Request for Proposals (RFP): Kalama Community Building
The City of Kalama is seeking proposals from qualified individuals, organizations, businesses, developers, and/or partnerships interested in the potential reuse, redevelopment, lease, renovation, or reimagining of the Kalama Community Building property and surrounding site area. Proposals must be submitted no later than October 5, 2026 by 5pm PST.
Submissions may be delivered by mail, email, or in person to:
City of Kalama, Attention City Council PO BOX 1007 195 N 1st Street Kalama, WA 98625 or asmee@cityofkalama.com
Questions: 360-673-3265
For full details and building images, follow the link: HERE
The Kalama Planning Commission will hold a meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 6pm. This will include a Public Hearing for the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update. The hearing will include critical areas code updates, zoning code updates, and changes to the comprehensive plan and zoning for parcels within city limits.
Agenda and virtual attendance information can be found here: https://www.towncloud.io/go.kalama-wa
The September Civil Service Meeting has been canceled.
The next scheduled meeting will be October 22, 2026 @ 5pm
The next scheduled meeting will be October 22, 2026 @ 5pm
City offices and the Kalama Public Library will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day.
Garbage service for Monday pickup will be provided on the regular schedule.
Garbage service for Monday pickup will be provided on the regular schedule.
The 2027 Tourism funding application period is open!
Have an idea that could bring more visitors to Kalama? The Kalama Tourism Advisory Committee is now accepting applications for 2027 tourism funding!
📅 Application period: September 1–30, 2026
⏰ Deadline: Applications must be received by 5:00 PM on September 30, 2026
Ready to apply? Visit the 👉️ tourism page for the application and additional information.
Questions: communityrelations@cityofkalama.com
Tourism funding can help support projects, events, marketing and other efforts that attract visitors outside of the area and showcase what makes Kalama a great place to visit.
Chip sealing will begin on Saturday, August 29th and chip will be swept up Sunday, August 30th on Geranium and Taylor Road. Traffic controls will be in place to assist drivers through the chip seal activity.
If you have any questions, please contact Director Kelly Rasmussen at 360-673-4567.
Civil Service Meeting
Thursday, August 27th @ 5pm
320 N 1st Street
Kalama, WA 98625
The meeting agenda and virtual information can be found HERE.
Kalama City Council Workshop:
The Kalama City Council will hold a workshop on Thursday, August 20th at 6pm to review the current Council rules of procedure.
Location: 320 N. 1st Street, Council Chambers
Virtual attendance information can be found at: Town Cloud
W. Frontage Street Closure – Northbound Traffic
W. Frontage Street will be closed to northbound traffic beginning August 17, 2026.
All traffic traveling to the Port of Kalama will need to use E. Frontage Street and cross the Oak Street Bridge.
W. Frontage Street will remain open to southbound traffic from Oak Street.
The closure is expected to last approximately two months to allow construction crews to:
• Remove the existing pedestrian overpass.
• Install pilings for the new pedestrian overpass.
• Relocate underground utilities in preparation for construction of the new pedestrian overpass.
The new pedestrian overpass is being constructed by the Port of Kalama. Drivers are encouraged to plan for the detour and allow additional travel time while construction is underway.
To view the detour map, please click the link below.
The Kalama Community Vision & Action Plan by Envision Kalama is here! This initiative brings local leaders and residents together to shape our city’s future. Led by Envision Kalama with stewardship support from FINE Design Group, this plan aims to proactively shape Kalama’s future while protecting the quality of life and strong community spirit we cherish.
You are invited to provide your input to the development of the 2046 Kalama Community Vision & Action Plan—your unique perspective is vital in shaping a thriving, resilient future for Kalama over the next two decades.
Two ways to participate:
1. In-person at the Community Forum event at the Mountain Timber Market in the Large Conference Room (upstairs)
*RSVP for the event: https://forms.gle/Mz3SUxHiigGj95k47
2. OR Online via Digital Survey by September 23rd: https://tinyurl.com/3vtek9hv
*Please choose one option for your input and do not utilize both methods. Using both will invalidate all of your input.*
This is open to all Kalama Community members! We encourage your participation and hope to hear from you soon!
Visit the Envision Kalama Facebook event for more: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ureq1F3qM/
Notice: August Planning Commission Meeting Canceled
The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for August 13, 2026, has been canceled. The next meeting will be held on September 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers, located at 320 N. First St. The City is updating the Kalam Comprehensive Plan, critical areas regulations, and development regulations.
View Comprehensive Plan Documents HERE
The City of Kalama has two surplus vehicles available for public auction. Community members are welcome to review the listings using the links below:
• Vehicle #1
• Vehicle #2
Fireworks Reminder: This year’s Independence Day celebration is extra special as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. As we gather with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate this milestone, we want to remind everyone that fireworks are a fun tradition — but they come with responsibility.
Each year, emergency responders handle fireworks-related complaints, fires, injuries, and property damage caused by unsafe or careless use. Please enjoy the holiday while keeping your neighbors, pets, and community in mind.
FIREWORKS LAWS & SAFETY REMINDERS
According to Washington State law and the Kalama Municipal Code, fireworks may be used only during the following times:
June 28: Noon – 11:00 p.m.
June 29 – July 4: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
July 5: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Please be considerate when using fireworks, especially during late evening hours and around neighbors, animals, veterans, young children, or anyone who may be sensitive to loud noises. Remember:
• Fireworks users are responsible for any damage caused by their fireworks.
• Never discharge fireworks toward people, animals, vehicles, or from moving vehicles.
• Always clean up fireworks debris after use.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix — use fireworks responsibly.
