You’re Invited to Help Shape Yakima’s Future

If you're a Yakima resident you're invited to a special meeting on Wednesday, September 24 at the Yakima Harman Senior Center to help create a "vision of the future" for the city.

PLANNING COMMISSION IS LISTENING

The meeting, held by the Yakima Planning Commission is being held to meet with Yakima residents and get a better understanding of their experience in Yakima, and work with the community to develop a vision of the future.  A press release says "please note" while discussions and presentations may take place, no formal actions, decisions, or votes are expected during the meeting. The meeting is set for 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Harman Center, 101 North 65th Ave.

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NOT ON A CUT LIST.....YET

Speaking of the Harman Center. The Center isn't on the city cut list to help fill a $9 million budget hole in 2026 but it could still be closed if voters don't approve a property tax hike in November.
During a Yakima City Council meeting earlier this year the council approved a resolution placing a question on the November 4 ballot asking for an increase in the City’s regular property tax levy by 50 cents per $1,000.00 of assessed value.

WILL YOU VOTE FOR THE LEVY?

If approved the levy would raise $6 million dollars to help in the city deficit problem. The other $3 million would come from proposed cuts.
However if the property tax ask fails in November the city will then have to make upwards of $9 million in cuts to city services.

WHAT ABOUT 2027 AND 2028?

Deputy Yakima Mayor Matt Brown says projections show with the proposed property tax increase or with $9 million in cuts the city would still be in the "same place financially come 2027/2028" meaning the city will still be in the negative even if voters pass the property tax hike.