[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6164971,"mediaKeyId","5426503-f20954ca52d70cb1921a795387cdfc65","parentId",5426503,"title","Infrastructure, economic development, parking and term limits surfaced as campaign priorities in Ellensburg","audioSeconds",723,"startMs",5030000,"endMs",5753000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5426503-f20954ca52d70cb1921a795387cdfc65&start=5030&end=5753","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5426503-f20954ca52d70cb1921a795387cdfc65/thumbnail_5030000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6164971/Ellensburg-City/Kittitas-County/Washington/Infrastructure-economic-development-parking-and-term-limits-surfaced-as-campaign-priorities-in-Ellensburg","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164971-bf004286b0df624aa9c16c07bbe444dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448633&Signature=ngrk~E6wRvvJnyncEFVwcwEInjpWbj3K7doKFOktCvaMkExSa1EOdKe7bMu~JIlwTk7ycNxcYQc~1xjFTFdPbjYzxertjl8OKU2jH8XpPBedhLb8lenXlmIGgM2b2Ksf~W7nGglGa7Cln-ljuA6v992EX0aqGyq9jTDXmPu1ahsmkuNrNnkQTZNy15X68BElFMr1r3GoY2g6H~QDhzcPlRH6zPM0w9vp7eNBXAEso0duMFdn0uuY5ZDZmZJKuOue5gLQakOtx6h-pdfYPw1ZHZNdhzQ7nnk~Gm8sgop5mX3Q3v2wu~X6qazttGGo5CH89RgvUsYcmSHvt3Oeo8QJxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ellensburg City, WA","date","2025-07-18T14:49:19Z","article","At the Ellensburg City Council candidates forum, several candidates focused on infrastructure needs, economic development and youth services while also debating parking solutions and term limits.

Candidates repeatedly named infrastructure — water mains and other aging systems — as a near‑term concern that shapes budget priorities. Delano Palmer, director of capital planning and projects at Central Washington University and an appointed council member, said the city had recent utility failures: “It's not a **** thing to talk about, but we've had 4 water main breaks in the last month. Do people understand that?” He argued infrastructure repairs and resiliency are prerequisites for housing and economic growth.

Why it matters: Infrastructure failures can force immediate unplanned spending and affect daily life. Candidates linked infrastructure health to the city’s ability to attract businesses and provide recreational services.

Economic development and jobs were another common theme. Palmer said his capital‑planning role positions him to support development that generates local revenue and keeps graduates in town; Nancy Goodlow described an imminent regional economic development plan the city and county are preparing to implement. Candidates said a stronger tax base helps fund parks, pool repairs and other services.

Parking downtown prompted repeated questions. Candidates acknowledged a problem but offered no consensus solution. Palmer noted potential tradeoffs for parking garages (“it’s tall, it's ugly”), while Sam Ezell said a parking garage could create revenue but asked where it would be sited. Candidates discussed alternatives including multimodal transportation and encouraging walking, biking and carpooling.

Term limits surfaced as a governance question. Palmer and Ezell both said they support limits in principle but cautioned that very short limits can hinder implementation and continuity; Palmer said eight years can be long but noted that overly rapid turnover can impede sustained projects.

Youth programming and mentoring attracted consistent attention across panels. Several candidates tied youth services to prevention of delinquency and urged expansion of mentoring, recreation and after‑school spaces.

Next steps: Candidates said infrastructure work, economic development implementation and parks planning will be part of upcoming council priorities. They urged voters to weigh those priorities in the primary election, which selects the top two candidates for the general election.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Voter Primary Forum -- City of Ellensburg","oneSentenceSummary","Candidates at the Ellensburg forum emphasized infrastructure maintenance, economic development and youth programming; parking and term‑limit proposals drew discussion as part of broader priorities.","taxTitle","Ellensburg City, Kittitas County, Washington","taxId",52274,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6164976,"Candidates pledge more neighborhood forums, transparency and alternative communications to reach residents",3132,959000,4091000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5426503-f20954ca52d70cb1921a795387cdfc65&start=959&end=4091","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5426503-f20954ca52d70cb1921a795387cdfc65/thumbnail_959000.jpg","/articles/6164976/Ellensburg-City/Kittitas-County/Washington/Candidates-pledge-more-neighborhood-forums-transparency-and-alternative-communications-to-reach-residents","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164976-4f2ec52821d95e3ec99c49fe92a95578/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448633&Signature=Mr7op~JOFeGHlTW8~wALniPeGcg5kppifLlKydxL0n90s-GCnx8lRqVbw7f2zalJsIQyMAA3aMhrrS3JRqHQoHphfLYtxIF512R-Og6ZYVyGok~SaeppZW7kuVGz-5x7xRF6QsTjfQJJpbbRP9s~YG19YfMFZ9a30FX12ETv80UgU3n4mGNQlwPNbfGBQ4B2GhPfcodxR75tkT4KJ9rVvOMfI9R1y6-fAM1GgRS2X0UoZSY55oesxIEpI3MNj-omW8RTQ41zwCAqLmJovp9ND03oVwWUSlbk6tEYfmAJ67HK1633rOtN7FkkIyIF7JrNHvI4U72kr9wR8jk9r0NGPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple candidates at the Ellensburg City Council primary forum addressed concerns that some residents feel unheard and described steps they would take to increase outreach and transparency.

