Franklin PUD commissioner urges Pasco council to form working group to address homelessness

Roger Wright, a longtime Pasco resident and commissioner for Franklin Public Utility District, urged the Pasco City Council during public comment on Sept. 2 to take a leadership role on homelessness and to establish a working group of staff, citizen volunteers and housing experts. Wright said homelessness around PUD facilities — specifically the Fourteenth and Clark location — has affected safety and facility operations and that the PUD has moved functions partly in response. He described personal experience with homelessness conditions in Spokane and said the situation in Pasco requires more coordinated action. "I don't see enough happening and I would encourage the council to show the need of leadership and establish a working group of staff members, citizen volunteers, and housing experts," Wright said. He volunteered to serve on such a citizens' group. Mayor Milney acknowledged the comment and invited Wright to share ideas with the city manager and council members; council members also suggested submitting ideas in writing. The council did not take formal action at the meeting; Wright framed his remarks as an invitation for the city to lead a collaborative response that involves multiple stakeholders.