Pasco Planning Commission Meeting September 17, 2026

At the Pasco Planning Commission meeting on September 17, 2026, commissioners held a public hearing on the 2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual work plan. Staff reported 13 funding proposals and estimated available funding of $621,797, with a shortfall of about $185,000. Applicants described requests including $20,000 for the YMCA, $15,000 for Columbia Ability Alliance, $20,000 for the Boys & Girls Club, $30,000 for Columbia Basin Veterans, and $7,000 for the Children’s Developmental Center. City proposals included $50,000 for downtown lighting installation reimbursements (up to $5,000 per property) and $100,000 for accessible playground equipment. No allocations were approved at this hearing; staff said it would return with recommendations in October before the proposals proceed to City Council and HUD.

The commission also voted 6–1 to recommend that City Council support both applications for urban growth area expansion and forward that recommendation to the county. Staff had recommended support for the Port of Pasco application but raised concerns about demonstrating land-capacity need for the second application. The commission received updates on the 20-year comprehensive plan and critical-areas code revisions, including state-required housing changes and a proposed Pasco-specific approach to shrub-step habitat standards; these items were for discussion and further review, not procurement decisions. Commissioners also approved the May 21, 2026 meeting minutes.