The City of Walla Walla will hold its second community Open House event and regular City Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the Commons at Walla Walla High School, 800 Abbott Road.  The site is selected to represent the South Ward in the City’s new four-ward election system.

The Open House begins at 6 p.m., followed by the Council meeting at 7 p.m.  Both events are free and open to the public. 

The Council meeting is a chance for attendees to see how Council members work to represent Walla Walla residents, and observe how the City makes decisions that impact the town. It is scheduled to adjourn by 9:30 p.m.

The family-friendly Open House is an opportunity for members of the public to meet representatives from the City Council and each of the City’s departments; to learn about what the departments and officials do to serve Walla Walla’s residents, businesses and stakeholders; and to find out about ways residents can help influence the city’s present and future by serving on boards and committees.

Council members will be present to talk about city government and what is involved in serving on the Council, and discuss the ward election system. 2019 marks the first time Council members will be elected based on wards; this year, voters will elect candidates to represent the West and East wards, plus two at-large members. In 2021, members will be elected to represent the North and South wards, plus one at-large member.

Walla Walla County Elections Supervisor David Valiant will be on hand to explain how elections work, and how people who are interested in becoming a Council member can file to run for office. He will also have registration forms available for citizens wanting to register to vote.

Spanish interpretation will be available at the Open House, and light refreshments will be provided.