• Children should always be supervised around fireworks.
Thank you for helping make this a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone in our community as we celebrate this historic milestone.
City of Kalama Offices and Library will be closed on Friday, June 19th in observance of the Juneteenth Holiday.
Friday garbage service is on the regular pick-up schedule.
Friday garbage service is on the regular pick-up schedule.
The Kalama Planning Commission will meet on June 11, 2026 @ 6pm in the city council chambers located at 320 N 1st St, Kalama. The meeting agenda and virtual information can be found HERE.
Thursday, June 4th: Paving will begin on Spencer Creek Rd at 7:00am with traffic being detoured up Juniper and across Holly Blvd back to Spencer Creek Rd. Paving is scheduled to be completed by 3:30pm.
Depending on heat and weather, there could be an hour or two period for the fog seal to cure on Holly Blvd. If it rains or if there are cool temperatures, more time may be needed for curing. Thank you for your patience as the sewer rehabilitation project wraps up!
Depending on heat and weather, there could be an hour or two period for the fog seal to cure on Holly Blvd. If it rains or if there are cool temperatures, more time may be needed for curing. Thank you for your patience as the sewer rehabilitation project wraps up!
Summer sewer averaging is here! As of yesterday, May 20th, the summer sewer averaging is in effect on water consumption, which will affect your City of Kalama water bill. This seasonal adjustment helps account for increased water use during the summer months—like watering lawns or gardens—which doesn't enter the sewer system. Summer sewer averaging will end on September 22nd. This does not apply to commercial accounts. For full details, click HERE.
Kalama's City offices and library will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day.
Memorial Day is a time to pause and remember the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. We honor their courage, dedication, and selflessness, and we remain deeply grateful for those who have served our country.
We wish our community a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend!
Note: Memorial Day garbage pick up will follow the regular Monday pick up schedule. If you're a Monday pick up customer, please put your cart out on Sunday night.
Memorial Day is a time to pause and remember the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. We honor their courage, dedication, and selflessness, and we remain deeply grateful for those who have served our country.
We wish our community a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend!
Note: Memorial Day garbage pick up will follow the regular Monday pick up schedule. If you're a Monday pick up customer, please put your cart out on Sunday night.
It's National Public Works Week, and we wanted to take a moment to share this message we received last week from "One Very Grateful Water-Using Human":
To the absolute legends at the Kalama Utility Department —
Today we had the pleasure of meeting one of your rockstar team members out on an adjacent lot hunting for a water meter like a highly specialized treasure hunter with better work boots. We pointed him in the right direction, he was incredibly appreciative, and honestly… it just reminded us how much people underestimate what you all do behind the scenes every single day.
Because let’s be real for a second:
Without you wonderful utility ninjas, modern civilization collapses shockingly fast.
No coffee.
No showers.
No toilets.
No lawn arguments.
No pretending we’re “hydrating” while drinking our third iced tea.
Basically, within about 11 minutes society turns into a low-budget survival documentary filmed behind a Costco.
And yet you all quietly keep everything flowing without applause, confetti cannons, or the national recognition usually reserved for people who can dunk basketballs.
...this note is just to say:
people appreciate you WAY more than you probably hear out loud.
The work you do matters to every family, every business, every morning shower, every cup of coffee, every firefighter hookup, every grandma watering tomatoes, and every kid running through a sprinkler pretending they’re in the Olympics.
You’re part of what quietly makes a community actually function.
And that deserves a standing ovation.
Or at minimum… donuts.
Thanks again for everything you do behind the scenes.
Best, S. and a lot of our fellow neighbors
To the absolute legends at the Kalama Utility Department —
Today we had the pleasure of meeting one of your rockstar team members out on an adjacent lot hunting for a water meter like a highly specialized treasure hunter with better work boots. We pointed him in the right direction, he was incredibly appreciative, and honestly… it just reminded us how much people underestimate what you all do behind the scenes every single day.
Because let’s be real for a second:
Without you wonderful utility ninjas, modern civilization collapses shockingly fast.
No coffee.
No showers.
No toilets.
No lawn arguments.
No pretending we’re “hydrating” while drinking our third iced tea.
Basically, within about 11 minutes society turns into a low-budget survival documentary filmed behind a Costco.
And yet you all quietly keep everything flowing without applause, confetti cannons, or the national recognition usually reserved for people who can dunk basketballs.
...this note is just to say:
people appreciate you WAY more than you probably hear out loud.
The work you do matters to every family, every business, every morning shower, every cup of coffee, every firefighter hookup, every grandma watering tomatoes, and every kid running through a sprinkler pretending they’re in the Olympics.
You’re part of what quietly makes a community actually function.
And that deserves a standing ovation.
Or at minimum… donuts.
Thanks again for everything you do behind the scenes.
Best, S. and a lot of our fellow neighbors
The City of Kalama Civil Service Commission is now accepting applications for a second open position. (The application period for the first position closed on April 30, and an appointment has not yet been made.)
Civil Service Commissioners help support a fair and transparent hiring process for the Police Department by participating in activities such as reviewing rules and procedures, overseeing testing and eligibility processes, and hearing appeals when needed.
The Commission meets on the 4th Thursday of each month at 5:00 PM, as needed.
Applicants must:
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Have lived within Kalama city limits for at least 3 years
• State political party affiliation on the application
Why the political affiliation question? State law (RCW 41.12.030) requires that no more than two commissioners belong to the same political party.
Applications are due by Wednesday, June 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Apply online HERE or pick up a paper application at City Hall. Applicants must complete the Civil Service questions included with the application.
Questions? Contact cityclerk@cityofkalama.com.
