Like the rest of the country, Washington lacks an adequate supply of affordable, high-quality childcare options for families. This issue affects not only families but also employers, costing Washington businesses over $2 billion annually due to employee turnover or missed work, and impacting the state economy by more than $6.5 billion each year.

The term ‘childcare divide’ refers to disparities in access to quality childcare services. Factors such as income, location, and the availability of affordable care influence how it affects families differently.

The problem stems from low wages for childcare workers, high staff turnover, and narrow profit margins for licensed childcare providers. Particularly in small towns and rural communities, access to specialized providers and care beyond regular 9-5 hours is limited.

Communities can play a crucial role in supporting childcare providers by implementing the following strategies:

1. Advocacy and Awareness:
   • Raise awareness about the importance of quality childcare and its impact on families, children, and the local economy.
   • Advocate for policies that prioritize childcare funding and support.
2. Financial Assistance and Grants:
   • Establish local grant programs to provide financial assistance to childcare providers.
   • Encourage community foundations and businesses to contribute to childcare scholarships or grants.
3. Collaboration and Networking:
   • Facilitate networking opportunities for childcare providers to share best practices, resources, and support.
   • Create partnerships between childcare centers, schools, and community organizations.
4. Infrastructure Support:
   • Identify unused or underutilized community spaces (such as schools, community centers, or churches) that could be repurposed for childcare facilities.
   • Support childcare providers in navigating licensing requirements and improving their facilities.
5. Workforce Development:
   • Offer training and professional development opportunities for childcare providers.
   • Encourage pathways for aspiring educators to enter the field.
6. Parent Engagement:
   • Educate parents about the importance of stable childcare and encourage them to advocate for childcare funding.
   • Involve parents in decision-making processes related to childcare services.
7. Flexible Policies:
   • Advocate for flexible work schedules and paid family leave policies to support working parents.
   • Explore options for extended hours or weekend childcare services.

Addressing the childcare divide in Washington requires a multifaceted approach. Communities can play a pivotal role.  By implementing the strategies mentioned above, Washington can bridge the gap and ensure that families have access to affordable, high-quality childcare, benefiting both parents and the local economy. 

Downtowns serve as the beating heart of cities, defining their image and economic activity. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the usual hustle and bustle, leading to declining retail activity and office space vacancies. As communities adapt to this “new normal,” they recognize the need for successful strategies to revitalize their downtowns. One key solution lies in enhancing public spaces.

1. Economic Catalysts:
   • Parks, plazas, and open spaces can be powerful economic catalysts. By attracting people to central business districts, they help maintain or expand existing commercial development levels.
   • Public spaces create an authentic sense of place, serving as gathering spots that bring people together.
2. Shifting Perceptions:
   • A Brookings Institute study found that public spaces play a crucial role in shifting perceptions of downtown areas. They inspire infrastructure improvements and incubate small businesses.
   • Spokane’s Riverfront Park and Vancouver’s Esther Short Park exemplify successful downtown parks with diverse amenities.
3. Defining Public Space:
   • Public spaces include parks, historic town squares, plazas, and pocket parks. They form the downtown’s “public realm.”
   • Investing in attractive, safe, and enjoyable public spaces can drive downtown revitalization efforts.
4. Post-COVID Era Focus:
   • As we emerge from the pandemic, deliberate efforts and financial investments are needed to enhance public spaces.
   • These spaces serve as areas of calm and respite, drawing people back to downtowns.
5. Redmond’s Example:
   • Redmond’s Downtown Park demonstrates the impact of well-designed public spaces. Events and community gatherings thrive there.
6. Inviting Downtowns:
   • To make downtowns inviting places to work, play, and live, local governments should prioritize housing options and public spaces.

In summary, public spaces are the glue that connects downtown environments, fostering economic vibrancy and community engagement. Let’s embrace their potential for a revitalized future!


Note: This blog post is based on the article “The Importance of Public Space to Downtown Revitalization” from MRSC Insight, April 2024.
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Congratulations to Cordillera on the groundbreaking ceremony for the Southridge Apartments. The apartments will be located near 5651 W. 36th Pl. in Kennewick.

The apartment complex will house 162 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units, 20 Live/Work townhomes, and a 6,000 square foot amenity building that includes a community room, a meeting/workspace, a game lounge, a state-of-the-art gym, a pool/spa, a food truck pavilion, a dog park, and much more. The units are expected to open in summer 2025.

The Tri-Cities Strategic Alliance partner organizations - the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments (BFCOG), the Regional Chamber (TCRCC), Tri-Cities Development Council (TRIDEC), and Visit Tri-Cities - shared details on four regional-scale initiatives during the TCRCC membership luncheon on Wednesday, July 24. A leader from each organization presented their initial project, showcasing the powerful synergy of the alliance. 

The projects (in order as they were presented):
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IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities - Presented by Kevin Lewis, President & CEO of Visit Tri-Cities
An IRONMAN event is more than just a race. It’s a way to showcase the strength and vitality of our community in an uplifting and meaningful way. The event involves support from dozens of agencies and thousands of volunteers who step up to showcase the good in our community - and it will bring millions of dollars in economic impact to our businesses. Kevin's presentation celebrated what it means to host an IRONMAN event in the Tri-Cities and inspired attendees to play a part in fueling the transformational growth it can bring to our communities. IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities will take place on September 22, 2024. The race is already sold out, but they are still looking for volunteers to help make the event a success. Click here for more information.

