Columbia Basin College and Washington State University Tri-Cities both reported significant student enrollment increases this fall, marking consecutive growth at both schools.
The three Tri-City districts, which together serve more than 50,000 Tri-City students and employ more than 6,000 workers, are navigating a rapidly changing educational landscape through expansion, upgrades and planning for the future.
The Port of Walla Walla’s Wallula Gap Business Park near Burbank, just east of Pasco, is on the cusp of bringing new industries and jobs to the region. One industrial partner awaits final state permits to begin construction while another recently cleared a state regulatory hurdle.
The Port of Pasco’s industrial properties are retaining and drawing new tenants in everything from food processing to logistics. The Tri-Cities Airport has seen nothing but growing passenger counts for years. And it’s looking to the future with plans for developments connected to the agriculture industry and even becoming a player in the energy market.
The Port of Kennewick’s path forward at Vista Field remains uncertain as the port awaits guidance from the state after completing additional chemical testing.
Alongside the downtown loop project, the city also is navigating broader growth – from new housing in Badger Mountain South and commercial developments near the new Costco to infrastructure improvements and retail recruitment efforts across town.
The city of Kennewick’s population continues to grow. Its outer edges continue to expand with residential development as its commercial core launches new construction projects.