Wasco County is facing a critical 911 staffing shortage, with three vacant dispatcher positions and a possible fourth on the way. Officials are proposing a $146,100 contract with GetResQ911 LLC to bring in two experienced temporary dispatchers and prevent burnout among existing staff while maintaining emergency response coverage. 

A comprehensive overhaul of the city’s dormant dog-licensing system sparked debate among vets and residents over privacy, enforcement, and fairness. Council delays vote until December.

The Dalles City Council is sniffing out changes to local dog laws Monday, aiming to curb ruff behavior, leash lingering problems, and fetch compliance through a new licensing program set to roll over in 2026.

The Dalles City Council will consider new rules for food carts and transient vendors at its meeting on Monday, Sept. 8.

Wasco County commissioners meet Wednesday to review July finances, approve transit and fencing agreements, extend Forest Service patrol funding, appoint an advisory member, and hear a downtown housing project update.

U.S. Rep Cliff Bentz addresses concerns about the elimination of the vote-by-mail system under the Trump Administration and he also responds to criticisms that the Republican-dominated house is providing little to no pushback against Trump policies.

The Wasco County Board of Commissioners will consider accepting a $120,000 planning grant, approving a new opioid settlement agreement, and renaming a livestock arena in honor of a longtime fair volunteer during its regular session on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

The Dalles City Council heard two significant proposals on July 14 that could reshape local environmental policy and small business operations, as it considered sweeping new federal floodplain development rules and a possible exception to the city’s strict parking rules for a longtime short-term rental.

Council voted to award a $619,212 professional services contract to Portland-based landscape architecture and urban design firm Walker Macy, LLC for planning and design of the long-anticipated Federal Street Plaza project.

The Dalles City Council could take the next steps in bringing the Federal Street Plaza to fruition in the downtown business district as leaders look to build pedestrian and tourism traffic and bolster the local economy.

City sends $50k to Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation to align with 1977 ordinance that put 2 percent of lodging tax toward parks. The money will assist the district in maintaining 8 community parks totaling more than 200 acres.

Council pushes ahead airport development with legal agreements, gives The Dalles Area Chamber a contract nod after a competitive process, and supports major library improvement.

The largest share of the budget—about $21 million—will fund general operations, including police, city administration, planning, legal, technology, and public facilities. The police department is set to receive $7.3 million, making it the single largest departmental allocation within the General Fund.

Wasco County Commissioners to consider improving internet access for homes, schools, and businesses in underserved areas with the assistance of a $5 million loan.

The council will review a recommendation from the Federal Street Plaza Ad Hoc Committee regarding the estimated $4.7 million design and next steps for a new downtown plaza on Federal Street between 2nd and 1st Streets.

Hood River City Council will discuss temporarily closing a downtown street to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, support local businesses, reduce vehicle emissions, and activate public space.

The Hood River City Council is set to make a decision on awarding the 129-unit affordable housing project at 780 Rand Road tonight at its regular meeting at 6 p.m. tonight.

James and Molli Martin are proposing a large-scale hotel development and resort at the east entrance to the historic The Dalles. The proposed project would include 80 rooms within the iconic silos, offering 4- or 5-star accommodations to attract affluent travelers and corporate retreats.

Stantec Consulting is being recommended to Council for a $455,899 contract to work on former commercial and industrial sites in The Dalles containing underground fuel tanks, and contaminants such as asbestos, and other hazardous substances.

The significance of the decisions will have long-lasting effects on the direction of development in The Dalles while also providing intense capital to ensure safe drinking water for the next 75 years.