Economic Development, Tourism, and Events Commission 12.1.2025

The City of College Place Economic Development, Tourism, and Events Commission met on December 1, 2025. Key procurement-related discussions included the awarding of seven out of eight lodging tax grants, with notable funding such as a $16,000 grant for the Downtown College Place Association and other grants supporting local events and organizations like the Freedom Festival, Fort Walla Walla Museum, and Powerhouse Theater. The commission also reviewed the finalized Capital Facility Plan, highlighting major capital improvement projects for 2026 including a $7 million Lions Park project, a $159,000 post office crosswalk, a $650,000 downtown parking lot development, and significant infrastructure projects such as the wastewater treatment plant phase 1B ($10 million) and water storage tank ($8 million). The plan anticipates total expenditures of approximately $52.9 million in 2026, with funding strategies involving federal grants and local sales tax revenues. Additionally, the commission discussed upcoming community events like Winterfest and plans to resume monthly meetings in 2026.