Ellensburg Insider

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Touch-A-Truck & Bike Rodeo Fun

Touch-A-Truck will be held at Rotary Park on Wednesday, June 22 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Children can see, touch, climb on, and learn about City vehicles and equipment in a safe environment. There will be games with prizes, popcorn, and more! The event is free to attend.

The Bike Rodeo will be held concurrently at the mountain bike skills park area. Bring your bikes and helmets to Touch-A-Truck, and make the bike rodeo part of your day. Learn road safety and get a guided tour of the bike skills park area with the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.

City Grant Applications Available

Applications for City of Ellensburg Council-funded grant programs are available for 2023 awards. The grants support community initiatives and programs. The deadline to apply is August 31, 2022.

The grant programs include:

Community Grant
Park Partnerships
Water Quality Grants
Historic Preservation Grants

The City's Arts Commission grant application for 2023 projects is also available online.

Apply today at the City's website.

Learn more

Stop By Unity Park On June 8

The City's consultant for Unity Park design, Walker Macy, will be hosting a community planning session from 5-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8 at Unity Park, located on the northwest corner of 4th Ave. & Pearl St. in downtown Ellensburg. Visit the park site, talk to the planning team, and provide input and feedback on the park design concepts. The event will be a drop-in format with no formal presentation. Everyone is welcome.

Learn more

Comprehensive Plan Updates

The City of Ellensburg is currently accepting Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals for the 2022 annual docket cycle.

Proposals to amend the Comprehensive Plan may be submitted by any member of the community. In order to be considered for docketing during the 2022 amendment process, proposals must be submitted in writing by June 30, 2022.

The Comprehensive Plan is the City's 20-year community vision for growth and development. Proposed amendments are due in writing by June 30, 2022.

Please submit proposals in writing to the Community Development Department, 501 North Anderson Street, Ellensburg, OR via email to comdev@ci.ellensburg.wa.us.

Learn more

Alder Street Parking Closures

There will be parking closures along Alder Street this summer as work begins on the Alder Street/Dean Nicholson Boulevard traffic signal and the Palouse to Cascades Trail reconnection project.

• Parking on Alder Street south of University Way will be closed on June 6-late August.

• Parking on Alder Street north of University Way up to 14th Avenue will be closed on June 13-late August.

Please be prepared for intermittent delays due to construction activity in the area. For more information, contact the Public Works and Utilities Department at (509) 962-7230.

About City Boards & Commissions

The Affordable Housing Commission Works To Support Affordable Housing Projects

The Affordable Housing Commission operates under the authority of Chapter 1.86 of the Ellensburg City Code. The purpose of the Affordable Housing Commission is to support the development of safe and affordable housing and related services in the City, by assisting the City in determining gaps in affordable housing, and by making recommendations to the City Council for addressing the identified affordable housing needs of city residents.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. Attend a meeting, in person at City Hall or virtually.

There are seven members on the commission, five of which are required to be City residents.

The commission is responsible for recommending use of the affordable housing sales tax and use fund and recommending surplus property designated for affordable housing.

Learn more

City Approves $750K For Affordable Housing Project

On May 23 the Ellensburg City Council voted to approve an agreement with HopeSource to allow for the purchase of the Nites Inn property to be developed into affordable housing. The proposal will rehabilitate 16 units in an existing building with future plans to develop up to 40 dwelling units on the vacant property. The City is funding the project in the amount of $750,000 using funds from the affordable housing sales tax and use fund.

HopeSource has also obtained a commitment of $750,000 from Kittitas County.

Did You Know?

Did you know the Ellensburg Public Library loans out Washington Discover Passes for one week with up to one renewal (if no one is on hold for it)? Check one out and start exploring our beautiful state!

Save The Date

First Friday Art Walk 6/3

Join the Ellensburg Arts Commission, artists, and downtown venues for First Friday Art Walk from 5-7 p.m.

Poetry Celebration 6/3

June 3, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. at Gallery One, 408 N. Pearl St.

Celebrate poetry. Join a community gathering to welcome Ellensburg's first Poet Laureate. Featuring poetry readings by Xavier Cavazos, Jen Lynn, Ed Stover, and Poet Laureate Marie Marchand.

Unity Park Community Planning Session 6/8

June 8, 2022 5-6:30 p.m. at Unity Park, 4th Ave. & Pearl St.

Visit the park site, talk to the park planning team, and provide input and feedback on the park design concepts. The event will be a drop-in format with no formal presentation.

City Facilities Closed 6/20

City facilities will be closed on Monday, June 20 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. The City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 21.

Touch-A-Truck & Bike Rodeo 6/22

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Rotary Park

Children will be able to see, touch, climb on and investigate the big equipment in a safe environment. The Bike Rodeo will be held concurrently at the mountain bike skills course.