The values and beliefs in this platform are local ideas for local government by local Democrats. The values and beliefs in this platform are local ideas for local government by local Democrats. This platform represents the issues that Walla Walla County Democrats believe are most important and our ideas for addressing these issues.
Adopted by the Walla Walla Democratic Central Committee during the Platform Convention in 2026.
SECTION A
Agriculture
We believe that agriculture is critical to our community’s economy, culture, and health. Farmers and farm workers are the stewards of the land, water and air. We honor their contributions to our communities.
.We call for:
Support for family farms, encouraging innovation, and eliminating barriers to fair trade and transportation of commodities.
We oppose the consolidation of local farms by national industrial style farming which is disconnected from our local communities.
Policy that makes it illegal to use one’s water rights to bottle water from the aquifers for commercial sales. Selling water means the water does not remain in the county to sustain the soil and its people.
Full implementation of the Walla Walla Watershed’s strategic plan, Project 2050 which includes practical changes to the watershed and its waterways to minimize flooding and to protect our water resources, including aquifers, and conserve water.
Local officials to support research funding at WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) to give farmers the tools required to survive climate change.
Local officials to support investment in WSDOT to create viable alternatives to barging commodities.
Local officials to support agriculture research and education activities at local colleges.
Local officials to advocate for continued funding of the Sustainable Farms and Fields program housed in the Washington State Conservation Commission, along with funding of the Soil Health Initiative at Washington State University.
Support of new practices and research to address and combat natural methane production in livestock operations.
SECTION B
Civil Rights: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Walla Walla County is a cradle of our state constitution, which bears a special importance to us. The strength and vitality of our community is based on how we include and support all neighbors and residents of the county.
We call for:
More discussion of the meaning, importance and value of diversity, equity and inclusion to maximize the talents, skills and contribution of all people.
Enforcement of hate crime and anti-discrimination laws for the sake of community peace, unity and justice.
Ongoing communication of proposals and decisions made by elected bodies and encourage citizens to attend and monitor public meetings.
Greater education about civil rights and due process of law for all residents.
Recognition and celebration of all diverse communities and accurate historical portrayal of their contributions, important holidays and observances.
Preservation of the rights of all peoples to pursue happiness and live freely.
Preservation of the rights of traditionally persecuted populations in the LGBTQIA+ community.
SECTION C
Criminal Justice
We believe it is essential to prioritize public safety, a solid social compact with law enforcement that maintains the public trust by striving for a criminal justice system that offers fair and equitable treatment to all individuals.
We call for:
Support of judicial discretion in determining appropriate sentences, and alternative sentencing for addiction treatment and mental health treatment.
Local priority given to law enforcement education to reduce racial, ethnic, political and other associated disparities.
Citizen / law enforcement (College Place and City of Walla Walla Police, County Sheriff department and State Police) dialogue, open to the public, to promote transparency and trust.
Decrease recidivism rates through access to education, job training, mental health services, substance abuse treatment and employment opportunities.
All law enforcement offices and departments must enforce state laws as established by the legislature and interpreted by the Supreme Court of Washington.
De-emphasize military-style law enforcement in favor of community policing that uses de-escalation techniques to protect civilians and law enforcement personnel alike.
Swift and comprehensive review of law enforcement misconduct, racial profiling and excessive use of force.
Law enforcement, including security, should be public employees; no privatizing of security or law enforcement.
SECTION D
Economic Growth & Development
Compassionate capitalism balances the freedom to innovate and grow business with consumer and labor protections. We recognize that a true free market system is one where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed financially, where strong protections prevent abuse, fraud, and exploitation of workers and allows for universal prosperity. We support creating, growing, and retaining local business as they are fundamental to economic growth and rural vitality. Thriving businesses provide good wages and benefits.
‘A rising tide lifts all boats,’ —JFK 1963.
We call for:
Continued support of business-friendly policies that encourage more living wage jobs.
Policies that prioritize the economic wellbeing of our families and residents including affordability and cost of living.
Ordinances that incentivize owners of buildings to use or rent their spaces to avoid long term vacancies in our towns and cities.
More equitable infrastructure development and maintenance in all parts of our county.