Tri-Cities Shoreline Re-Conveyance - Presented by Karl Dye, President & CEO of TRIDEC
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) owns the shoreline of the Columbia River that runs through the Tri-Cities. In 1995, Congressman Doc Hastings passed federal legislation authorizing USACOE to transfer this property to all of the adjacent local jurisdictions, but burdensome permitting processes has prevented this from happening. Now, TRIDEC is working with Benton and Franklin Counties, the cities of Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland, the Port of Pasco, the 1855 Treaty Tribes of the Yakama Nation, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to introduce new legislation.  This will transfer specific land and allow our community to improve riverfront access and enhance public use of the shoreline.

Internet for All - Presented by Michelle Holt, Executive Director of BFCOG
Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband and the digital knowledge and skills to use it is essential to full participation in today’s world. Access is vital to information, education, healthcare, job seeking, communication, social connection, and small business, but digital inclusion has many barriers. The Internet for All project focuses on strategies to ensure digital equity for all citizens of Benton and Franklin counties. 

Ag Innovation Center - Presented by Randy Hayden, Executive Director of Port of Pasco and Chair of TCRCC's myTRI 2030 Ag Council & Lon Hatamiya, President of the VINE Institute
The Port of Pasco, in association with TCRCC, is leading the development of an agricultural innovation center in the Tri-Cities - an original project from the myTRI 2030 Regional Vision Project. The center is envisioned as a specialized facility and/or campus network to capture opportunities for ag innovations, form a hub of connections across the ag economy, and develop technology that uplifts the workforce and producers in the ag industry. Development of the center and its programs will add significant value to the region's ag economy and position the Tri-Cities and Washington as a global leader in ag innovation.

More information on all four projects will be shared in the coming months. Thanks to Columbia Ability Alliance for sponsoring the luncheon!

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce's Awards and Recognition Committee has selected Tri-Tech Skills Center as the Outstanding Member of the Month for July 2024.

Tri-Tech partners with local high schools to offer advanced technical and professional training to students. Their services are available to all public, private, and home-school students who have yet to receive a diploma.

In June, the Regional Chamber held the 3rd Annual Tri-Cities Regional Career Signing Day. This event celebrated the hiring of student candidates by employers that are committed to offering a great living wage, benefits, and the potential to advance within their organizations. The June 2024 event was the largest on record, with 28 students recognized. All of the students are heading directly into our local workforce - and all attended Tri-Tech Skills Center.

Congratulations to Tri-Tech Director Paul Randall and his team on receiving the Member of the Month award. Thank you for making a difference in our community!

Author: Maria Alleman, Washington APEX Accelerator Counselor - [email protected]

​In the dynamic landscape of local politics, the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce stands as a beacon of unbiased business advocacy. While we maintain a steadfast policy of not endorsing political candidates, we recognize the importance of informed voting for the prosperity of our community.

To bridge this gap, we collaborate with partners who assess candidates and offer recommendations based on a thorough understanding of business impacts. Among these partners, the Association of Washington Businesses shines as a key contributor. You can review the entire list of AWB recommendations on their 2024 Elections page, here.

Not every race will have an endorsement based on a candidates vote record or Association interview.  For the legislative races in Benton and Franklin Counties here are the AWB recommendation.

8th  Legislative District

• Stephanie Barnard, Representative, Position 1
• April Connors, Representative, Position 2

9th Legislative District

• Mark Schoesler, Senator
• Mary Dye, Representative, Position 1
• Joe Schmick, Representative Position 2

14th Legislative District

• Curtis King, Senator
• Chris Corry, Representative, Position 1

15th Legislative District

• No recommendations at this time

16th Legislative District

• Perry Dozier, Senator
• Mark Klicker, Representative, Position 1
• Skyler Rude, Representative, Position 2

​We depend on the expertise of the Association of Washington Businesses to guide our members and the broader community in making well-considered electoral decisions. To learn more about these candidates please review out Vote for Business Guide. We asked each candidate to complete a short questionnaire and we have published their answers here.

Be informed and make sure you vote by August 6th. 

Some State lawmakers in Washington are exploring a new revenue option to address transportation challenges: a “retail delivery fee” on online purchases. As maintenance costs rise and gas tax collections decline, this proposal aims to generate funds for maintaining city and county roads. 

The proposal under consideration could range from $.25 to $.75 per delivery charge and would be collected during the online checkout process.  It is estimated that a $.30 fee could generate about $112 million annual in tax revenue. 

Currently, Colorado and Minnesota have retail delivery fees, resulting in $79.5 million and $59 million in tax revenue. certain limits and restrictions apply to the fees charged in these states. 

Critics argue that this fee effectively increases the state sales tax, potentially impacting consumer prices and taxes. Policymakers will need to assess the impact on low-income households and ensure fairness. They will also need to consider the State’s administrative costs associated with implementing and collecting the fee. 

This proposal is still under study, but it is something to keep an eye out for. A similar $5 delivery fee implemented in Seattle, caused a 30% drop in food delivery order volumes and devastated local restaurants. 
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What do you think? Stay tuned for more information. 

Congratulations to Northwest Motor Group on their ribbon cutting and grand opening on Friday, July 19. The auto dealership is located at 3203 W. Marie St. in Pasco (in the Autoplex).

Voting is not merely a right; it is a responsibility and privilege that each eligible citizen should embrace. By participating in elections, you play an active role in shaping the future of your community and country.

Your vote carries the power to influence policies, hold leaders accountable, and create a more inclusive society. When you vote, you're putting your ideas and hopes into action, making a difference in your town, country, and the world.

Ballots for the Primary election will be coming out very soon. It is important complete your ballot and send it back. Primary elections aren’t always viewed as being very important, but they can set the tone for the rest of the campaign season.

If you have not registered to vote yet you can do it online, HERE.

You can also check out our Vote for Business guide HERE to see how candidates have weighed in on business related issues.

Remember YOUR VOTE MATTERS.