Kalama City Council 2027 Budget & 2027-2032 Capital Facilities Plan Public Hearings @ 7pm on November 5, 2026 & November 19, 2026:
Notice is hereby given that the City of Kalama preliminary budget for 2027 and the 2027 to 2032 Capital Facilities Plan has been filed with the City Clerk. The Kalama City Council will hold the first of two public hearings on the 2027 Budget and Capital Facilities Plan on November 5, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend and provide testimony for the final budget. A second public hearing will be held on November 19, 2026 at 7 p.m. The hearings may be continued without further publication by announcing the date, time, and place of the continued hearing at the hearing. Copies of the preliminary Budget and draft Capital Facilities Plan will be available on or before November 20, 2026 at City Hall during regular business hours or on the City website.
Meeting location: 320N 1st Street, Kalama
Information for virtual access to the hearings will be available on the City website through TownCloud.
The Kalama Civil Service meetings for the remainder of 2026 have been canceled due to lack of agenda items. The next meeting is scheduled for January 28, 2027 at 5pm at the City Council Chambers.
Location: 320 N 1st Street, Kalama, WA
Location: 320 N 1st Street, Kalama, WA
Volunteer Opportunities – Serve Your Community!
The City of Kalama is seeking committed community members to join several advisory groups. These volunteer roles offer a meaningful way to contribute to local decision‑making, support city services, and help shape Kalama’s future. We invite residents to consider applying for any of the openings below.
Civil Service Commission:
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.
Openings:
• One member residing inside city limits for at least 3 years
• State political party affiliation on the application
Meetings: 4th Thursday of each month at 5:00pm, as needed.
More information can be found HERE.
Salary Commission:
The Salary Commission reviews and sets the salaries of Kalama’s elected officials. This group plays an important role in maintaining transparency, accountability, and fairness in city governance.
Opening:
• One member residing inside city limits
Meetings: Typically, once per year, prior to budget preparation (August–September).
Details are outlined HERE.
Library Board:
The Library Board advises the City Council on operating policies for the Kalama Public Library. Members help guide library services, ensuring they support the educational and informational needs of the community.
Opening:
• One board position available (residency requirements per Municipal Code Section 2.52)
Meetings: Every other month on the 3rd Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
Additional information is available HERE.
How to Apply
Applications may be submitted online here.
For questions, please contact:
cityclerk@cityofkalama.com • 360‑673‑4561
The application period will remain open until filled.
Kalama City Council 2027 Proposed Property Tax Levy, 2027 fees, charges, & revenue public hearing on October 15, 2026 @ 7:00pm.
The Kalama City Council will hold a Public Hearing to review the revenue needs of the City for 2027 including the ad valorem (property) tax levy for 2027, proposed utility rate increases, and other miscellaneous fees of the city on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 7:00pm at 320 N 1st Street. The public is encouraged to attend and comment. Virtual access information will be available on the City website through TownCloud or at City Hall during business hours.
Update 10/8/26: Meeting canceled due to lack of a quorum.
The Kalama Planning Commission will hold a meeting on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 6pm, which is a continuation of the Public Hearing for the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update. The agenda and virtual attendance information can be found here.
Upcoming Waterworth Workshop:
The Kalama City Council will hold a workshop on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 6pm to present preliminary data regarding utility rate setting for 2027 with Waterworth.
Virtual attendance & Agenda info will be available HERE.
Location: 320 N 1st St, Kalama, WA 98625
Sprinklers, pools, and slip ’n slides were fun while they lasted… but summer sewer averaging ends September 22nd! Residents inside Kalama city limits on sewer will go back to actual usage billing. ☀️➡️🍂
Learn more here: https://www.cityofkalama.com/page/summer-sewer-average
The Kalama Library Board will hold a regular meeting on September 16, 2026 at 5:15pm at 320 N 1st Street, Kalama. Visit Town Cloud for agenda information.
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.
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/
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
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.
