Whenever outsiders talk about the Tri-Cities, rarely do I hear them say Kennewick, Pasco, or Richland. It’s always “Tri-Cities,” which is how it’s supposed to be. The Tri-Cities operates like one super metro of smaller cities and towns. The sum of the parts makes it a community, and it acts like one. But what if there was one governing body for the entire Tri-Cities? I’m not talking about the state or national capitals, those are already in place. But what if Tri-Cities had to pick one of its cities to represent itself as a metro? There’s no way this could stir up any controversy.
Meagan Murray
Despite not even being the seat of its own county, I think Kennewick would be a great “capital” of Tri-Cities. In some ways, it’s our crown jewel. Kennewick tends to get all the nice, new, and shiny things. Kennewick has our biggest shopping areas and other recreational facilities as well as the Benton County Jail and Sherrif’s Office. If something new is being built in town, there’s a good chance it’s being built in Kennewick.
Meagan Murray
Richland would be a good alternative, however. A lot of state capitals aren’t the biggest cities in the state and Richland is the smallest of the “big 3” in Tri-Cities. But Richland has George Washington Way and all of the events that take place near it. Events like Art in the Park, basketball tournaments, Cool Desert Nights, and more. If Kennewick isn’t the mecca of Tri-Cities, Richland might be.
Meagan Murray
Pasco has its own merits too, namely its local government’s desire to build a sense of community. Pasco also hosts a variety of events at the Hapo Center, Gesa Stadium, and Downtown Pasco.
So, if you had to pick one town to represent Tri-Cities as a whole, which would it be?