business backgrounder | economy
“ Like successful entrepreneurs , successful communities take smart risks .”
— Mary Doyle of Rural on Purpose
Lands Hilary Franz , including a new solar manufacturing cluster in Moses Lake and forest health and fire prevention work that can boost the cross-laminated timber industry .
Alex McGregor , chair of the McGregor Co . and chair of AWB ’ s Rural Jobs Task Force , finished the summit with a discussion with leading rural lawmakers including state Sen . Shelly Short , R-Addy , state Rep . Steve Tharinger , D-Port Townsend , and state Rep . Keith Goehner , R-Dryden .
Tharinger , who chairs the House Capital Budget Committee , emphasized the need for communities to agree on one or two projects to put forward for state investment , whether it be libraries , child care centers or other projects for the public good .
“ It brings dollars into a community to build that structure , and then has the long-term benefits ,” Tharinger said .
Short said that what rural communities need is a reduction in government restrictions .
“ I think it ’ s paramount , from tax and regulatory relief , what we can do to spur innovation and get government out of the way ,” Short said . Goehner agreed . “ Communities used to be able to do things by themselves ,” Goehner said . “ I ’ d much rather see a prosperous economy and economic model where a community could build these things without so much outside help because they have the discretionary funds within their community . The regulatory environment is crippling small business .”
For more on how AWB is working to bring prosperity to every corner of Washington , contact AWB Government Affairs Director Mike Ennis . spring 2021 37