Current News
The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments, in partnership with the city of Kelso, Washington, requested technical assistance from EPA's Smart Growth Implementation Assistance Program to develop a smart growth economic development strategy focusing on the South Kelso neighborhood, specifically downtown Kelso, the South Kelso residential community, and the Talley Way industrial area.
Using Smart Growth Strategies to Foster Economic Development: A Kelso, Washington, Case Study (2015) aims to help cities like Kelso rethink how to address economic development challenges with small, manageable solutions that create stronger, more resilient communities. A smart growth economic development strategy needs to support businesses and workers and improve quality of life. Smart growth approaches bring together these elements and recognize the balance among them and the need to create long-term value in addition to short-term gains.
The report can be accessed through the EPA's website.
The City of Kelso is pleased to announce the release of its Draft Shoreline Master Program and supporting documents for public review and comment. The City Council will do a final review of the document on July 7 and authorize staff by resolutionto submit the program for final approval by the Department of Ecology.
The City of Kelso is pleased to announce the adoption of its updated Comprehensive Plan.
The City adopted an updated Master Fee Schedule on 10/21/2014
The City of Kelso announced the affirmation of Standard & Poor's Ratings Services “AA-“ long-term rating on the City’s Series 2010A & 2010B water and sewer revenue bonds. (The Series 2010B securities are taxable recovery zone economic development bonds). The Ratings Service stated that the City’s general outlook is “stable.”
Standard & Poor’s rating is based on the City’s very strong annual debt service coverage, very strong system liquidity, competitive utility rates, and stable residential customer base.
“We are very pleased with the City’s affirmation from the bond rating agency. This is yet another indication that Kelso’s elected leadership and City staff have been fiscally responsible in managing limited utility resources despite these tough economic times,” said City Manager Steve Taylor.
All Kelso water and sewer ratepayers benefit from this rating in the form of obtaining lower interest rates for the issuance of City debt which translates into more competitive utility rates.
The S&P Ratings Services report and letter to the City of Kelso can be viewed by clicking the links below:
Regular City Council Meeting: Kelso City Council Chambers 203 S. Pacific Ave at 6:00 pm Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
If you have questions, please contact Nena Barajas, Deputy Clerk at 360-578-7915 ext. 3342 or ">
If you wish to attend the Council Meeting via Zoom please contact Jessica Bronstein at jbronstein@kelso.gov no later that 12:00 pm Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
To view council agenda items and other legislative-related information, you can visit our BoardDocs site here: http://www.boarddocs.com/wa/kelso/Board.nsf/Public
For additional information concerning BoardDocs, please visit www.boarddocs.com
