Washington Economic Development Association

WASHINGTON ECONOMI C DEVELOPMENT ASSOC I AT ION out how to pivot toward sustainability is job number one with local employers.” A second challenge is getting infrastructure funding, specifically Tax Increment Financing (TIF). “Washington is one of only two states in the nation that doesn’t have TIF as a tool. We think we’ve got some really good momentum and the bill is being finalized with great meetings with legislators,” Estey says, adding, “Lots of our members are very interested in finally securing this opportunity to capture value and then invest in infrastructure that can catalyze job growth.” Editor’s note: As of this publication, the TIF for Jobs bill has been passed by the Legislature and is under consideration for signature by the Governor. Working at the state level has been a challenge in itself for WEDA. Heading into the state Washington State benefits from significant philanthropy from the many major international companies that reside there. But what Estey refers to as “triage grants” aren’t enough to keep businesses going long term. She reports, “There have been quite a few, and businesses that were savvy were able to pursue multiple different grants. Many companies have provided their own grant programs, including Verizon and Microsoft. But that’s not sustainable, it’s one-time money that comes in an uncertain cash flow.” The need is for a solution to help companies conduct and sustain their business in new and innovative ways. Estey explains, “A lot of the smaller, consumer-facing businesses, have had to completely reinvent themselves with curbside delivery or creating a website if they didn’t already have one, partnering with new partners, even acquisitions and mergers. So just figuring