Kennewick initiates joint planning for economic development and traffic assessment improvements

The Kennewick City Council Workshop held on August 12, 2025, focused on several key topics, primarily centered around transportation planning and economic development strategies for the region.

A significant discussion revolved around the use of travel demand models and traffic counts. City officials emphasized the importance of accurate traffic data, noting that while point-in-time traffic counts are not mandatory, they remain the gold standard for understanding traffic patterns. The conversation highlighted the limitations of big data, such as mobile phone tracking, which can be skewed by unusual activities, like the Pokémon Go craze, leading to inaccurate traffic assessments.

The workshop also introduced a collaborative approach to resource sharing among local jurisdictions. Officials discussed a new initiative where the Council of Governments (COG) would purchase software and data on behalf of the region, allowing for cost-sharing among cities. This strategy aims to reduce individual expenses and enhance the effectiveness of transportation planning efforts. The first year of this combined planning activity is expected to save jurisdictions approximately $400,000 by minimizing duplicative consulting costs.

In addition to transportation, the council reviewed the five-year update of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (SEDS). This document outlines economic goals and opportunities for the region, identifying strategic development areas such as the Southridge District, Kennewick Historic Waterfront, and Vista Field. The SEDS includes nine development projects for Kennewick, with a total projected cost of $65.8 million, aimed at securing state and federal funding.

The meeting also addressed ongoing environmental initiatives, including the Brownfields Coalition Assessment Grant. Kennewick has benefited from previous grants for environmental assessments, with $285,000 allocated for projects in the downtown area. A new $1.2 million assessment grant is set to begin in 2026, focusing on housing and rural development, which will further support redevelopment efforts in the region.

Overall, the workshop underscored Kennewick's commitment to strategic planning and collaboration, aiming to enhance transportation infrastructure and economic development while addressing environmental concerns. The next steps will involve implementing the discussed strategies and continuing to seek funding for key projects.