 Youth Employment in Washington State: Opportunities and Guidelines Youth employment is a vital aspect of personal and professional development, offering young individuals the chance to gain valuable work experience, develop skills, and earn their own money. In Washington State, there are specific rules and requirements designed to protect young workers while ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive in the workplace. Below we explore the landscape of youth employment in Washington State and provide a list of essential resources for both employers and young workers. In addition to the benefits listed about, youth employment offers other numerous benefits, including:
If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries or visit their website for more detailed information.  
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 The Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) is set to hold a special virtual meeting on August 29, 2024, at 3:00 PM. This meeting will focus on the Horse Heaven Wind proposal, a significant project that has garnered considerable public interest. A copy of the draft Site Certification agreement can be found HERE Key Details:
You can join the meeting virtually via Microsoft Teams. Here are the details:
Why This Meeting Matters: The Horse Heaven Wind proposal is a pivotal project aimed at expanding renewable energy infrastructure in Washington State. The EFSEC’s decision on this proposal could have far-reaching implications for the state’s energy landscape, environmental policies, and local communities. What to Expect: During the meeting, EFSEC members will discuss various aspects of the Horse Heaven Wind proposal, including its potential benefits and challenges. The Council may take final action on the proposal, making this meeting a crucial event for stakeholders and residents alike. Stay informed and engaged by attending the meeting virtually. Your participation helps ensure transparency and accountability in the decision-making process. FULL EFSEC Horse Heaven Hills website. Feel free to share this blog post to keep your community informed about this important event!  The Local Government Affairs Committee recently voted to take positions on two of the upcoming Washington State Initiatives. On August 21, 2024, the Chamber Board affirmed the committee recommendations. Based on the recommendations of the Association of Washington Business (AWB), we reviewed Initiative 2109, which proposes to repeal the Capital Gains Tax. The AWB’s position is to support this initiative. Both the AWB and most businesses opposed the Capital Gains Tax when it was initially proposed, as it acts as a disincentive for businesses to establish themselves in Washington State. Additionally, the Capital Gains Tax is seen as a precursor to a larger income tax, which Washington voters have rejected multiple times. Supporting Initiative 2109 aligns with our Guiding Principles of “Tax and Spending” and “Regulatory Reform.” The principle of Tax and Spending advocates for “a competitive and balanced tax environment that stimulates growth by encouraging the private sector.” Regulatory Reform states that “government policies and regulations should incentivize innovation and entrepreneurship.” The Capital Gains Tax contradicts both principles. Therefore, we voted to support Initiative 2109. Similarly, the LGAC reviewed Initiative 2124, which proposes the ability to opt out of the Long-Term Services Insurance Program (WA Cares). Neither the AWB nor the business community supported the WA Cares program when it was first introduced due to its numerous uncertainties and limitations. Issues of eligibility and solvency have been prominent concerns from the beginning. Supporting Initiative 2124 is consistent with our Guiding Principles of “Regulatory Reform” and “Healthcare.” The implementation of WA Cares contradicts our Regulatory Reform principle by creating additional reporting and tracking requirements that negatively impact businesses. It also violates our Healthcare principle by being a “burdensome employer directive.” Currently, employees bear the entire cost of the WA Cares program, but as the program grows and solvency issues arise, it is foreseeable that employers may eventually be required to cover the shortfall. Therefore, we voted to support Initiative 2124.  Balancing a job and raising children is a challenge for many families. The rising cost of living impacts every aspect of our daily lives. It is not just the increasing cost of childcare that is a problem; availability is also an issue. Many childcare providers have space for more children but lack sufficient staff. The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, along with Community-Minded Enterprises and other local organizations, sponsored the first Childcare Strategy Summit on August 13th at the Tri-Cities Business and Visitor Center in Kennewick. Over fifty community leaders and childcare providers gathered to discuss the current state of childcare services in the Tri-City region. Population growth and the need for dual-income families are driving the demand for childcare. Ajsa Suljic, a Regional Labor Economist, reviewed trends in population growth, industry diversification, and local workforce demands. Amy Anderson from the Association of Washington Businesses provided an overview of childcare in Washington State. She highlighted that the state legislature allocated $34 billion to K-12 education, $18 billion to post-secondary education, but only $2.4 billion to childcare. Statistics also show that 15% of the workforce has children under six, and 61% of households with children under six have all adults in the labor force. It is clear that the childcare issue is also a workforce issue. The lack of affordable childcare is a growing concern, and there does not seem to be a quick fix. In 2024, legislation was introduced to address the problem but did not advance. New legislation will be proposed in 2025, and we will keep you updated on its progress.  Washington State has become a burgeoning hub for data centers, with tech giants and startups alike flocking to the region. This growth is a double-edged sword, offering economic benefits while posing challenges to the state’s green energy initiatives. Economic Growth and Job Creation The proliferation of data centers has been a boon for job creation in rural areas. The job creation associated with the growth of data centers in Washington State has been a topic of much debate. Initially, the tax break for data centers was approved by legislators, to create more jobs, particularly in rural areas of Washington. The expectation was that these facilities would bring high-paying, long-term, and environmentally friendly jobs. However, the actual number of jobs created has been difficult to quantify. While the state has forgoing more than $474 million since 2018 in tax breaks for data centers, it has not been able to definitively say how many jobs were created as a result1. The tax break’s requirement for how many people a company must hire was quickly weakened, and the state failed to fully scrutinize whether the sacrifices were worth it. Despite this lack of clarity, there is evidence of economic impact. In rural counties, data center operations have generated an estimated $158 million in