AUGUST 2025

New Market Rate Housing on the Horizon

If you’ve lived in Hermiston for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed that we need more housing. For young professionals like new teachers and health care workers, finding the right place to live can be a challenge. This is especially true for those who don’t qualify for income-restricted housing, but aren’t ready to buy a home either.

The Hermiston City Council took a big step toward meeting the need in July by approving an agreement to support the construction of 276 new market-rate apartment units. It’s the kind of new housing that’s been completely missing in Hermiston for more than a decade.

These apartments give young professionals a place to start putting down roots in Hermiston instead of commuting from places like the Tri-Cities — keeping our workforce local and helping the economy here.

The City’s support will come in the form of a performance-based incentive tied to property taxes, meaning it only kicks in as the developer builds and pays their share of property taxes. We believe it’s a smart way to grow Hermiston’s housing options while keeping our financial commitments in check.

We’re excited to see this project move forward and even more excited about what it means for Hermiston’s future. You can read more about this project in the City Council report below.

— Byron Smith, Hermiston City Manager

YOUR CITY

Planning the Future of the Carnegie Library

When Hermiston’s Carnegie Library was first built in 1918, the town was just 11 years old and had only about 1,000 residents. The library was an ambitious project at the time, and the building has served the community well for more than a century.

With the renovation of the new Hermiston Public Library nearly complete and the Carnegie Building soon to be empty, Hermiston is looking at how to use this historical downtown treasure for the greatest community good. Located at the end of Festival Street and steps away from the Harkenrider Center, City Hall, and Public Library, this is an opportunity to develop a new community asset that serves Hermiston in this century.

The question is how. And the City is asking for the community’s help to decide.

Beginning this month, the City will be actively seeking feedback from residents on the future of the building. This will include online micro-polls, in-person engagement at local events, and community meetings.

ODOT Resumes Highway 395 Curb Work

The Oregon Department of Transportation is planning to return to work the week of August 18 bringing sidewalk curbs up to ADA compliance on Highway 395 in Hermiston. Work will begin at the intersections of East Oregon Street and West Harper Avenue.

Motorists and pedestrians should be prepared for closures of lanes, shoulders, and sidewalks with flaggers and cones in the roadway. Access to businesses will remain open. (Visit the ODOT project page)

Little League Softball Goes to Regional Championship

Hermiston's 10-12 softball team made a run through the Little League Softball World Series Northwest Regional Tournament in July, coming up just short of advancing to the national tournament in an extra-innings loss in the championship game. (Read more on Elkhorn Media)

Watermelon Season Has Arrived!

Hermiston's iconic crop is hitting farm stands and supermarkets across the West. The combination of soil quality, weather, and experienced local farmers make the Hermiston watermelon a unique crop. Patrick Walchli from Walchi Farms talks about the melon business on KNDU. (Watch the interview)

CITY COUNCIL REPORT

City Charter Will Go Under Review

Just like the U.S. Constitution sets the rules and structure of the U.S. government, the Hermiston City Charter is the voter-approved document setting the guidelines for the City. It was originally adopted in 1910, has been amended 14 times, and was last officially adopted in 2015 after a Council review.

At its July 28 meeting, the Hermiston City Council approved the formation of a Charter Review Committee, tasked with examining the city’s governing document and potentially recommending updates. (Apply for the committee)

The seven-member committee will work with city staff over 6-9 months to review each section of the document and provide specific recommendations on a number of issues, including:

• Geographic representation on the City Council.

• Ward boundary adjustments.

• Ordinance adoption process.

• Hiring and supervision of the city attorney.

• Selection method for the municipal court judge.

• City manager residency requirements.

The City Council will then review the recommendations and decide whether to put amendments on the ballot for Hermiston voters.

Monday, July 28 Meeting Recap (watch the meeting)

• Approved a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Hermiston Police Association. The agreement brings contract language into compliance with new state laws and factors in annual wage increases. (Read the story)

• Approved a resolution to apply for a Housing Planning Assistance Grant from the State of Oregon to pay for an audit and drafting of new residential housing codes.

