Nestled at the base of the Blue Mountains, Columbia County is located in southeastern Washington. Dayton is the county seat and largest city in the county. Located just 30 miles northeast of Walla Walla and 60 miles east of the Tri Cities, Dayton is home to three national historic districts, including the oldest train depot and oldest working courthouse in the State of Washington and over 120 buildings on the National Historic Register.
Dayton enjoys a cost of living well below other areas of the state (40% to 60% below the Seattle and Portland/Vancouver metro areas and 10% to 20% below Spokane, Walla Walla and the Tri-Cities according to Sperling’s Best Places).
The City’s Main Street underwent a major revitalization in the early 1990’s and is now home to essential business services, unique shops, Victorian lodging, restaurants and breweries. Columbia County is bordered by the Oregon state line to the south and the Snake River to the north and enjoys nearby world class wineries, recreational trails, and local rivers allow for residents of all ages to enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities including picnicking, recreational sports, cycling, fishing, hunting, gol
...f, and winter sports in the Blue Mountains. Just 30 minutes to the south, Ski Bluewood is an important source of tourism and seasonal employment for residents across the region, offering 400 skiable acres, clear skies and more than 300 inches of snow annually.
Columbia County covers an area of just under 870 square miles and is the perfect place to experience all four seasons with its warm sunny summers, crisp yet moderate winters and spectacular springs and falls that fill the area with color. The area has picturesque landscapes with rolling hills, bountiful crops, and pristine rivers, along with private and national forest lands.
Columbia County has long been known as one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the nation, producing crops including winter and spring wheat, barley, dry beans and green peas. Building on its original foundation of agriculture, Columbia County has encouraged economic diversification in order to remain vital and healthy while retaining its rural charm.
The County operates with 100 full-time equivalent employees spread over more than 13 departments, and has a 2018 operating budget of $18 million. The Columbia County Department of Public Works consists of a diverse staff of 29 crew members in operations, engineering, GIS, and administration. The Department’s overall 2019 budget is approximately $8.3 million. The Public Works Department is responsible for the planning, engineering, design, construction, operation and maintenance of approximately 540 miles of county roadways, and 63 bridges. Currently the department has 9 major projects being planned or underway during the next six years.
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