Ellensburg, Washington Development News
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City Council Meeting - Media
Published: Jul 20, 2026
Ellensburg Opens 2027 Grant Applications and Acknowledges Funding for July 4th Event
The City Manager reported that the city's grant applications for 2027 are now open, including community grants, park partnership grants, water quality grants, historic preservation grants, and Arts Commission grants. Applications are available online, with varying requirements for each program. The city also received grant funding from the Washington State Historical Society, Kittitas County America 250 Fund, AAEE Commission, and Ellensburg Creative District to help host the July 4th community picnic event.
Ellensburg Council Reviews Updated Urban Forestry Code
The City Council conducted the first reading of Ordinance 4992, which repeals and replaces chapter 4.36 of the Ellensburg City Code concerning street trees, now to be known as the Urban Forestry Code. The new code broadens the scope to include trees in parks and city-owned properties, adds a purpose and value statement, updates definitions, includes requirements for tree protection during construction, establishes prohibited actions, clarifies maintenance responsibilities, introduces a cost recovery and in-lieu of fee option, and updates the permit appeals process and penalties. This project was funded by a 2024 Community Forestry Assistance Grant and involved extensive public outreach, including community events and surveys, which indicated strong public support for urban trees. The Environmental Commission reviewed and recommended the proposed code for adoption. Following adoption, administrative updates to the Public Works Development Standards will occur.
Ellensburg Council Reviews Draft Comprehensive Plan Chapter on Community, Access, and Engagement
The City Council received an informational update on the draft updated comprehensive plan, specifically focusing on Chapter 2: Our Community, Access, Engagement, and Belonging. This chapter, formerly Chapter 9, has been relocated and expanded to provide a central focus on community character. The update process involved extensive review of internal city processes, stakeholder engagement, online surveys, and integration of state requirements and county policies. New analysis included demographic trends, adequate provisions, racially disparate impacts, housing allocations, active transportation, and climate hazard planning. The revised chapter incorporates land acknowledgment statements, council vision, and strategic direction, aiming to capture Ellensburg's character and guide the rest of the plan. The process includes further public comment periods, open houses, and upcoming commission and council hearings for finalization.
Ellensburg Approves Rezoning for Higher Density Residential Development
The City Council conducted the second reading and adopted Ordinance 4991, approving the rezone of parcel 242833 from residential medium (RM) to residential high (RH) density. This rezoning affects 2.743 acres located at 101 East 14th Avenue. The hearing examiner recommended approval following an open record hearing on June 10th. The City Council held a closed record public hearing on July 6th, at which time they approved the rezone request and conducted the first reading of the ordinance. The roll call vote for adoption was affirmative, with all council members present voting in favor.
Ellensburg Council Authorizes Letter of Intent for Affordable Housing Project with Potential Remediation Assistance
The City Council considered a letter of intent for the First and Pine property contribution, which involves developing 16-17 affordable homeownership townhomes. A Phase I environmental review identified potential soil contamination, prompting the developer to request city assistance with remediation costs should contaminated soils be found. The draft letter of intent expresses the city's commitment to the project, potential use of up to $100,000 in affordable housing funds for remediation, and sets a deadline of December 1st for finalizing the contract. Council members discussed potential responsibility for previous polluters and the city's proportional responsibility given the property's history. The council ultimately authorized the Mayor to sign the amended letter of intent.
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The Ellensburg News archive
Ellensburg School District Board Meeting - 7/22/26
City Council Meeting July 20, 2026
City Council Study Session July 6th 2026
City Council Meeting July 6, 2026
City Council Meeting - Media
City Council Meeting - Media
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