Aberdeen council approves new Wishkah River Bridge sign 5-4 after months of Arts Commission work and public backlash

The Aberdeen City Council voted 5-4 on June 25, 2025 to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with artist Tim Girvin for a new "Welcome to Aberdeen" sign to be placed on the Wishkah River Bridge, closing a contentious item that drew public comment, debate over process and calls to reopen the procurement.

The council motion authorized the mayor to execute the contract for the two concept designs recommended by the Aberdeen Arts Commission. The motion passed 5-4 after multiple residents urged the council to delay selection and reopen the request-for-proposals process.

Why it matters: Council members and city staff said the project is funded through a lodging-tax grant and not the city general fund, but council members who opposed the artist said the selected designs do not reflect community preferences and that public engagement around the submission process was insufficient.

Arts Commission process and defense

Lee Bacon, chair of the Aberdeen Arts Commission, outlined the commission's process and…