economic output per year over the last four years. They have supported roughly 760 full-time operations and related jobs, with nearly $70 million in annual wages and benefits. This suggests that while the exact number of jobs created by the tax break is uncertain, data centers have had a significant economic impact in the areas where they are located. Energy Requirements of Data Centers Data centers are intensive energy consumers due to the need to power and cool a large number of servers continuously. The energy draw from these “computer warehouses” has seen explosive growth, prompting states like Washington to reconsider their support for the industry. In Washington, the tax exemptions offered to attract data centers have led to a surge in energy consumption, which is at odds with the state’s environmental policies. Washington State has set ambitious targets to transition to a carbon-neutral power grid. However, the increasing electricity needs of data centers pose a significant challenge to these green energy efforts. Grant County, for example has two public dams capable of powering more than 1.5 million homes, but the soaring demand from data centers has forced the county to consider other, potentially non-renewable, energy sources to meet the excess need. This has led to a critical choice: either violate the state’s green energy law, which limits the use of fossil fuels, or risk rolling blackouts that could affect homes, factories, and hospitals. The situation is further complicated by the fact that, in recent years, Washington has obtained a smaller share of its electricity from renewable sources than two decades ago, despite being a major producer of hydropower. The expansion of data centers in Washington State presents a multifaceted challenge. While they contribute to economic growth and job creation, their substantial energy demands exert pressure on the state’s power grid and complicate efforts to maintain a commitment to green energy. Legislative hurdles have impeded comprehensive studies on their energy consumption, leaving critical gaps in understanding their full impact. As the state continues to welcome these data hubs, it must carefully balance economic incentives with environmental responsibilities. The success of data centers in Washington’s future hinges on its ability to strategically navigate this complex landscape, ensuring both economic stability and adherence to renewable energy goals for a sustainable future.  You’re Invited: Tri-Cities 2024 Candidate Meet and Greet We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the candidates who have successfully made it through the Primary elections. As we gear up for the General Election in November, the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Tri-Cities Legislative Council are excited to announce a series of election-related activities. Mark Your Calendars! Join us on September 10th for an exclusive Candidate Meet and Greet event. This is a unique opportunity for candidates running in the 8th, 14th, 15th, and 16th Legislative Districts, as well as those vying for the roles of Benton and Franklin County Commissioner. Candidates we have invited include:
Engage and Connect Our event is designed to foster open and personal dialogues. Without the constraints of a formal program, you’ll have the freedom to engage in meaningful conversations with our esteemed members and the vibrant residents of the Tri-City region. Registration is now open, and space is limited. You can register here. We look forward to welcoming you and facilitating discussions that will shape the future of our community. See you there!  Take Action Now: Protect Our Community and Environment As the summer heat intensifies, so does our need to speak up for the health and safety of our community, the preservation of our cultural heritage, and the protection of our environment. The Horse Heaven Wind & Solar Project has reached a critical juncture, and your voice is more important than ever. Governor Inslee’s recent directive to EFSEC to restore the Horse Heaven Wind & Solar Project to its near original size, despite EFSEC’s recommendation for a significant reduction, has raised serious concerns:
Your action can make a difference. Before the next EFSEC meeting on August 21, we urge you to submit your comments. Stand with us in urging EFSEC to uphold their recommendation to remove all high-impact turbines from the project. Let’s remind them that the power they wield comes from the people they serve. Here’s how you can help:
2. Spread the word to friends, family, and neighbors. Every voice counts. 3. Attend the EFSEC meeting to show your support for the reduction of the project. Attend the meeting via Microsoft Teams Dial-in Number: +1 564-999-2000 Phone Conference ID: 699 286 814# Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard and that our community and environment are protected for generations to come.  Middle housing, often referred to as "missing middle" housing, is a concept that aims to bridge the gap between single-family homes and high-density apartment buildings. It includes a variety of housing types such as duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, and courtyard apartments, which are designed to be compatible in scale and character with existing single-family neighborhoods. In Washington State, there have been significant legislative changes to promote the development of middle housing. During the 2023-24 legislative session, HB 1110 was adopted, which requires local governments to address infill housing as part of their comprehensive plan and development regulations. This bill aims to increase the housing supply and diversity within residential neighborhoods by allowing multiple dwelling units per lot in forms that are similar in bulk and form to single-family houses. Following the passage of HB 1110, the Washington State Department of Commerce published model ordinances to assist local jurisdictions in implementing the legislation. These ordinances include both mandatory requirements from HB 1110 and optional development standards to facilitate middle housing development. Jurisdictions can adjust optional standards based on local preferences, and the model ordinances are tailored for cities with populations above and below 25,000. Moreover, in March 2024, the Legislature passed HB 2321 amending parts of HB 1110. This led to draft updates to the middle housing model ordinances and user guide to reflect these changes. The updated drafts were made available for public comment, indicating an ongoing process to refine and improve the implementation of middle housing strategies. The Department of Commerce has also provided a user guide that offers background information on the content of the model ordinances, links to resources, and other guidance related to HB 1110 implementation. This comprehensive approach demonstrates Washington State's commitment to expanding affordable housing options and creating more inclusive communities through the development of middle housing. Read more about what the City of Kennewick is doing about middle housing.  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:
 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.
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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