Policies that provide smooth coordination and cooperation between county, state and municipal organizations.
Economic growth and development should not sacrifice social well-being and environmental health.
The right of working people to unionize without harassment.
SECTION E
Education
We believe public education is a fundamental human right and the bedrock of American democracy. What is taught to our children should reflect the values of our country; tolerance, self-reliance, the ability to think for oneself and the value of an educated citizenry. We respect parental rights and believe that high quality public education should be free and safe.
We call for:
Recognition that an excellent public education system underpins a strong local community and economy.
Policies that create curious, lifelong learners starting with early childhood education.
An emphasis on meeting curricular standards, engagement with music and art, and collaborative learning during primary school years
An emphasis on meeting curricular standards, development of post-secondary life and career skills, and development of digital skills including practice identifying and evaluating AI-generated content during secondary school years.
Protecting and increasing funding for K-12 and post-secondary public education to meet established goals.
Policies that support and honor educators’ continuing professional development and dedication to our children.
Greater education about civil rights and due process of law for all residents.
SECTION F
Elections
We believe that free and fair elections are the foundation of our democracy. Any attempt to restrict voting is unpatriotic and wrong. We hold that the right to vote and to have your vote counted is sacred and belongs to every citizen.
We call for:
Election accessibility and promote the continued practice of early voting and free postage for mail in ballots.
Local government to evaluate the need for increased drop boxes and other means of improving ballot access across the county.
Election forms and the complete Voters’ Pamphlet profiling all candidates and initiatives should be mailed to all eligible voters and be readily available in multiple languages.
Local election officials to fully comply with Federal law and the Washington State Voting Rights Act.
More intensive and accessible education about the basic means of electing officials and holding them accountable. Voter rights, registration, election calendars, public candidate forums and other education is critical.
Policies that encourage participation, especially in marginalized communities.
SECTION G
Environment, Climate & Sustainability
We believe that climate change is an urgent problem. We understand outdoor recreation opportunities support health and well-being. We should prioritize proactive measures to protect and sustain the environment, promote clean energy and address climate change while striving for equitable outcomes and social justice in environmental policy. We recognize that fighting climate change is essential for our survival and for our region’s prosperity.
We call for:
County leadership to enact cost saving policies that will lower carbon emissions. This may include clean energy incentives, support for recycling programs, transitioning county service vehicles to EV / hybrid technology, and encourage the development of solar energy.
Public green space and tree canopies that keep pace with development and expansion of city boundaries.
County planning and investments that promote walking and biking paths, environmental green space, and access to US Forest Service land.
Commercial development, requiring significant local resources, to be balanced with the needs of the local community and the restoration of salmon.
Support for sustainable management of natural areas. Working to preserve public lands, natural parks and wildlife habitat for human enjoyment (hunting, fishing and water sports), healthy ecosystems, natural carbon storage and water resources.
Maintaining and strengthening local standards for industries, energy production, and waste management to prevent pollution and promote environmental quality and sustainability.
Striving for equitable environmental policies that address disparities and ensure that vulnerable populations are not disproportionately affected by pollution or environmental degradation.
Support for public / private partnerships to manage fire resistance and fuel loads, in promotion of public safety, for watershed and water quality.
SECTION H
Good Governance & Fiscal Responsibility
We believe in transparent, functional, and responsive governance that serves everyone in Walla Walla County. Responsible stewardship of public funds is essential to uphold public trust and deliver effective services as required by law.
We call for:
Timely and transparent budgeting processes so departments and the public know how and when resources are allocated.
Fiscal responsibility by matching new spending with new revenue or by clearly justified expenditure reductions.
Long-term financial planning that sustains vital public services without burdening future generations.
Efficient and equitable management of county operations that minimizes waste and improves service delivery. Consider community input for public meeting structure.
Smart modernization that adopts new systems designed to enhance efficiency and public access only when secure, cost-effective, and beneficial to the public and that enable human to human support.
Structural reform to county governance that breaks with past practice and pursues a fresh approach, to include investigation of Home Rule Charter consistent with Washington state law. Reforms are intended to increase efficiency, accountability, flexibility and responsiveness to local needs.
