Inside Hermiston Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2026

Food Vendors, Public Safety, and a Level Playing Field

The City of Hermiston has been working to address the issue of food vendors operating without licenses or health inspections. The issue became more noticeable during the summer and fall of 2025, when some vendors began operating late at night from tents or vehicles.

The primary concern of the City and Umatilla County Health Department is public health and safety, as well as creating a town where businesses are treated equally and fairly.

Without inspections, there is no way to verify that food is stored, prepared, and served at safe temperatures or that proper sanitation practices are being followed. Uninspected food poses a potential risk to both customers and the community. It also penalizes businesses that take the proper steps to open and run a food business, whether mobile or brick and mortar.

During the Jan. 27 City Council meeting, City staff explained that Hermiston and other cities in the region are having difficulty managing the issue due to gaps in existing regulations. Council members discussed how to best address the issue while continuing to support entrepreneurship. Ideas ranged from prioritizing education and outreach to ensuring fair and consistent enforcement for all businesses. (Read more in the Hermiston Herald)

The Council directed staff to return with proposed amendments to the City’s nuisance code that would provide clearer tools to address unpermitted food vendors, while continuing to support licensed and compliant mobile food businesses.

We value community input as we move forward. Residents are encouraged to attend the City Council Meeting on Feb. 23 at City Hall to share their thoughts and help shape a balanced approach that protects public health while supporting local opportunity.

Read the full February 2026 newsletter here.

Inside Hermiston is the monthly email newsletter for the City of Hermiston, including city news, council reports, and upcoming community events. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox.

Previous Editions

Click the links below to view past editions of the Hermiston Insider, the City of Hermiston's monthly newsletter.

2026

January 2026
February 2026

2025