growth Area (UGA) expansion applications, citing misrepresentation of submitted documentation and a lack of collaborative process, with a recent board of county commissioners workshop highlighting these issues.
City Council Approves Sidewalk Grinder Purchase with $6,200 WCIA Grant
The City Council approved the purchase of a new sidewalk grinder, funded by a $6,200 grant from the Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA) Risk Reduction Grant program. This initiative aims to address and repair trip hazards on city-owned sidewalks. Public works staff have already begun utilizing the new equipment. The WCIA will reimburse the city upon demonstration of work completion, with reporting due in September and further reimbursement in October or December. This program is seen as a proactive measure to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce city liability.
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The College Place News archive
Planning Commission 7 22 26 Video
Historic Preservation Committee 7 16 2026 Video
City Council Workshop Video 7 7 2026
EDTEC Meeting video 7 6 2026
Salary Commission Meeting Video 2026 06 24
PlanningCommissionMeeting Video 06 16 2026
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