Pullman council highlights housing push and 311 service goal in goal‑setting session

Pullman — At a Saturday goal‑setting session, Pullman councilmembers prioritized housing and a citizen service request system as central goals for the next two years, while directing staff to fold community input into a draft goals package.

Councilmember Eric urged the council to adopt specific, measurable targets: “By December 2027, advance 30 new owner‑occupied housing units in [the] missing‑middle range,” and to “implement a 311 citizen request system that routes inquiries to the appropriate department within 24 hours” and provides residents real‑time status updates. He said the housing target comes from the city’s housing committee and that the 311 system would aim for first‑response and timely resolution metrics.

Why it matters: Council and staff said two‑year goals will shape budget priorities and staff workplans. Housing was the most frequently cited concern in public submissions, and members said a clear unit target would help focus grant‑seeking, developer outreach and CIP sequencing.

Councilmembers also proposed other concrete, near‑term actions. Ann asked the council to prioritize a family‑friendly downtown play area; Pat asked staff to review the city’s sign ordinance and consider whether enforcement appears inconsistent; several members urged more attention to lodging supply for event weekends and to explore RV parking options in partnership with local businesses to manage safety and revenue.

Staff reaction and next steps: City staff committed to synthesizing the council‑level proposals and the 112 pages of public suggestions into a draft goals list that will be returned to the council for refinement. Mayor Benjamin told the group the council’s selected goals will guide the budget and the staff workplan for the coming biennium.

Council members emphasized clarity and feasibility: several asked that proposed goals adopt SMART framing (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time‑bound) so council and the public can track progress. The council did not adopt formal votes at the session; staff will assemble a draft and schedule follow‑up review at future study sessions.