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The City of Pullman has received four bids for the significant Project Downtown Pullman, aimed at enhancing Main Street with improvements to infrastructure, accessibility, and aesthetics. City staff will evaluate the bids before a Special City Council meeting on February 6th, where the project will be the sole agenda item, emphasizing the city's commitment to creating a more people-centric downtown environment.
Washington State University student workers reached a tentative agreement with the university after a one-day strike on January 17, 2024. The agreement includes significant improvements such as pay increases, more affordable healthcare, and parental leave, marking a significant step forward for over 1,800 unionized academic student employees. The revised contract is set to be voted on by union members and could be finalized by the end of the month.
Unionized student workers at Washington State University (WSU) are preparing to strike after prolonged negotiations over healthcare coverage. Key issues include high deductibles that hinder access to medical care, prompting over 1,100 union members to authorize the work stoppage scheduled to begin on January 17, 2024. The strike may disrupt classes and lab work, raising concerns about educational continuity.
The Pullman City Council has appointed Trymaine Gaither to fill the vacant Ward 1 Council position during a special meeting on January 16, 2024. Gaither, who emphasized his commitment to family-friendly community initiatives and sustainable urban development, will serve until the next regular election in 2025. The decision followed interviews with 14 applicants, reflecting the council's dedication to transparency and community involvement.
A special meeting of the Pullman City Council is scheduled for January 16, 2024, to interview and select a new Ward 1 Councilmember. This meeting demonstrates the city's commitment to engaging with its constituents and addressing local governance needs. Residents can participate virtually via telephone or YouTube.
The Pullman City Council has unanimously approved a motion to modify the Downtown Pullman Project, extending the timeline and adjusting business closure restrictions. The project, aimed at revitalizing Main Street through infrastructure upgrades, will reopen bidding immediately, with contractor bids due by January 18, 2024.
Unionized students at Washington State University (WSU) held a sit-in at Chancellor Elizabeth Chilton's office, demanding a fair contract amidst ongoing negotiations. The Academic Student Employees (ASEs) union is advocating for improvements in wages, healthcare benefits, and other critical issues while highlighting the stark pay disparity between administrative salaries and student employee earnings. A strike remains a possibility if their demands are not met by the December 15 deadline.
The City of Pullman has received a Middle Housing Grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce, aimed at incentivizing middle housing through public engagement. Community input was gathered via surveys and open houses, focusing on potential changes to the city's zoning code to better accommodate middle housing options.
The Pullman City Council is seeking applicants to fill the Ward 1 vacancy created by the election of Francis Benjamin as Mayor, effective January 1, 2024. The application period runs from December 1, 2023, to January 9, 2024, with in-person interviews scheduled for January 16, 2024. Eligible residents of Ward 1 are encouraged to apply through the city’s official website.
The City of Pullman is exploring alternatives after receiving no bids for the Project Downtown Pullman, which aims to enhance Main Street with significant infrastructure improvements. City staff will present their findings and potential options at an upcoming City Council meeting, ensuring community access during construction.