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Tri-Cities, Washington is comprised of the towns of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland in the center of Washington state. They are located at the confluence of the Yakima, Snake, and Columbia Rivers. The Tri-Cities constitutes the largest metropolitan area in the southeastern quadrant of Washington State. The Cascade Mountain Range to the west contributes to the desert climate, which is far drier than the famously wet western side of the state near Seattle.

According to the 2000 census, the combined population of the Tri-Cities is 125,467, though 2005 census estimates put the population at closer to 160,000.

The Tri-City Industrial Development Council (TRIDEC) drives new business startups and corporate relocations to the Tri-Cities area. They are the lead Development Organization for Benton County. TRIDEC's Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program is a revolutionary program addressing community economic development needs for new and emerging minority-owned small businesses. TRIDEC is credited with the Hanford Site project, which has successfully taken a radioactive nightmare and turned it into a profitable business opportunity. The Milken Institute, a non-profit independent economic think-tank, ranks the Tri-Cities of Richland-Kennewick-Pasco as 29 th in its listing of Best Performing Cities in the U.S.

The Tri-Cities of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco offer many opportunities for fun. Outdoor recreation includes golfing, biking, and boating. Winery tasting rooms are open year round and feature four annual wine celebrations. Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science, & Technology (CREHST) is a museum and science center dedicated to the Columbia Basin region, with exhibits featuring geology, Native American history, nuclear science, hydropower, and Columbia River fish. The Columbia Cup Hydroplane Races (with enjoy pit tours, autograph sessions, food booths, an air show, and more) are held annually in late July. The Tri-Cities' stretch of the Columbia River is one of the country's premier hydroplane racecourses. The events include Sweet Retreat in March, Classic Wine & Cars in June, Catch the Crush in late September, and Thanksgiving in Wine Country in November.

Sacajawea State Park & Interpretive Center is located at the point where the Columbia and Snake Rivers meet, in Pasco, Washington. Hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming are among the park's recreation opportunities. Along the north shore of the Columbia River, Columbia Park occupies approximately 300 acres. Golfers can enjoy the park's 18-hole golf course or the driving range. Outdoor recreation options include water-skiing, fishing, boating, tennis, picnicking, and camping. Washington State Railroads Historical Society Museum displays many photos and artifacts as well as old steam locomotives, cabooses, and a variety of cars.

Columbia Basin College is a comprehensive two-year college and Washington State University has an impressive presence in the Tri-Cities. Public Schools in the Tri-Cities area include thirteen elementary and middle schools and five senior high schools in Benton and Franklin County. This compliments an award winning Vocational school. Specialized hi-tech education is offered at Marcraft Technology Education Center and skilled labor training at the Skills Resource Training Center.

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