Economic Development

US Infrastructure Projects – The New York Times recently ran an article outlining major infrastructure projects from each state under consideration for federal funding. Click here for the story that begins with a reference to the I-5 bridge connecting Vancouver and Portland. (Only available w/ a New York Times subscription.)

Remote work will continue to expand according to PC Magazine. Click here for the story.

COVID Recovery Update – The Brookings Institute has conducted research on the COVID-19 crisis recovery from several perspectives.  They have conducted an analysis for food hardship, labor market for women and more. Here is an article covering the 11 facts on the economic recovery. A couple of those facts are included below.

  • The number of job openings and the number of workers quitting their jobs is higher now than in the past 20 years.
  • Even with the recent jumps in inflation, lower income workers are seeing increases in real wages.
  • Fiscal Support led to a reduction in poverty in 2020.
  • There were more new business applications and fewer bankruptcies in 2020 and 2021 than in 2018 and 2019.

Minimum wage – The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) recently announced the state’s minimum wage will rise to $14.49 per hour starting Jan. 1, 2022. State law mandates L&I calculate the minimum wage for the coming year based on the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). L&I compares the CPI-W from August of the previous year to the index for August of the current year to make the calculation. The result is the state’s current minimum wage of $13.69 will go up 5.83 percent next year. BLS attributed the increase in the price index to more expensive gas, housing, household furnishings, and food.

Transportation

Sidewalk Redesign – Researchers at the University of New Mexico created a sidewalk design using materials that would reduce heat absorption and require fewer materials than traditional concrete sidewalks. Click here for the story.

Youth & Transportation Study Findings – The CDC recently released several studies relating to youth and transportation safety:

Electric Vehicles – The U.S. Department of Energy provides an Electric Vehicle Charging Station Locations interactive map. The map provides data on over 44,400 EV charging stations. Users can filter by types of fuel, charger types, and connectors. Click here to access the map.

AAA Safety Report – In four separate collisions since December, two Washington tow truck technicians have been killed, one required a leg amputation and another received lower body injuries as a result of being hit while assisting a disabled motorist. These tragedies highlight the danger to individuals who regularly work along the shoulders of our busy and congested roads. Two of those incidents were in Cowlitz County. “Deaths like these can be avoided if drivers slow down, move over and give these people room to work safely,” said Kelly Just, AAA Washington’s manager of traffic safety programs. “We can’t stress enough the importance of paying attention so you have enough time to slow down and, if possible, change lanes when you see any emergency vehicle ahead of you on the road.” Earlier this year, AAA Washington (in partnership with Clark County Fire District 6 and Chappelle’s Towing, LLC.) released a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to remind the public of Washington’s Slow Down, Move Over law. TLC Towing was among the six private companies that helped create the video, along with WSDOT and WSP. When drivers approach the red flashing lights of first responders, tow trucks, municipal vehicles, utility vehicles and road clean-up or maintenance crews, they must slow down to at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit and, if safe to do so, move over one lane. Drivers who fail to do so face a $214 ticket that cannot be waived or reduced.

  

Community Development / Other

Community Building through Education – The Walton Foundation recently released this video on the importance of, and role of education in creating one of the most vibrant and inclusive communities in the country. Across Northwest Arkansas, a number of school models support more than children’s academic and career goals – they serve as a sanctuary during a period of profound upheaval and uncertainty. Local schools that place a self-determined life in reach for every member of the community is a bold vision. But it’s also a top priority of families in the region. Moving closer to this goal will mean engaging the community to reach more parents on available opportunities for their children, close a persistent achievement gap for students of color and recruit more diverse educators. Over the next five years, the foundation will center its work around community-led solutions by listening to and learning from leaders igniting innovation in schools; parents striving to make the most informed decisions about their children’s future; and students – the next generation to call this incredible place home. Click here for more.

Food Assistance – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Food Assistance Program is now accepting applications for the Flexible Funding grants, a new grant program to support Washington’s diverse hunger relief network. WSDA distributes millions of dollars annually through its Food Assistance programs, contracting with hunger relief organizations and Tribes in all 39 counties to deliver government-funded food assistance resources across the state. These include both state funds and federal funds as well as commodities from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Applications are being accepted now through November 15. The Flexible Funding grants program will fund eligible projects in three categories:

  • Making food distribution more efficient:Projects that improve access to nutritious, culturally relevant foods through staff support or training, capacity improvements, or equipment purchasing.
  • Targeted community needs:Available to organizations supporting historically underrepresented communities, service programs, or that address current and emerging community needs.
  • Pilot projects, innovations, and food system improvements:Intended to help improve local food systems by funding pilot projects, an innovative program, or supporting local agriculture or businesses.

Grant awards will range from below $5,000 to over $50,000. Visit www.agr.wa.gov/grants for more information on the Flexible Funding grants, including how to apply, eligibility requirements and more.

Meeting Housing Needs – Do you think you know what a dingbat is? If you remember Archie Bunker it may not be what you think. Click here for information on the topic as it relates to housing. The dingbat is a mid-density apartment building with a carport at ground level with the living space above. Many of these are visible in our region. According to the article, they may offer opportunities for our current housing needs.