The Ellensburg Rodeo mural, last updated in 1983, has been repainted ahead of the 2026 Rodeo season, marking its first major restoration in 43 years. The mural is located in downtown Ellensburg.
Multiple highway projects will cause lane closures and detours starting late August through early September. I-405, I-5, and SR 20 will see overnight closures beginning August 28, with SR 9 near Kalloch Road requiring alternating traffic for 42 days starting August 3 for fish passage construction.
The city launched a stormwater management survey and a water conservation campaign encouraging residents to let lawns go blonde during summer. The survey is available online and seeks public input on stormwater program improvements.
Ellensburg Transit released a new survey to gather feedback on transportation needs, with options in English and Spanish. The survey is available through Central Transit.
The Ellensburg School District Education Foundation will host a free back-to-school breakfast for staff on September 2, 2026, at Ida Nason Aronica Elementary School.
The city added a new online portal for public records requests, improving access to county documents. The portal is now live on the city's website.
What to watch next: The Canyon Road Overlay Project begins night work August 27, with an alley closure scheduled for September 1. The ESD budget hearing will occur August 26 at 5 p.m. at Ida Nason Aronica Elementary School.