Community Updates

The Walla Walla Valley Metropoliatian Planning Association is seeking input from residents, business owners, community leaders, and transportation stakeholders to better understand key transportation challenges, opportunities, and priorities.

Clink the link to provide your comments on the plan.

Park Restroom Closure

Due to Vandalism to the Park Restrooms, they will remain closed until further notice.

New Utility Rates as of January 1, 2025

Effective January 1st, 2025, new utility rates are in affect for all utility users. A 2.5% rate increase went into affect at the first of the year for January billing. Please contact City Hall Staff should you have any questions regarding the increases.

The leaf bin will be delivered on Friday, October 25 to the City shop yard for residents to dispose of loose or bagged leaves Monday thru Friday from 730 am to 3pm and Saturday from 8am to 12pm.

PocketiNet is now offering new highspeed Internet

Click the link to see the specials available in Waitsburg area: PocketiNet Specials

How to contact City Hall Staff

City Hall Staff do not have voicemail. If you need assistance and call City Hall and don’t get a response, please call back or for faster response, email City staff at administrator@cityofwaitsburg.com or adminassistant@cityofwaitsburg.com. If it is water or sewer related and after hours (8am - 4pm, Monday - Friday, noon on Saturday), call Columbia County Dispatch at 509 382-2518 who will get a hold of Public Works Staff.

About Our Town

Set amidst bountiful rolling hills blanketed with wheat, barley and peas, Waitsburg was pioneered in the early 19th century. Lewis and Clark passed through this area in 1806 on the return from their historic expedition. Years later, along the banks of the Touchet River, the first grist mill was established to serve farmers in the area. The enterprising owner of that mill, Sylvester M. Wait, was honored as Waitsburg's namesake when the town was founded in 1865.

Stability is a key to life here. The railroad that was built in 1881 continues to run today, and the city government was organized that same year. Currently, it's the only city in the state of Washington which still operates under the terms of its Territorial Charter. In 1878, the Waitsburg Times newspaper began publication, and readers have delighted in the weekly paper ever since.

With a present population of 1,230 people, Waitsburg maintains a comfortable lifestyle in the abundant Pacific Northwest. Four distinct seasons punctuate the natural beauty of the area. Average rainfall here is 17 inches per year and in the wintertime, warm Chinook winds sustain a climate that many describe as "the Banana Belt." With a strong agricultural industry and a growing season of over 220 days, it is easy to understand why folks past and present decide to call Waitsburg home. Natural resources abound in the area, supporting clean energy initiatives and ample resources to support the community. The watershed from the Blues, which refreshed the early pioneers, provides today's residents with crystal clear spring water right to their taps.

Annual Community Events

Easter Egg Hunt

Tour of Walla Walla Bicycle Race

Lions Club Rib Feed

Waitsburg Celebration Days

Classic Auto Show

Touchet River Roundup

Waitsburg High School Alumni Banquet

Memorial Day Celebration

Community Yard Sale

Junior Livestock Show

Swim the Snake

Pioneer Fall Festival

Lions Club Salmon Bake

Hometown Christmas

Turkey Bingo

Children's Christmas Shopping Night

Community

SMALL ToWn - Big Heart

The town has approximately two dozen clubs and lodges, and four churches offering a wide variety of community involvement and volunteer opportunities. We have more than a dozen community events throughout the year, say hello to our neighbors, and take pride in ensuring that Waitsburg remains an engaged and friendly community for all.

Education

A BRIGHT FUTURE

In 1865, a school was the very first public building in Waitsburg. Today, education continues to be a top priority for our community. Our K-12 program educates close to 300 students every year. Dropout rates are extremely low, performance is high, and the percentage of high school graduates who go on to attend college is well above average. College selection is diverse and accessible, even locally, with two 4-year colleges as well as 2-year vocational training programs only 20 miles to the south in the Walla Walla Valley.

Recreation

All Kinds of fun

Waitsburg's location in southeastern Washington, near the Blue Mountains and Snake River, presents residents with an outdoor paradise. Exceptional cycling, hiking, hunting, fishing and water sports are moments away, and world-class wineries of the Walla Walla Valley are just a 20-minute drive. The Bluewood downhill ski basin is a scenic 30 miles from town.

Music & Arts

Bluegrass to Bronze

Waitsburg is a vibrant community for artists and musicians. The heritage of Bluegrass is alive and well, played by musicians of all ages during jam nights around town. Waitsburg is home to a large group of artists, from printmakers to painters, filmmakers to fiber artists, and everything in between. In 2015, the Waitsburg Arts Commission and community members brought the bronze sculpture works of notable artists Squire Broel, Wayne Chabre and Jeffrey Hill to Main Street. These works continue to inspire visitors today.

Come see for yourself!

Welcome to "One of a Kind" Waitsburg which runs right along the historic Lewis and Clark Trail. Waitsburg is a great place to visit, from our small independent businesses to our friendly people. Enjoy Waitsburg's accommodations, have a great meal and peruse our local shops. Come sample some of the area's finest wines and craft beers. Our region is full of recreation opportunities, including cycling, boating, fishing, horseback riding, hiking historic trails, swimming and skiing. It's an experience you won't want to miss!