Yakima Studying Possibility of Public Market

As part of the downtown master plan, the city of Yakima is looking at the creation of a public market and business incubator.

Economic Development Director Sean Hawkins says the city council approved the $40,000 study at its meeting Tuesday. Hawkins says they want to create a public market, “In your mind think a small version of pike place market.”

Yakima also wants to add a business incubator in the market as a way to give starting businesses a chance to grow. The study was approved by the council Tuesday and will look at everything including locations in the downtown area.

At the council meeting, the Yakima City Council also approved the receipt of loan and grant money of $1.8 million to pay for design and engineering work for the Boise Cascade mill redevelopment project.

The funding will be coupled with 1.5 million from the city to pay for ongoing studies that will eventually help the city develop the area.