Kennewick  Contract lobbyist Brianna Murray told the Kennewick City Council on May 20 that the 2025 Washington Legislature produced mixed results for the city but secured one clear local appropriation: $750,000 in the capital budget for a Columbia Park boat launch replacement.

Murray, a partner with Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Relations, told council members the city originally requested $1.3 million and received roughly half the ask in the final capital budget. "The final capital budget included $750,000 for that project, which is half of what we had requested," Murray said, adding that the award was larger than the year's average local appropriation and worth thanking the citys 8th District legislators for advancing the request.

Why it matters: the appropriation provides state capital funds that the city can use toward a high‑profile Columbia Park project. Murray said the remaining city work will focus on implementation and pursuing additional funding on future legislative cycles.

Session context and statewide impacts

Murray framed the session as the first year of Washingtons two‑year biennium, noting the Legislature approved a roughly $77.8 billion combined budget with about $2.3 billion in reserves. Lawmakers generated roughly $4.3 billion in new revenue in that budget, she said, and passed just over 400 bills of the more than 2,500 introduced.

She called out major budget pressures stemming from slower revenue growth compared with earlier forecasts and rising costs tied to collective bargaining agreements. Murray also flagged a $15 billion projected four‑year shortfall that shaped budget choices.

Local requests and outcomes

- Columbia Park boat launch: $750,000 appropriation (requested $1.3 million). Murray said the appropriation should be seen as a "strong win" because many communities received no capital funding this year.
- At‑grade rail study: The city requested funding for an at‑grade rail safety/operations study; the transportation budget provided no new project or study funding this session. Murray said legislators expressed interest in a broader Tri‑Cities regional study and suggested the city work regionally to gain traction next session.
- Columbia Center Boulevard widening: A $14.7 million construction request did not receive final funding, though Murray said the Senate proposal had included the project on a list of new projects during negotiations.
- Public safety communications: Murray said the citys request was not advanced this session.
- Public Facility District (3 Rivers Convention Center): The Legislature approved House Bill 1109, extending the sales‑tax credit the PFD receives from 40 to 55 years, which Murray said improves the PFDs ability to bond against the revenue stream.

Policy notes and risks

Murray flagged several policy and fiscal items for council attention: proposals affecting local land‑use authority (including a state mandate to allow a one‑time lot split in certain situations), the Department of Commerces new auditing authority over up to 10 jurisdictions a year for land‑use compliance, and a new $100 million grant program to hire law enforcement officers. She also noted a newly allowed local option: jurisdictions may increase a sales‑tax rate by one‑tenth of a percent for criminal justice purposes; Murray said there are compliance strings tied to the grant program that jurisdictions must consider.

Murray warned that federal changes to Medicaid reimbursement could prompt a special session or require the state to adjust eligibility or identify offsetting resources; she said this is a continuing risk that could affect local budgets and services.

Council questions

Council members asked about agency reductions, federal funding for salmon culvert work, and the legislative pay commission. Murray answered that most state agencies absorbed at least a 3% reduction and that some budget items and studies were vetoed by the governor. She also urged council members and staff to thank the citys 8th District legislators  Senator Boehnke, Representative Connors and Representative Bernard  for their work during the session.

Whats next

Murray said she will provide a finalized written report reflecting the governors actions and that staff and council will have work ahead implementing projects and state funding. She recommended beginning preparations for the 2026 session, which opens Jan. 12, 2026.

Quotes

"The final capital budget included $750,000 for that project, which is half of what we had requested," Brianna Murray said of the Columbia Park boat launch appropriation.

"I would strongly encourage you all to thank your Eighth District Legislator, Senator Boehnke, Representative Connors, and Representative Bernard," Murray said, calling the funding and feedback "a team effort."