Candidates emphasized in‑person outreach. Geraldine O'Mahony, a planning commissioner, said “representation starts with being present” and proposed “regular neighborhood forums, meet with CWU student groups and senior centers, and partner with nonprofits, veterans organizations, and faith communities” to reach residents who do not use online channels.

Why it matters: Candidates noted the city’s demographic mix — long‑term residents, Central Washington University students, and newcomers — and argued that communication must meet people where they are. Several candidates pointed to the city’s existing “coffee with council” events as a model; Nancy Goodlow highlighted those monthly meetings as an existing vehicle for outreach.

Practical suggestions included physical community bulletin boards and more frequent pop‑up meetings. Erin Smith suggested neighborhood bulletin boards so residents who are not online can see city notices and event information while they are already “out and about.” Candidates also stressed formal transparency in decision‑making: O'Mahony said the city should be explicit about “how it is we are coming to these decisions, what evidence we're using, where we're drawing the evidence from.”

Forum tension and perception of listening: Smith raised a local controversy about a park‑naming decision — saying “they named it Unity Park when the majority there was 57 votes to name it Ellensburg Blues Park, and 3 votes for Unity Park. And they chose Unity Park” — to illustrate why some residents feel the council did not follow community preference. Incumbent Nancy Goodlow responded that the council followed the parks commission recommendation and that listening does not always result in the same substantive outcome.

Next steps: Candidates said they would continue using formal channels (public comment at meetings, commissions) and expand informal outreach (neighborhood forums, campus meetings and bulletin boards) to broaden participation and make decision rationales clearer.","At the forum, candidates described plans to expand outreach — neighborhood meetings, regular forums with CWU groups and seniors, coffee with council events and physical bulletin boards — responding to complaints that some residents feel unheard.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6164982,"Memorial Pool roof, playground upgrades and graffiti abatement top parks concerns at Ellensburg forum",201,2195000,2396000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5426503-f20954ca52d70cb1921a795387cdfc65&start=2195&end=2396","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5426503-f20954ca52d70cb1921a795387cdfc65/thumbnail_2195000.jpg","/articles/6164982/Ellensburg-City/Kittitas-County/Washington/Memorial-Pool-roof-playground-upgrades-and-graffiti-abatement-top-parks-concerns-at-Ellensburg-forum","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164982-a75d58f3464677a9bbdc507b695fa324/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448633&Signature=h~CCfvwYVo0WwutgLkPQYIi7Zmu5GZpajwaMRh71G0W4tKl9LwZWzwXIm-hIJNZjpFp0E-LUZjgnl7uZXdu~MJrSRZWKZJgWJG0j9~0~iWS8QYVahR1DF1YA8hCe4nGJV41auJy0CcCaFWiz93sc87l22GfzYGRLQdJXOs6EgMnicnqo8Ai1~H1KF-u9D4ynQ8BsMtYFL2PkL-ts25NhQ-7AO00lXgJvg4ms7BEzZEYw1v4SfgyUk~LsuYzSMk1njWOOZCyqw4oFLlUEg3ntKeBB2IgfuwlqvTCN5Er7FPqZcbfJ~o5k8RVhqsBJIrDh0fLmey9qOb0zdo5TphlqtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Candidates in Ellensburg's city council primary forum highlighted maintenance and replacement needs in the city's parks and recreation system, repeatedly calling attention to Memorial Pool and play equipment.

The most immediate complaint came from former Fire Chief John Sinclair, who said the city’s pool roof has leaked for years: “We have a community investment in Memorial Pool. We've had a leak in the roof for over 8 years and it hasn't been repaired,” Sinclair said, adding that the condition is visible from a block away. Several candidates said the pool and other aging facilities require a careful decision about repair versus replacement.

Why it matters: Parks and recreation facilities are daily services used by families, seniors and university students; maintenance and capital decisions are both costly and political. Several candidates tied parks maintenance to broader questions of city budgeting and prioritization.

Incumbent council member Joan Loquist said the city already has invested in the pool in recent years and urged careful cost‑benefit thinking: “We put new HVAC, Jacuzzis, and a new roof on. The average life expectancy of a municipal pool is about 30 years. Ours has lasted 46,” she said, arguing the city must weigh ongoing repair costs against replacement expense.

Candidates urged community input and use of local partnerships. Geraldine O'Mahony said parks are “multifunctional” and should be welcoming to all residents; she supported splash pads and play structures while noting other groups also use park space. Loquist said a new West Ellensburg playground is budgeted this year and that the parks commission is weighing reallocations, including whether to install a splash pad.

