Welcome to our town??

Ritzville has always been known as Eastern Washington's best kept secret. We'd like to change that. The Ritzville Public Development Authority (PDA) is hoping to do just that. Washington State University's Interdisciplinary Design Institute (WSU IDI) will present four proposed solutions to our signage and identity problem.

On Friday, December 12, the WSU IDI students will present their ideas to the community. Everyone is invited to attend. We are hoping to have a good group of community members present to stimulate some dialog.

By inviting visitors to our community and making them feel welcome when they get here, it is the hope of the PDA to stimulate some economic development opportunities.

Come join in the discussion. Be a part of the solution.

WSU IDI Partnership for Community and Economic Development

One of the many partners contributing to the success of the Horizons effort and the overall community and economic development work in Ritzville is the WSU Interdisciplinary Design Institute. Dr. Janetta McCoy and her graduate students have been worked with Ritzville to develop strategic plans, grant proposals and marketing materials, research and create presentations about tax credit incentives, historic preservation needs, training and job opportunities, etc. WSU IDI is the lead partner on a new Historic Preservation Trades Center in Ritzville which will provided both training and job opportunities in the community. Thanks Dr. McCoy and all your students for there invaluable assistance and support of Ritzville!

Ritzville Horizons Successful Partner with RPDA and BBCC for Community Capacity Building

The Ritzville Horizons Steering Committee has partnered with the Ritzville Public Development Authority, Big Bend Community College and the Big Bend Community College Foundation to offer scholarships for the new learning center. Northwest Area Foundation is providing this grant to continue support of Ritzville's success in the Horizons Program. These funds will be available for place bound and other who need financial assistance for training. They will allow students to attend classes, purchase books and/or travel to attend training.

Debbie Chapman Attends Green Festival

Debbie Chapman, member of the Ritzville Horizons' project, attended Seattle's Green Festival on April 12 and 13th. Gas cards from Horizons made her trip possible!!!

Held at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center, a large list of speakers and exhibitors highlighted the activities.

Visit their website at http://www.greenfestivals.org/content/view/767/390/

Ritzville Applies for Certified Local Government Funds

Ritzville with the assistance of WSU IDI applied for funding through the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation for the development of design guidelines in downtown. This will help to ensure Ritzville is able to maintain and improve the downtown area so it can be a strong commercial and community district.

WSU Extension Rural Bridges Joins Efforts to Assist with Historic Preservation Trades Center

WSU Rural Bridges staff has joined WSU IDI to assist Ritzville in efforts related to a new Historic Preservation Trades Center. This includes assistance with a market analysis, strategic plan, outreach to potential funders, curriculum developers, instructors, students, etc. This project will provide needed skills training and hopefully lead to job opportunities and economic development in Ritzville.