Richland City Council Pos 7
Colin Michael
Elected Experience
None
Other Professional Experience
Served in the U.S. Army as a Psychological Operations Specialist, including a 2012 combat tour in Afghanistan with the 2nd Infantry Division. Afterward, I worked as a Field Engineer at Halliburton on oil well completions, then as a Petroleum Engineer for the Bureau of Land Management overseeing drilling permits and well closures. I now conduct oversight for the nuclear mission at Hanford, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance at one of the nation’s most complex cleanup sites.
Education
B.S., Petroleum Engineering, University of Alaska
Community Service
Christ the King Sausage Fest Volunteer; STEM Mentor Columbia Basin College
Statement
I’m running for Richland City Council to help build a city where families thrive. That starts with safe neighborhoods, strong local businesses, and walkable public spaces. Richland has tremendous potential—we sit on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Columbia River, yet we’ve done little to make it part of daily life. Other cities have transformed their riverfronts into vibrant places with shops, restaurants, and gathering spots. We should do the same.
I envision a family-friendly downtown where people can walk to dinner, meet friends for coffee, or attend a community event—without needing to drive across town. Communities that invest in walkable, welcoming spaces see stronger businesses and more connected neighborhoods. Richland can match that energy while honoring its identity.
My approach is practical, disciplined, and rooted in service. Whether in national security or nuclear oversight, I’ve built a career solving tough problems and keeping people safe. I’ll bring that same commitment to city government—focused on strengthening our community for those who live here now and those to come.
As a soon-to-be father, I want to shape a Richland where the next generation can grow, belong, and thrive. I care about Richland’s future—for my family and yours.
Ryan Whitten
Elected Experience
Richland City Council since 2023
Other Professional Experience
Served 8 years in the U.S. Navy as an Avionics Technician working on F/A-18 Hornets. I have continued my career as an Instrument Technician, working for Hanford and now Energy Northwest.
Education
Learned Electrical Theory and Troubleshooting in the US Navy. AA from Columbia Basin College.
Community Service
Trustee and Honor Guard for Richland VFW Post 7952.
Statement
A spirit of service is the best path forward—and it remains my guiding principle. Good governance starts with listening, and doing the hard work. My commitment remains simple: to serve Richland with integrity and put our families and citizens first. I want to see our streets safe, tax dollars spent wisely, and a healthy thriving community.
I grew up in the Yakima Valley and have long called Richland home. My service in the Navy introduced me to skills I now use at Energy Northwest, where we continue being a part of Richland’s unique history with nuclear. Richland has a lot of potential for future innovation, but we do need to remain vigilant of health and safety.
I’m grateful to be able to say the last few years have taught me so much about the complex challenges that require strongly grounded leadership, staying accountable, and showing up with purpose.
I care deeply about this place we all call home, and would be honored to continue serving. I'm running again for city council to give back to the place that’s given so much to me, and to help keep Richland a safe and great place to live and raise a family.
Community Engagement
- ✅ Tri-Cities Vote Q&A
- ❌ League of Women Voters
- ❌ TC Regional Chamber Q&A
- ❌ Ballotpedia Survey 2025
- ❌ Stonewall News Q&A
- ❌ TC Regional Chamber Video
- ✅ Tri-City Herald Q&A
Community Engagement
- ✅ Tri-Cities Vote Q&A
- ❌ League of Women Voters
- ✅ TC Regional Chamber Q&A
- ❌ Ballotpedia Survey 2025
- ❌ Stonewall News Q&A
- ❌ TC Regional Chamber Video
- ✅ Tri-City Herald Q&A
Endorsements and Opposition
No letters of support or opposition listed yet.
Endorsements and Opposition
Donors
Mini-filer: detailed reports N/A.
Donors
Mini-filer: detailed reports N/A.
2025 City Council Questionnaire
Rank the city's top 3 most pressing challenges. How would you address them?
Colin Michael
Ryan Whitten
1.) Bringing in new industries and nuclear power Richland is in a unique position with access to both the natural and human resources needed to make it the jewel of nuclear power and production in the PNW. With growing energy demand and more restrictive regulatory schemes around carbon emissions, we cannot afford to forgo this opportunity 2.) Homelessness Having an inpatient facility to treat addiction and facilitate recovery will help massively. Low barrier shelters do not incentivise changes in behavior. 3.) Fully staffing RPD This requires time, as we need to staff with quality candidates and not take just anyone who applies to make sure the quality of service and respect for the department isn't degraded.
Pick one piece of city-owned property and express your vision for it.
Colin Michael
Ryan Whitten
Turning the newly acquired north Richland areas into mixed use with more retail and services along with more housing. This area is currently a bit of a retail and services desert and that should change. Soon.
If money was no object and you could wave a magic wand, what single thing would you do to improve our city?
Colin Michael
Ryan Whitten
Make the bypass a bypass again by removing all intersections and replacing them with on/off ramps at select locations.
| Statement A | Strong A | Lean A | Lean B | Strong B | Statement B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
When making an important decision, I tend to trust in my own lived experiences, judgment, and beliefs. | When making an important decision, I tend to seek out opinions and perspectives different from my own. | ||||
In addition to increasing affordable housing options, we should address homelessness by prioritizing the enforcement of camping bans in public spaces. | In addition to increasing affordable housing options, we should address homelessness by prioritizing the development of low-barrier shelters. | ||||
We have adequate public transportation options; time and money are better spent elsewhere. | Our region should invest in / improve public transportation options. | ||||
We should take a multimodal view of transportation, finding examples from other small cities that have developed safe and thriving bike and pedestrian flow. | Traffic flow should be the top priority of transportation infrastructure investment. | ||||
We should address behavioral health needs by focusing on inpatient services for people experiencing addiction and other crises. | We should address behavioral health needs by focusing on education, harm reduction, and reducing stigma. | ||||
When it comes to energy initiatives, one effective strategy might be to support advanced nuclear technology (small modular reactors). | When it comes to energy initiatives, one effective strategy might be to support renewable energy options (like solar and hydro). | ||||
To better develop small businesses in our city, we should adjust regulations, including zoning, permits, and licensing fees. | To better develop small businesses in our city, we should invest in downtown revitalization and other infrastructure projects that create thriving areas for small business development. | ||||
The city is doing a good job of being transparent. | The city should do a much better job of being transparent. | ||||
The Columbia River shore should be returned to local control. | The Columbia River shore should remain under control of the Army Corps of Engineers. |