Public input opportunity
Help the Community Advisory Board and Local Advisory Teams guide $200 million investment
The Washington State Department of Commerce recently unveiled the Community Reinvestment Plan - a groundbreaking roadmap for investing $200 million into communities that have borne the disproportionate impact of the historical design and enforcement of drug-related laws and penalties - the "war on drugs." Now we invite you and your communities to be an essential part of shaping the process for making these investments.
Background
The Community Reinvestment Plan is a commitment to addressing racial, economic, and social disparities that have persisted in our state. It aims to provide relief to individuals who have been unfairly affected by war on drugs.
This comprehensive plan includes 17 grant programs, spanning four crucial program areas: economic development, civil and criminal legal assistance, community-based violence intervention and prevention services, and reentry service programs. It represents a significant step toward rectifying historical injustices and providing much-needed support to the communities most affected.
Next steps
Commerce will be establishing a Community Advisory Board and Local Advisory Teams to ensure that the Community Reinvestment Plan is a reality, not just a promise. Their purpose is to guarantee that the plan is effectively executed and that the diverse needs and perspectives of the communities are considered throughout the process. The board and local teams will engage with communities to implement the plan, including by offering technical assistance to individuals and organizations interested in funding opportunities.
For the contracted advisory teams, we will be seeking organizations with an existing community leadership and organizing role, consisting of individuals with lived experience and representatives of By and For organizations. The budget for these entities will support Community Reinvestment Plan fund grantees through technical assistance, local community engagement and communications, and other implementation supports. These teams can help develop strategic communication plans that ensure efforts are well-coordinated, clearly understood, and effectively reach the intended audience(s).
We need your help
The Community Advisory Board and Local Advisory Teams will play pivotal roles in the Community Reinvestment Plan implementation. As part of our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and to this project, Commerce needs your help.
As a first step, we prepared a survey to gather input from community members like you to guide the formation and work of the advisory board and local teams. By hearing from diverse voices, we aim to ensure that the advisory board and teams represent their community's needs and perspectives. We believe an inclusive approach is instrumental in the equitable and effective implementation of the Community Reinvestment Plan.
We kindly request a few minutes of your valuable time to complete the survey.
Please also feel free to share this message and the survey link with your respective organizations, networks and any interested partners.
Participation from the full range of constituencies and interests in this work is vital to ensure that the Community Reinvestment Plan, and its potentially transformative funding, reflect and serve the aspirations and needs of our affected communities.
We ask that you complete the survey by Jan. 15, 2024.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the plan or the survey, please contact us at crp@commerce.wa.gov.
Together, we can work toward a brighter and more equitable future for all.
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