Pullman City Councilors discussed potential city improvements and priorities for the upcoming legislative session with Ninth District lawmakers during Tuesday night’s city council meeting.
Washington’s Ninth Legislative District encompasses Pullman and is represented by state Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax and Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy. However, Dye was not present during the meeting.
All District 9 lawmakers are seeking reelection on this year’s general election ballot.
Mayor Francis Benjamin first pitched the request for state funding to support the creation of a downtown bypass for freight vehicles like semi-trucks passing through the city. With only two highways across town, his main concern is reducing the traffic congestion on Main Street and Grand Avenue during commuting hours.
“First of all, anything related to transportation is a real need of a [financial] package,” Schoesler said before discussing legislative priorities.
He recommended creating a transportation budget package that can be bonded so the excess dollars can provide sustainable revenue for transportation improvements across the state.
Another transportation priority for the city is finding funding to repurpose the city’s unused railways, Benjamin said. He suggested that Pullman and Colfax work together to revamp their unused railways.
Council Member Megan Guido asked lawmakers what could be done to create more affordable housing for Pullman residents, as she’s heard from constituents that building codes and energy requirements for new homes are driving costs upward.
Schmick suggested the idea of modular homes, prefabricated houses that are quickly built in sections in a factory and then assembled on a permanent foundation. These homes meet the same building code restrictions as houses built on-site.
“I ran across a guy who builds modular homes that are extremely efficient,” Schmick said. “You know they’re not that large, but I think we need to be doing everything we can to encourage those things.”
Advocating for the many college students in Pullman, Councilor Carla de Lira asked lawmakers to continue supporting the Washington College Grant and the Student Basic Needs Act during next year’s legislative session.
“Tuition is one part of what students need to worry about, especially those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds,” she said. “It also includes whether they have enough food to eat, if they’re about to maintain their mental and physical health. The Postsecondary Basic Needs Act tackles those issues.”
Schoesler said de Lira’s request is “an easy ask” because District 9 is the only legislative district in the state with two four-year universities.
Councilor Trymaine Gather wrapped up the discussion by urging lawmakers to support affordable childcare options, noting that businesses are losing essential workers who must stay home due to high childcare costs.
No actions or final decisions were made about the city’s interests and legislative priorities during Tuesday’s regular council meeting.
