Yakima

While several theories to "revitalize" the city's downtown have been put forth by civic leaders, none has proven effective. Presently, a hotel has been constructed in the place of the abandoned mall.

The retail core of the city has now shifted to the city of Union Gap, where a renovated shopping mall and other new retail businesses are flourishing. While some see big-box retail leaving the downtown area as a loss, others see it as an opportunity to recast the downtown area as a center for events, services, entertainment and smaller, more personal shopping experiences.

A bright spot in the economy of the Yakima Valley is the burgeoning wine industry, due in part to the Yakima Valley soil, which is very similar to the soil conditions of France. Over fifty wineries dot the Yakima Valley, covering more than 11,000 acres (45 km²).
The Japan Ground Self Defence Force conducts training annually in Yakima.

The DFI has provided for a street to storefront remodel along Yakima Avenue throughout the entire downtown core, and includes new pedestrian-friendly lighting, water fountains, planters, banner poles, new trees and hanging baskets, all of which complement the new paver-inlaid sidewalks.
The early 2000s have seen the return to the downtown of the Sports Center Tavern, a local landmark, as well as the opening of The Hilton Garden Inn, The Speakeasy Bar, Grill & Nightclub, Kana Winery, Donitelia Winery, Yakima Cellars Winery, Seasons Performance Hall, Essencia Bakery, De Siga Gallery, and The Barrel House. Developers are aiming for an early 2008 completion for condominiums in the Bon Marche building of the former Yakima Mall.
The events held downtown include Yakima Downtown New Year's Eve, a Cinco de Mayo celebration, Yakima Live music festival, Yakima Summer Kickoff Party, Fresh Hop Ale Fest, a weekly Farmers' Market, and the Hot Shots 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.
One tourist attraction is a pair of historic trolleys that operates each summer along five miles (8 km) of tracks of the former Yakima Valley Transportation Company through the Yakima Gap connecting Yakima and Selah.
Education
The city of Yakima is served in the field of education by three K-12 public school districts, several private schools, and three post-secondary schools.
High Schools
Public Schools
There are four high schools in the Yakima School District.
Davis High School, 4A high schools with about 2,000 students each
Eisenhower High School, 4A high schools with about 2,000 students each
Stanton Academy
O.I.C.

Students and staff at Christa McAuliffe Academy are actively engaged in carrying on what Christa started: education that ventures beyond the normal boundaries and empowers the drive for discovery of things unknown. It is a division 3A school with the total student population numbering about 1,200.
On the eastern side of the city, just east of Terrace Heights, is East Valley High School, which is in the East Valley School District.

Riverside Christian is also a 2B school with around 150 students in grades 9-12.
Yakima Adventist Christian School, serving K -10.

Homeschool
Yakima also has a homeschooling program known as HomeLink, which is privately-run organization that markets itself as a "private support service for homeschoolers," and provides resources for homeschooling parents and offers classes primarily for grades 6-12. High schoolers may earn credit and graduate with a diploma through North Atlantic Regional High School (NARHS) program.
Post-Secondary Schools
Located in the middle of Yakima is the Yakima Valley Community College, otherwise known as YVCC.