Graffiti abatement and inclusive play were recurring themes. O'Mahony noted graffiti cleanup consumes significant parks resources and called for proactive measures; Goodlow and others emphasized planning that serves children and people with disabilities, including accessible equipment.

Next steps: Candidates pointed to an upcoming parks and open‑space planning process and the parks commission as the venues for public input and prioritized investments. Several candidates said the council must balance capital needs across pools, playgrounds and fields within the city’s constrained budget.","Candidates at an Ellensburg forum pressed for repairs to Memorial Pool, discussed playground upgrades and raised maintenance concerns including graffiti abatement. Candidates said budget and long‑term planning will determine next steps.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6164986,"Ellensburg candidates propose zoning, incentives and ADU changes to address housing affordability",515,1124000,1639000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5426503-f20954ca52d70cb1921a795387cdfc65&start=1124&end=1639","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5426503-f20954ca52d70cb1921a795387cdfc65/thumbnail_1124000.jpg","/articles/6164986/Ellensburg-City/Kittitas-County/Washington/Ellensburg-candidates-propose-zoning-incentives-and-ADU-changes-to-address-housing-affordability","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164986-ba4d89e14dbb9084463911e60f2b96ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448633&Signature=WQz2XHU9EgBArYR0jM9mrdXcEPI70PZbsk4ItpxGsW9J7097~6n9Q-qjlOPpInEFevpyngS3LNnB8MYU9zXKiOxXSBORRTsRzDyGDiEtjftODoWXXlP0D95LFUno277pmnblAGL071IUgl0xFJRVenIUTe6Lziz2GUlaW37TfLZKzRole4oET6nMoV7lKSFYM9UKsUXXgLK9~b5Q2grvy4CKb0CCucGr~4E1hLb~Fe8L7r1jp0NvaW36~k1xSnW92rR-Inlk~RhvoMukPhGjgAsGqbEokPrC8qKCcxM0ZEf2eySDvsbxB4sp~el0sdAmSc6LbfFieBQHEE6Lsv3FIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a candidates forum hosted at the Clymer Museum and Gallery, several people running in Ellensburg's city council primary identified housing affordability as the city's top challenge and outlined different local steps they would take if elected.

Housing dominated candidate responses because it affects residents across income levels, they said, from students and working families to long-term locals. Geraldine O'Mahony, a planning commissioner and former Central Washington University professor, said, “I think Ellensburg's biggest challenge is housing affordability, climate resilience, and economic equity,” and advocated for zoning and development policies that expand affordable housing while protecting renters and working families.

Why it matters: Candidates framed housing as a cross-cutting issue tied to growth, economic development and quality of life. Several called for local policy changes that city officials can pursue without waiting on state or federal action.

Candidates offered three recurring approaches. First, make code and zoning changes to support “missing middle” development — smaller homes on smaller lots and higher densities near infrastructure. A candidate who identified herself as Joan Loquist recommended code reviews “to remove the barriers to...missing middle housing.” She noted the city has used local resources to leverage larger projects: “We have built 55 of those in the last few years, and we have a 120 more in development right now,” she said, referring to income‑restricted or subsidized housing projects.

Second, require or incentivize affordable units within new developments. O'Mahony described an “inclusive zoning model” discussed by the planning commission and the affordable housing commission that would include both mandatory and incentive-based provisions for developers.

Third, expand and simplify ADU (accessory dwelling unit) permitting. O'Mahony and others urged streamlining the permitting process so homeowners can more easily add ADUs as an incremental source of attainable housing.

Candidates also discussed financing. Joan Loquist suggested leveraging local sales tax funds voters approved to attract state and federal money for income‑restricted projects. John Sinclair, a retired fire chief who said he supports locally targeted subsidies and first‑time homebuyer assistance, described housing pressure in small towns as a “generational problem” driven in part by post‑COVID moves from larger metro areas.

Not all details were specified in the forum. Candidates mentioned the city comprehensive plan and state law requirements for planning but did not provide ordinance numbers, specific funding allocations or timelines. Several said more work would be needed to design the specifics and described continued collaboration between the planning commission, affordable housing commission and city staff.

Looking ahead: Candidates said the city can pursue code changes and targeted incentives now while continuing to seek state and federal funds. Several pointed to public engagement — neighborhood forums and commission input — as the next step before drafting any binding code changes or funding commitments.","Candidates at an Ellensburg City Council primary forum on July evening prioritized housing affordability, proposing inclusive zoning, incentives for developers, expanded accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules and leveraging local sales tax to attract state and federal funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Infrastructure, economic development, parking and term limits surfaced as campaign priorities in Ellensburg

Candidates pledge more neighborhood forums, transparency and alternative communications to reach residents

Memorial Pool roof, playground upgrades and graffiti abatement top parks concerns at Ellensburg forum

Ellensburg candidates propose zoning, incentives and ADU changes to address housing affordability