Annexation is the process of expanding the City limits to include properties currently outside the City but within the City's Urban Growth Area.
In March 2017, the City of Ellensburg and Kittitas County reached an agreement in which the County agreed to help fund the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Highway 97 and University Way intersection project. In return, at the County's request, the City committed to facilitate annexation of properties located in this area.
The City of Ellensburg is pursuing annexation of this area through the petition method of annexation which is based on tax assessed value of property. Areas annexed through the direct petition method must must have property owners representing at least 60% of the tax assessed value of the area requesting annexation.