We are watching and supporting
WATCHDOG Citizen Journalist Project
Shining a Light on Local Government
Local boards and commissions make important decisions about schools, water, housing, policing, zoning, parks, transportation, and more. Many of these meetings go uncovered — even though they affect ALL of us.
The Citizen Journalist Project provides clear, neutral, accessible summaries of these meetings so our community can stay informed, engaged, and empowered.
Transparency and accountability begin with paying attention.
Here are the public bodies we wish to cover. We are looking for additional volunteers so we can cover all of them.
The Walla Walla County Commission oversees local government operations, including community development, public health, and public works, while also making decisions on legislative actions and policies for the county. They serve as the governing body and represent the interests of the community in various matters.
Port of Walla Walla Commission
The Port of Walla Walla Commissioners set policy, direction and approve all expenditures of the Port. Founded in 1952, the Port of Walla Walla is a municipal corporation responsible for fostering economic development throughout Walla Walla County.
The Council is the legislative governing body for the City. They set policies, adopt ordinances and the annual budget, levy taxes, approve contracts and appoint city advisory boards, commissions and committees and the City Manager and City Attorney.
Regular Council Meetings are primarily structured to permit Council Members to arrive at the decisions necessary to govern the City. Regular Council Meetings are held at 7PM the second and fourth Tuesday of each Month.
Walla Walla Public Schools Board
The board is the authority for local school regulations, policy, and programs within the framework of state law. In addition to ensuring high levels of learning for all, they are responsible for overseeing the financial health of the district, ensure legal interests are protected, facilities are properly cared for, and necessary policies are adopted.
College Place Public Schools Board
The School Board is composed of five residents of the district who are elected by the voters to represent them in setting policies and directing school programs. The Board is the authority for local school regulations, policy, programs, and procedures while working in the framework of state law. They ensure goals are set to provide long-range planning, that the district’s budget is balanced, legal interests are protected, and that buildings and grounds are maintained.
You Can Help:
IIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
So…
Pick a board or commission
Attend a short training
Observe meetings online or in person
Share what you learn using our easy template
Contact Susan Todd at susantod@gmail.com to get started!
No experience needed. Just a willingness to pay attention.