• Confirmed reappointment of Luke Swanson to the Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center Committee and Alberto Munoz to the Hispanic Advisory Committee. (Read the staff report)

• Accepted the June 2025 Monthly Financial Report and July 2025 Quarterly Investment Report.

Monday, July 14 Meeting Recap (watch the meeting)

• Approved a development incentive agreement with The Hub Hermiston, LLC to construct 276 market-rate apartment units on a 12-acre site near Diagonal Boulevard and Northeast 10th Street. The city will reimburse the developer a portion of property taxes paid between 2026 and 2031 — starting at 100% in the initial years and tapering to 25% by the end of the term. This incentive encourages timely development and occupancy while ensuring all local taxing districts, including schools and emergency services, continue to receive full property tax revenue.
  The total incentive is valued at about $1.1-$1.5 million and will come from a combination of General Fund revenue generated by the project and Hermiston’s Enterprise Zone resources. The project is expected to diversify local housing options and help retain young professionals who might otherwise commute from larger communities. (Read the staff report)

• Approved a zoning map amendment to rezone property for The Hub Hermiston project. (Read the staff report)

• Adopted an ordinance to amend the city's annexation procedures. (Read the staff report)

• Awarded $140,750 in funding for recreation projects through the Transient Room Tax. (Read the staff report)

• Approved an easement for fiber optic company WindWave in the South Hermiston Industrial Park for $29,830. (Read the staff report)

• Approved an easement for Umatilla Electric Co-op at the South Hermiston Industrial Park.

AUGUST 2025 MEETINGS

• Wednesday, Aug. 6, 4 p.m. — Airport Advisory Committee (Hermiston Municipal Airport)

• Monday, Aug. 11, 6 p.m. — Hermiston City Council (City Hall)

• Tuesday, Aug. 12, 4 p.m. — Faith-Based Advisory Committee (City Hall)

• Wednesday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m. — Planning Commission (City Hall)

• Monday, Aug. 25, 6 p.m. — Hermiston City Council (City Hall)

The City of Hermiston is currently seeking members for the following committees: Parks & Recreation, Hispanic Advisory, Library Board, Airport Advisory, Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center, and Charter Review. Learn more and apply to join.

COMING UP

Melon Fest, Start Your Bathtubs!

Melon Fest returns to Downtown Hermiston on Saturday, Aug. 16. Celebrate our world-famous Hermiston watermelons with free slices, live music, local vendors, classic car and hot rod show, and crowd-favorite contests, including the bathtub races!

Full schedule:

• Rotary Breakfast, 7-9 a.m. ($5 per person)

• Music by KOHU, 8 a.m.

• Industry Dance Company, 9 a.m.

• Watermelon Costume Contest, 10:30 a.m. (Prizes: $300, $200, $100)

• Seed Spitting Contest, 11 a.m.

• Watermelon Eating Contest, noon

• Music by Musically Unstable, 8 a.m.

• Bathtub Races, 1 p.m.

Vendor registration for Melon Fest is open through Saturday, Aug. 9. (Apply here)

Coming Up in Parks & Recreation:

• The Hermiston Family Aquatic Center will be closed Aug. 25-29 as school resumes, with a final chance for open swim on Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30-Sept. 1)

• Registration for fall swim lessons, HYSO soccer, flag football, and youth and adult volleyball are open. (Sign up)

SURVEY

What's Next for the Carnegie Library?

There's a lot of potential in Hermiston's Carnegie Library Building, which has been a cornerstone in the community for more than a century. We're looking for the community's input on how we use it moving forward. Tell us what you'd like to see!

NEWS & NOTES

Job Openings

• Electrical Inspector

• Lateral Police Officer

• Entry Level Police Officer

• Recreation/Aquatic Center (Seasonal)

• Lifeguard and Swim Instructor (Seasonal)

• EOTEC Team Member (Maintenance & Event)

RFPs

• Project PATH Sprinkler System Installation

• Project PATH Propane Tank, Line & Outdoor Hookup