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Yakima City Council 07-07-26
Published: Jul 7, 2026
City Council Debates Trolley Funding and Bridge Ownership in TIP Discussion
During the council meeting, discussions and votes took place regarding the city's Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) for 2027-2032 and the inclusion of trolley-related projects. Several council members expressed concerns about the trolley being classified as transportation and not a tourist attraction, questioning its eligibility for transportation funding. A motion to remove the Natchez River Bridge repair project from the TIP passed, with concerns raised about city ownership and responsibility for the bridge. Another motion was adopted to amend the TIP, ensuring no city funds, except for specific donated or council-approved funds, are used for trolley track infrastructure. The council also moved to direct the city attorney to verify the city's ownership of the Natchez River Bridge.
Tom Huntington Appointed Interim Fire Chief
The City Council welcomed Tom Huntington as the interim Fire Chief. Huntington brings over 30 years of fire and EMS leadership experience, including 10 years as Fire Chief in Richland. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program and is known for his collaborative servant leadership approach. In his interim role, he will oversee department leadership, personnel development, budget management, compliance, and strategic initiatives such as long-term asset planning. He will also engage with regional partners.
City Council Allocates Funds to Support Homeless Shelter Amidst County Funding Cuts
City Council discussed concerns regarding the county's decision to significantly reduce funding for Camp Hope, a homeless shelter, potentially displacing up to 150 individuals. While the city does not directly fund homeless programs, it partners with the county, which is the lead agency. The council expressed frustration over the lack of a clear transition plan from the county for those affected and voted to allocate up to $50,000 from available city funds to temporarily support Camp Hope while a longer-term solution is sought. The council also passed a motion of no confidence in the county commissioners' funding allocation decisions regarding this matter.
Residents Urge Council to Cancel Flock Safety Contract Citing Privacy and Cost Concerns
During the public comment period, several residents voiced strong opposition to the city's contract with Flock Safety for surveillance cameras, citing concerns about government overreach, erosion of constitutional rights, and misuse of taxpayer money. Speakers highlighted that council members had not read the contracts before voting and that the process lacked transparency. Concerns were raised about privacy violations, the potential for data breaches, and the financial cost compared to other community needs like homeless services. Some speakers also noted that the Flock system collects data on all individuals, not just those suspected of crimes, creating a database of movements. A few residents, however, spoke in favor of the cameras, believing they enhance public safety.
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The Yakima News archive
City of Yakima Hearing Examiner 07-09-26 07/09/2026
Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency 07-09-26
City of Yakima Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee 07-08-26 07/08/2026
City of Yakima Planning Commission 07-08-26 07/08/2026
City of Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission 07-08-26
Yakima County Commission 07-07-26
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