Walla Walla 2020 (WW2020): Our Focus Areas and Major Accomplishments to Date
Architecture, Downtown & Neighborhoods
We have seen great progress in our downtown, which has been rehabilitated, and has begun the renovation and reuse of second story space, an active farmer’s market, and a variety of public art—all goals WW2020 has worked toward, along with others. Major national awards have been received, and more historic buildings and homes are being restored, as well as being honored by handsome plaques provided by WW2020, together with WW2020 research reports establishing the buildings’ history. Our periodic architectural awards have made a contribution to this renewal and blossoming process, honoring the restoration or renovation and reuse of historic buildings, compatible new construction, outstanding examples of energy conservation, landscaping, and public art. Recent progress has also been made through WW2020’s leadership in partnership with the Downtown Foundation in achieving Certified Local Government (CLG) status for the city of Walla Walla, and the establishment of a Walla Walla Historic Preservation Commission.
Highlights/Accomplishments:
- Farmers Market promoted and supported.
- Annual Architecture Awards competition for historical preservation, compatible new construction, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and landscaping and public art.
- Trailhead/Heritage park proposed and established.
- Liberty Theater reuse promoted.
- Second story mannequin project organized and begun.
- Downtown Walla Walla Foundation supported through membership, promotion of streetscape improvements and participation in Downtown activities.
A more open and democratic economic development program led by the Port of Walla Walla has been established, thanks to WW2020’s advocacy, including its 
We are now a community that recycles and has programs in place to reduce waste, thanks to an initial system of neighborhood recycling stations begun by WW2020, a county recycling and waste reduction committee and office established through WW2020’s leadership, a household hazardous waste facility, and curbside recycling throughout the city of Walla Walla. We have worked independently and with the County and City on waste reduction and recycling projects.
We now have bicycle lanes on a number of streets, a city bicycle-pedestrian advisory committee established at WW2020’s request, new bike and pedestrian trails at Fort Walla Walla and along Highway 12, bicycle and walkers maps, and Walla Walla’s first Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan. WW2020 has also been represented in intercity transit activities. Bus service to connect Walla Walla with the Greyhound depot at the intermodal center in the Tri-Cities has been provided by contract with a private carrier through state grant funds following the discontinuance of Greyhound service here.
The community has renewed its commitment to trees and landscaping, with many new tree planting projects undertaken by WW2020 and others, a city urban forestry commission established at WW2020’s request, a parking lot landscaping ordinance developed by WW2020, three new park areas—
There’s still plenty left to do!
Use our contact form to find out how to get involved with Walla Walla 2020