SEPTEMBER 2025

Got a Question? Ask Hermiston.

This month, I’m excited to share a new way for Hermiston residents to connect with their community. On Sept. 1 we introduced Ask Hermiston, a simple online tool embedded in the City's website that makes it easier than ever to get direct answers to your questions. 

Whether through a quick video from our staff or an instant AI response built on previous answers and information available on the City website, this tool is all about transparency, accuracy, and accessibility.

Our goal is to strengthen the connection between residents and City Hall by providing clear, reliable information. I know it’s not always easy to find the right answer, but with Ask Hermiston, we’ll work together to make sure you can.

Take a look at repd.us/Hermiston and please add your questions! I look forward to seeing how this new option helps us continue building a stronger, more connected community.

- Byron Smith, Hermiston City Manager

YOUR CITY

Greater Hermiston Region Leading Job Growth

Despite national economic uncertainty, data gathered from the Oregon Employment Department and U.S. Census Bureau show that the Greater Hermiston Area continues to drive growth in Umatilla and Morrow counties. A few facts:

• 3,200-plus jobs added in Umatilla County since 2012, with 91% in the Greater Hermiston Area (Hermiston, Umatilla, Stanfield and Echo).
• Hermiston alone added 2,200 jobs from 2012–22, or two out of every three new positions in the county.
• Since 2019, data center investments boosted employment in the "Information" sector from 170 jobs to 880 by mid-2025.
• Together, Greater Hermiston and Greater Boardman account for more than 90% of all job growth in the two-county area.

While agriculture and hospitality have slowed in the past decade-plus, Hermiston’s diverse private sector and technology investments are continuing to provide stability and resilience.

50 Years of Planning Dedication

Hermiston has grown and changed dramatically over the past 50 years, and Margaret Saylor has been involved with the planning every step of the way. The City of Hermiston and State of Oregon recognized Margaret's five decades on the Hermiston Planning Commission at the Aug. 25 meeting. Saylor is the longest-serving planning commissioner in the state's history.

During her time on the Hermiston Planning Commission, Hermiston has grown from 2,300 to 5,400 acres and she worked on 95 subdivisions and 209 annexations.

Thanks to Margaret for her service!

Library's Next Chapter is About to Begin

The Hermiston Public Library is on the move back to its newly remodeled home. The library will be closed for most of September as the staff sets up in the new building, including bringing in an expanded media selection, furnishing all-new children and teen areas, setting up the Makers Space, and preparing a few special surprises for the grand opening. 

A grand opening event is tentatively set for Sept. 27 to showcase the building's new spaces, uses, and displays. More details will be released as the day gets closer.

In the meantime, books and media can be returned at the back entrance to the library. And don't forget that the library offers many digital services, including e-books, audiobooks, magazines, news websites, and more.

Airport Farmland is Ready for Lease

The City of Hermiston took possession in August of about 140 acres of irrigated farmland east of the Hermiston Municipal Airport it purchased for $2.1 million and received the $2.18 million reimbursement grant from the FAA. The city can now realign Ott Road, lengthen the runway, and lease the land for continued production. (Read the article on Elkhorn Media)

(Learn more about the property for lease.)

New Location for Recycling Center

The Hermiston Recycling Center moved a block south to a lot on the corner of Harper and Geer roads. The center includes bins for cardboard, newspaper, aluminum, tin, and glass. (Map it)

In The Media

Police Chief Jason Edmiston and Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan talk police station remodel, upcoming traffic control changes, and more on the Odds & Ends Show (KOHU 1360 AM/The Q 93.7 FM).

CITY COUNCIL REPORT

Council Begins Expansion Process

The Hermiston City Council took the first step toward a major expansion of the city’s economic future by approving the first reading of ordinances to expand the city’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) and annex about 810 acres in the South Hermiston Industrial Park for future large-scale data center development.

The land will be designated with a new Hyperscale Data Center Overlay Zone, reserving it exclusively for data center use.

“This UGB expansion sets the groundwork for significant long-term growth and economic diversification,” said Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan. “These jobs will help balance economic cycles in agriculture, transportation, forestry, and government services, and bring financial security to households across the region.”

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval earlier in August and the City Council approved it on a 7-1 vote. The proposal is scheduled for a second reading at the Sept. 8 City Council meeting.

Monday, Aug. 25 Meeting Recap (watch the meeting)

• Approved the first reading of ordinances to expand the Urban Growth Boundary and annex about 810 acres in the South Hermiston Industrial Park. (See above)

• Initiated the formation of a Local Improvement District for Northwest 2nd Street to pave and add sidewalks on a 7-1 vote. This area is expected to soon see additional traffic with changes to West Elm Avenue by ODOT. (Read the article) 

• Accepted $2,180,103 in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration to help cover 95% of the cost of land acquisition by the Hermiston Municipal Airport.

• Received the July 2025 Monthly Financial Report. (Read the report)

• Approved a liquor license change of location request for Trina's Mexican Food.

Monday, Aug. 11 Meeting Recap (watch the meeting)

• Approved the annexation of about 3.7 acres at Northeast 7th Street and East Punkin Center Road at the request of Jaber Investments, which intends to build market rate housing. (Read the report)

• Approved the transfer of Southeast 10th Street between Highland Avenue and Columbia Drive. Once approved by Umatilla County, the City intends to replace the failing one-lane culvert near the BMCC campus. (Read the article)

• Received the Project PATH Quarterly Report from Stepping Stones Alliance (Read the report)

• Recommended the City continue hosting quarterly City Chats in the coming year.

SEPTEMBER 2025 MEETINGS

• Wednesday, Sept. 3, 4 p.m. — Airport Advisory Committee (Hermiston Municipal Airport)

• Monday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m. — City Council Meeting (City Hall)

• Tuesday, Sept. 9, 4 p.m. — Faith-Based Advisory Committee (City Hall)

• Wednesday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m. — Planning Commission (City Hall)

• Thursday, Sept. 11, 5:30 p.m. — Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee (Community Center)

• Monday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m. — Hispanic Advisory Committee (City Hall)

• Monday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m. — Hermiston City Council (City Hall)

The City of Hermiston is currently seeking members for the Parks & Recreation Committee, Library Board, Airport Advisory Committee and EOTEC Committee. Learn more and apply to join.

COMING UP

Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, and the Hermiston Hispanic Advisory Committee is planning an event to celebrate the many Latin American and Native cultures that call Hermiston home. 

The celebration will be Oct. 4 at the Hermiston Community Center. If you're interested in participating or sponsoring the event you can reach out to Hispanic Advisory Committee Chair Alberto Munoz at albertom2011@gmail.com or 916-662-3614.

Add your community event to the Hermiston Live Calendar and see what's coming up in September.

SURVEY

Our public outreach on the Carnegie Library Building continues this month! Responses have shown that Hermiston residents are very interested in preserving the building and see it as an asset for the community. Keep 'em coming!

NEWS & NOTES