awb annual report 2020
housing forum
Washington ’ s real estate market boomed in 2020 , reinforcing the need for solutions to the state ’ s longstanding homelessness and affordable housing issues . AWB continued its focus on this issue by joining with partners in hosting a series of virtual Housing Forum discussions that examined everything from property availability and permitting costs to zoning and density debates .
“ We really cannot have any kind of economic recovery from the pandemic without support for the child care industry . They are a crucial piece of our economic infrastructure .”
amy anderson , awb government affairs director child care advocacy
Even before the pandemic , more than a half million children in Washington didn ’ t have access to licensed child care . Since the start of the pandemic , 20 % of child care providers were at least temporarily closed and child care providers saw costs increase by 30 % as they adapted to new regulations and lower child-to-staff ratios . This is not just a significant issue for families , but it ’ s also a growing concern for employers and the economy . AWB delivered this message to lawmakers , sharing the findings of a recent study with multiple legislative committees . p 11