SECTION I
Gun Safety
We call for:
Continued support of state and Federal public health organizations to investigate and compile data on gun violence to include accidents and suicides.
Initiatives that promote responsible gun ownership, storage, controlled access and education.
Local law enforcement and the courts to enforce current gun safety laws, to include Washington state’s ban on assault weapons.
Policies that restrict access to firearms for people who intend to harm themselves or others, especially vulnerable populations, such as our school children.
Expanded mental health services particularly for people residing in rural areas of the county to address the crisis of suicide among farmers, ranchers and other rural residents.
We believe in a balanced approach respectful of preserving the Second Amendment while decreasing preventable gun violence and death. Gun violence is an urgent, complex, and multifaceted problem. It requires evidence-based solutions. We believe that all Americans recognize the problem of gun violence and support solutions to eliminate it.
SECTION J
Healthcare
We believe that affordable and accessible healthcare is a basic human right. We recognize that our local healthcare system is under stress, and that local policy must focus on attracting providers, promoting health, and wellness. We support efforts to maintain and expand Federal and state programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program.
We call for:
A healthcare system that respects all people and their right to bodily autonomy.
A healthcare system that ensures all decisions remain between a patient and their healthcare provider.
Evidence based practices that are supported by science to ensure access to quality and affordable healthcare and mental health parity.
Policies that relieve stress on our local healthcare system by incentivizing service providers to relocate to our county.
Access to reproductive care and recognition that people have sole authority over their bodies and the reproductive decisions that impact them.
Strong public health to protect and serve the community to include health promotion and disease prevention.
Greater investment from local government in partnering with state, private, and community-based organizations to strengthen the health safety net for all residents of Walla Walla County.
Support of rural healthcare and oppose all attempts to close facilities.
SECTION K
We believe that access to housing is a basic human right, and that it should be available to all. We recognize that there are multiple causes of homelessness, and that housing is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive policy approach. Without these efforts, homelessness will likely increase as Federal funding is reduced.
We call for:
Continued support of the Walla Walla Regional Action Housing Plan, including support for increasing the supply of affordable housing.
Greater investment in rental assistance programs and home improvement grants.
Programs to educate and assist individuals in obtaining their state identification which is necessary when establishing housing.
Increased partnership between local government and advocacy organizations such as the Walla Walla Alliance for the Homeless who are dedicated to this work and we oppose any effort to reduce efforts and funding that support this work.
Greater investment in outreach services that focus on unhoused people living in shelters or on the street to help evaluate their needs and guide them towards available resources.
Policies which balance compassion and respect for unhoused people with public safety and strongly oppose any form of discrimination.
Increased funding for the Walla Walla Housing Authority and programs that address youth homelessness.
Housing and Homelessness
SECTION L
Immigration
We believe all people, regardless of their country of origin or immigration status deserve to be treated fairly, and respectfully. We honor the proud legacy of immigrant labor in our valley. We believe immigrants make our communities stronger, prosperous, and vibrant.
We call for:
Our local elected officials to champion human dignity and community cohesion.
Local elected officials to recognize and comply with the Keep Washington Working Act (KWW), which supports Washington’s economy and the role of immigrants in the workplace.
Continued collaboration between local law enforcement and members of the immigrant community to promote improved understanding, mutual respect and public safety.
Support for culturally important events and celebrations
The county to make information about local basic human needs resources accessible to undocumented communities.
Local officials to advocate for increased funding for local English Language Learner programs.
SECTION M
We respectfully acknowledge our presence on traditional lands of the Confederate Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation, whose historical and ancestral ties to this land continue today. We honor their enduring connection to this place and give gratitude for their continued stewardship
We call for:
Building a respectful partnership that recognizes tribal sovereignty, cultural heritage, and indigenous knowledge.
Recognition that our county occupies tribal land.
Fully supporting tribal treaties, tribal natural and cultural resources, and the general welfare of the tribes.
Opposition to all attempts to diminish tribal sovereignty, tribal culture, natural resources, health care, or the general welfare of tribes.
Acknowledgment that Federal Trust responsibility extends beyond tribal reservation borders.
Tribal Relations & Sovereignty
