According to Bridgat, Ellensburg, Washington is a small city located in the Kittitas Valley of Central Washington State. It is situated on the banks of the Yakima River, just east of the Cascade Mountains and about two hours east of Seattle. The city has a population of approximately 20,000 people and covers an area of approximately 5.6 square miles.
The terrain in Ellensburg is mostly flat with rolling hills to the north and south. The climate in Ellensburg is semi-arid with hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from lows in the mid-30s during winter months to highs in the mid-80s during summer months. Precipitation averages around 16 inches annually, most of which falls from October to May as snow or rain showers.
The landscape surrounding Ellensburg is dominated by vast open fields used for agricultural purposes such as growing hay or wheat, as well as grazing cattle and horses. To the north and south are rugged mountains that provide a beautiful backdrop for outdoor recreation including hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding and more.
The Yakima River runs directly through Ellensburg providing opportunities for kayaking, canoeing or tubing when water levels are high enough during summer months. Additionally, there are numerous lakes located near Ellensburg offering additional recreational activities such as swimming or boating.
Ellensburg also boasts a vibrant downtown area with numerous shops, restaurants, galleries and other attractions that attract visitors from all over Central Washington State year-round. The historic Kittitas County Courthouse sits at the center of town providing an impressive view from any angle within downtown Ellensburg while also functioning as a museum showcasing artifacts from early settlers who helped shape this unique corner of Washington State.
History of Ellensburg, Washington
Ellensburg, Washington has a long and storied history that dates back to the mid-1800s when the area was first settled by a group of pioneers from Missouri. The town was originally called “Robber’s Roost” for its reputation as a haven for criminals and outlaws, but was later renamed Ellensburg in honor of Mary Ellen Shoudy, the wife of one of the first settlers.
The early days of Ellensburg were marked by growth and prosperity as it became a trading post for miners during the gold rush era and an important stop on the Northern Pacific Railway. The city was officially incorporated in 1883 and soon after became known as “The City of Sunshine” due to its sunny climate and seemingly endless blue skies.
In 1889, Ellensburg was chosen as the site for Central Washington University (CWU), which opened its doors in 1891. This established Ellensburg as an educational hub for Central Washington State and helped diversify its economy beyond just agriculture and mining.
In the early 1900s, Ellensburg experienced a major economic boom thanks to several large-scale construction projects including two hydroelectric dams on the Yakima River that provided electricity to much of Central Washington State. This period also saw significant infrastructure investment including streets, sidewalks, parks, schools, municipal buildings, hospitals and more—all helping to solidify Ellensburg’s place as an important regional center.
Today, Ellensburg is still known as “The City of Sunshine” while also serving as an important economic engine for Central Washington State with a diverse mix of industries ranging from education to agriculture to technology. The city is also home to several museums dedicated to preserving its rich history while also looking forward towards a prosperous future.
Economy of Ellensburg, Washington
Ellensburg, Washington is a vibrant and diverse economic hub for Central Washington State. The city has a long history of being an important stop on the Northern Pacific Railway and during the gold rush era was a major trading post for miners. The city’s economy has since diversified to include agriculture, technology, manufacturing, retail and education.
Agriculture is one of the largest industries in Ellensburg with many farms located in the surrounding area. This includes everything from wheat and hay production to fruit orchards and vineyards. The city also benefits from its proximity to the Yakima River which provides irrigation water for local farmers as well as hydroelectric power to much of Central Washington State.
The technology sector is another important part of Ellensburg’s economy with several companies located within the city limits including Microsoft, Amazon, Google and others. These companies have helped drive innovation in the region while also creating jobs and providing economic opportunities for locals.
Manufacturing is another key industry in Ellensburg with several factories producing products such as furniture, electronics, clothing and more. Retail is also an important part of the local economy with many stores located throughout downtown Ellensburg offering everything from clothing to books to antiques.
Finally, education plays a vital role in Ellensburg’s economy thanks to Central Washington University (CWU). CWU offers a wide range of degree programs while also providing thousands of jobs for faculty members and staff members alike. Additionally, students from all over the world attend classes at CWU each year providing an influx of spending money into the local economy.
Ellensburg’s economy is diverse and growing thanks to its strategic location at the heart of Central Washington State as well as its commitment to innovation and education. With a variety of industries ranging from agriculture to technology, Ellensburg is sure to remain an important regional economic hub for years to come.
Politics in Ellensburg, Washington
The politics of Ellensburg, Washington are reflective of its diverse population and economic base. The city is located in Kittitas County, which is part of the 8th Congressional District and is represented in Congress by Dan Newhouse (R). The county is also represented in the state legislature by two senators, Brad Hawkins (R) and Judy Warnick (R), as well as four representatives: Norm Johnson (R), Matt Manweller (R), Gina McCabe (R) and Chris Corry (R).
At the local level, Ellensburg has a mayor-council form of government. The mayor of Ellensburg is currently Bruce Tabb, who was elected in 2017. The seven-person council consists of two at-large members – Max Bumpass and David Connolly – as well as five members representing specific districts: Scott Aaronson, John Sudduth, Jeff Hinkle, Dave Sandberg and Bob McCleary.
In terms of party affiliation, most city officials are Republicans but there are also some independents and Democrats holding office. For example, Mayor Tabb was originally a Democrat but later switched to independent to run for office. Similarly, Councilmember Sudduth was formerly a Republican but changed his affiliation shortly before running for office in 2017.
The politics of Ellensburg tend to be conservative yet progressive on certain issues such as climate change and renewable energy sources. In 2019, Mayor Tabb signed an executive order committing the city to using 100% renewable energy sources by 2040. In addition to this commitment to environmental sustainability, Ellensburg has also adopted policies aimed at promoting economic development such as tax incentives for businesses that create new jobs or invest in local infrastructure projects.
Given its location at the heart of Central Washington State and its diverse population base spanning multiple generations with varying backgrounds and political views, it’s no surprise that the politics of Ellensburg are complex yet robustly progressive on certain issues like climate change while still retaining a more traditional conservative bent on other matters like fiscal responsibility.