Shared Legislative Agenda 2022

Each year, the Public Policy Division of the Thurston Chamber convenes the Shared Legislative Partnership. The Partnership works to advance regional priorities for the upcoming State Legislative session. These priorities, when approved, will provide multiple and broad benefits to the entire region due to the significant scope and impact across and between entities.

The list of regional priorities for 2022 includes:

Interstate 5 – Mounts Road to Tumwater and the Nisqually River Delta As the Legislature considers a transportation funding package in the 2022 Legislative Session, it should include $125 million to support the design, engineering, and right of way phases to replace the Nisqually River bridges with a wider span that addresses salmon habitat and flood risk issues, modify the two train trestles near milepost 115, and add a lane in both directions of I-5 from milepost 111 to 116. In addition, resources are required to complete 507-510 Loop and Roundabouts and implement regional Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies.

Previous investments from the Legislature and WSDOT equal to $5 million provide for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review of key strategies to reduce congestion, improve salmon habitat, and reduce flood risk in the region. The Nisqually Indian Tribe and U.S. Geological Survey's recent report found that with projected sea-level rise, increased flood frequency and severity, and current rates of erosion, the Nisqually River will undercut I-5 between 2040 and 2055. Although the NEPA review won't be complete for 2 to 3 years, the next critical step is to ensure funding for the project's preliminary design and engineering and right of way acquisition phases as part of a multi-year transportation package. (Transportation Budget – $125,000,000)

Craft Brewing and Distilling: Business Start-up / Accelerator Space – Tumwater Craft District / Innovation Partnership Zone Business accelerator and start-up space are frequently needed by fledgling breweries and distilleries across the South Puget Sound. Working within the South Puget Sound Community College's Craft Brewing and Distilling Program, short-term start-up space, and business accelerator support will assist students and entrepreneurs to successfully launch businesses into the rapidly growing commercial craft beverage industry. The total project is approximately $2,500,000 and uses private investment, CERB funding, and City funding in addition to requested State funds. (Capital Budget - $1,000,000)

Southwest Agricultural and Innovation Park – Tenino / Thurston Economic Development Council A 27 percent increase in project costs due exclusively to unanticipated inflation and price increases for construction materials cause the project partners to delay construction indefinitely. State resources will ensure the project proceeds on schedule and as planned. Development is underway, and the design for a 10,000 square foot pre-engineered steel building that meets the production needs of the initial three tenants is complete. (Capital Budget - $870,000)

Economic Development / Land Use Mitigation – Tumwater and Port of Olympia Large and small-scale commercial and private economic development projects are currently delayed due to the lack of appropriate land conservation efforts to mitigate the listing of the Mazama Pocket Gopher under the Federal Endangered Species Act. State resources will rapidly start up the acquisition of land that is suitable for conservation, expedite the conservation process, and open economic development opportunities that were held back following the initial Endangered Species Act listing. Investment in the current biennium will assist local economic recovery by replacing a diversity of jobs lost to the COVID-19 crisis and better position the region to improve economic equity. (Capital Budget or Operating Budget - $2,500,000)

Direct State Investments to Address Chronic Homelessness Chronic homelessness is a statewide issue that has a negative impact on communities across Washington state, regardless of size or location. Based on the success seen elsewhere, the Thurston Shared Legislative Partners support six recommendations for addressing the chronic homelessness crisis in Washington State.

• Create emergency housing while we wait for permanent supportive housing • Provide individualized, on-demand services • Establish a command center to focus on individuals experiencing chronic homelessness with an emphasis on equity • Utilize real-time data • Employ qualified, experienced caseworkers and those with lived experience • Focus on transparency, accountability, and evaluation with regular reporting to the public

Communities across the State need financial support to address chronic homelessness from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This federal funding provides an opportunity to make significant, impactful one-time investments to reduce chronic homelessness. By dedicating the Federal ARPA money to one-time housing costs, it prevents a bow wave of operational costs in the future.

The Thurston Region Shared Legislative Partners support the recommendations put forward by Challenge Seattle. This includes establishing a Washington State version of California's Project Homekey. Other requested 2022 Legislative actions include:

• Use of State ARPA funds for the acquisition of emergency housing • Expansion of the Rapid Capital Housing Acquisition Fund • Ensuring that grants made available through the

State Department of Commerce require requesting jurisdiction to include plans for on-demand services to accompany emergency housing • A Statewide investment of $400 million to house over 2,600 homeless individuals

This may be the single biggest opportunity to make progress on housing and homelessness – especially for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness – for generations to come.

The Shared Legislative Partnership has proven to be an effective way to advocate for regional investments with the State Legislature. These priorities focus on common interests to maintain the region's economic vitality and generate opportunities that enhance the quality of life for residents in the Thurston County region. The Shared Legislative Partnership is established by the cities of Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Thurston County, the Port of Olympia, South Puget Sound Community College, the Thurston Regional Planning Council, the Thurston County Economic Development Council, and the Thurston Chamber of Commerce.