Business View Civil and Municipal | May 2021

23 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL MAY 2021 state lobbyist in Olympia and a legislative agenda that we pull together each year. This year we are calling it our Economic Recovery Legislative Agenda. It has three main buckets – strengthening the economic development ecosystem, fostering catalysts for job recovery and growth, and increasing prosperity for all of Washington. That’s really our drive and passion.” The association also offers training and networking opportunities, including weekly membership meetings and both a winter and summer conference. These opportunities provide a great incentive for WEDA membership. “The strongest reason to join is to have a voice for economic development across Washington,” says Estey. “The professional development benefits are significant. We have really upped our game with these twice-a-year conferences. You have the opportunity to stimulate and educate yourself by being with your peers, but also listening to cutting-edge speakers is really important in a fast-moving world.” WASHINGTON ECONOMI C DEVELOPMENT ASSOC I AT ION With the pandemic, they have moved their conferences online, and despite that being a large undertaking for a small organization, they managed to host a successful summer summit in July with hundreds of people in attendance. The response from the conference helped shape their legislative agenda for the year, which now includes a deeper focus on small businesses. “I think this current recession and economic crisis has shined light for everyone on what a crucial part small businesses play in our economy,” Estey explains, “and what a core part of the identity of local neighborhood business districts they are. When you start to see your neighborhood restaurants close, it’s just devastating.” In addition to focusing on small businesses, WEDA has directed its attention to workforce development and education – particularly early learning and childcare. “I think there is a much deeper sense of realization that if we don’t solve the childcare crisis, we can’t recover, at least in an equitable way,” Estey says. “You’ve probably