Walla Walla could lose its metropolitan status

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Office of Management and Budget floated a proposal that the size of what are considered to be metropolitan areas be doubled to a population of 100,000 instead of the current 50,000 requirement. That would mean Walla Walla, which with College Place, Prescott, Waitsburg and Milton-Freewater, would lose its metropolitan status and be declared a micropolitan area.

Just what that means is up for speculation. The Brookings Institution said it could impact the 142 metro areas to a micropolitan status. OMB issues guidance that advises against relying on the metro/non-metro designations for policy and funding, but many federal programs still rely on that data in spite of that guidance.

“At a time when government is focused on COVID-19 relief, economic recovery, infrastructure, and racial equity, small rural areas may be forced to compete with better-situated newcomers for federal funding,” Brookings experts wrote.

The report goes on to state that the change could hurt the new micropolitan areas as well as the rural areas.

“The proposed change is potentially so significant, and the statistical and financial consequences too insufficiently understood for OMB to make an informed decision,” the report states. “The nation stands at the precipice of a major effort to recover from the economical and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, while renewing investment in infrastructure, accelerating action on climate change, and dismantling the legacy of racism. Now is not the time for arbitrary action that challenges perceptions of fairness and community identity.”

The notice of the change was published by OMB on Jan. 19, the day before President Biden was inaugurated, calling for a comment period of 60 days. It may be found at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/19/2021-00988/recommendations-from-the-metropolitan-and-micropolitan-statistical-area-standards-review-committee.

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Elkhorn Media Group

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