Pendleton moves forward with strategic plan

By Terry Murry on Wednesday, November 26th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – The Pendleton City Council began working on a strategic plan, setting priorities for the city’s future, in May. The council members made issues surrounding the city’s homeless population its number-one priority. Now the planning is done.

“Now is when the rubber meets the road and we’re actually moving forward,” Mayor McKennon McDonald said. “You’re going to start seeing the strategic plan on the city website. It’s going to be part of a campaign that we’re pushing out with our communications director.”

The plan is the work of the council but it’s based on input from citizens. This year a consultant launched a survey that asked community members to provide feedback on what matters most, what challenges they see, and the priorities they believe should be the focus for future planning.

The lead concerns that were expressed in the confidential survey are the unhoused population, infrastructure, and the high cost of housing. Those responding said the city needs to boost economic growth and be concerned about public safety.

More information about the plan is at Pendleton City Council Strategic Plan | Pendleton OR.

Photo: Pendleton City Council provided by the city