City of Walla Walla sets state, federal legislative agenda
By Dan Thesman on Monday, January 26th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla City Council has finalized its state and federal legislative priorities for 2026, outlining a strategic roadmap aimed at bolstering infrastructure, public safety, and community livability. The annual list serves as a formal request to lawmakers in Olympia and Washington, D.C.
At the state level, city leaders are prioritizing a capital budget request for the library renovation project and full funding for U.S. Highway 12 corridor improvements, including the Clinton interchange and Wilbur Avenue.
Officials also plan to advocate for increased wildland fire prevention resources within the Mill Creek watershed and legislative changes to local real estate excise taxes. These efforts are supported by a city-hired lobbyist and scheduled testimony from council members before state committees.
“These priorities support Walla Walla’s strategic plan, focusing on economic health and organization performance,” the city stated in its announcement issued Friday.
On the federal front, the city of Walla Walla is partnering with the Port of Walla Walla and Walla Walla County. A delegation will travel to the nation’s capital to seek support for maintaining Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding and securing federal aid to combat the opioid epidemic.
The city is coming off recent successes, including $6 million in congressional spending for Highway 12 design work and ongoing rehabilitation of the Mill Creek Flood Control Channel by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Additional priorities include strengthening rural healthcare flexibility and supporting the Association of Washington Cities’ broader goals for indigent defense funding and affordable housing supply.
