A central hub for performances, gatherings, and cultural events.
Provides a space for students and local artists to thrive.
Creates jobs, attracts tourism, and generates revenue.
A 0.2% sales tax increase—2 cents on every $10 spent in Richland.
With more than 300,000 residents, the Tri-Cities is the third-largest regional area in the state of Washington. It is rare for a metropolitan area of this size to lack a dedicated performing arts center. As a result, Tri-Cities residents frequently travel to outside regions to enjoy arts and cultural performances.
The absence of a dedicated performing arts center does a great disservice to a community of our size because it limits access to diverse cultural experiences, limits the growth of local talent, and reduces opportunities for community engagement and economic development.
The Center will enrich the cultural fabric of the Tri-Cities, attract tourism, support local businesses, and provide a venue for educational programs and community events, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
A 2024 community-wide survey showed that 78% of the 1,400 respondents strongly support constructing a performing arts center. They want a dedicated space for plays, musical and cultural performances, dance, festivals, film screenings, and comedy shows. They want affordable tickets, a comfortable environment, good acoustics, and sufficient parking. The Center will provide these attributes and more.
The conceptual design contains:
In Columbia Park West, near the REACH Museum, overlooking the Columbia River. This Richland, Washington property is centrally located for easy access from the surrounding cities. The location was chosen after careful consideration of areas throughout the Tri-Cities. Columbia Park West’s undeveloped space allows the facility to be strategically placed to maximize access and capitalize on both environmental and aesthetic benefits. Placing the Arts Center in proximity to the REACH Museum creates a cultural synergy and aligns with the City of Richland’s master plan to develop that area into a vibrant cultural hub for the entire Tri-Cities community.
The project is currently estimated to cost $80 million. Funding sources include private donors, grants, and public funds. We expect to raise 18% of the total from individual and corporate donors, 6% from grants, and, if approved, 76% from public funding.
Large-scale, beneficial community projects like this are possible only with the assistance of Public Facilities Districts. The Richland Public Facilities District has already approved the project and proposed the ballot measure, which will be on the February 11, 2025, ballot for voters to decide.
The proposed funding includes a 0.2% sales tax increase on goods and services sold in Richland—just 2 cents for every $10 spent. Residents from Kennewick, Pasco, West Richland, and other cities will also contribute when making purchases in Richland. Annual revenue from this measure will secure municipal bonds necessary to fund construction. The tax will end once the bonds are fully repaid.
After opening, the Performing Arts Center is projected to become financially self-sustaining by year three, with any surplus revenue supporting future operations and facility improvements. This project is a financially viable, shovel-ready initiative that aligns with community needs and can proceed quickly with voter approval.
Be part of this transformative project that will enrich our community, support local arts, and enhance the quality of life in the Tri-Cities. Every action counts—whether it’s sharing your support, volunteering your time, or making a contribution. Together, we can create a lasting legacy for generations to come.
