The Homeownership Chronicle: New staff, new homes, new opportunities
HOU celebrates Ohana Estates Homeownership Cooperative
Commerce staff joined community residents, Representative Marilyn Strickland (10th Congressional District) and Pierce County Councilmember Bryan Yambe (District 5) in January for the celebration of ownership at Ohana Estates Homeownership Cooperative in Midland, near Tacoma.
 Ohana Board President Debra Wilson (center, holding scissors), other Ohana Board members, Rep. Strickland, Councilman Yambe, and other supporters cut the ribbon for their new ROC community.
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Ohana Estates is the newest manufactured/mobile home community to become a resident-owned community (ROC) in Pierce County. It is the seventh ROC in Pierce County and the 33rd ROC in Washington. Ohana is an age 55-plus community of 25 residents.
At the event, Rep. Strickland spoke about the importance of housing preservation and community self-governance.
Photo: Rep. Strickland speaks during the celebration.
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 Members of the Ohana Estates Homeownership Cooperative Board during the celebration.
 Join us in welcoming new staff
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Bekah LoBalbo is a new capital projects manager. |
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Jason Davidson is a new compliance manager. |
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Timi Harris Leach is a new capital projects manager. |
Staff spotlight
Brigid Henderson
Pronouns: She/her
Title: Manufactured Housing Community Strategies Specialist
Time with Commerce: 21 years
Can you tell us a bit about your career journey?
After graduating from Fairhaven College at Western Washington University, I spent one year as an AmeriCorps Vista volunteer providing foreclosure prevention services in King County through the Fremont Public Association (now Solid Ground, one of Washington’s Community Action Agencies).
I stayed at Fremont Public Association as a homeless family case manager. One of my most memorable moments was helping a family transition from homelessness, through transitional housing, and finally finding a long-term, affordable apartment in SeaTac. Through program resources, the family and I went shopping for gently used furniture and home goods. We also had money to shop for new linens – I remember the dad was so excited to buy complete sets of red bath towels for him and his kiddos!
I then worked in Bellingham as a community organizer and youth programs administrator with the Whatcom Community Public Health and Safety Network and the Whatcom County Commission on Children and Youth. My work in Bellingham’s Fairhaven neighborhood “back in the day” help bring to fruition the current FireHouse Arts & Events Center.
In September 2001, I moved back to my hometown, Spokane, after accepting a job at Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs (SNAP, now Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners). My work in SNAP’s Weatherization Program led me to Commerce (then known as Community, Trade and Economic Development, or CTED) in 2004! I was a 30-day emergency hire in the Weatherization Program that extended my job to 21 years working in Weatherization, Foreclosure, and Manufactured Housing Community programs.
When you are not working, how do you like to spend your time?
I love to read (especially historical fiction), host game nights, and be physically active. My greatest athletic endeavor was hiking 21 miles down, across, and up the Grand Canyon in just under 13 hours the year I turned 50. This year I’m training for a 24-hour run and two long distance, open-water swims!!
What is one piece of advice you would give yourself starting out in this field?
To be a “person for others.” To be a fair, honest, and compassionate public servant. To live – and work – a life of service.
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Jason Davidson (pictured above, with his dog)
Pronouns: He/him
Title: Homeownership Compliance Supervisor
Time with Commerce: Six years over three stints (portfolio manager, Housing Trust Fund, 2015-2021; agency budget manager, 2023; Homeownership Unit, 2026 to present)
Can you tell us a bit about your career journey?
Prior to starting with Commerce, I spent 15 years in the commercial lending industry.
When you are not working, how do you like to spend your time?
Weather permitting, I like to fire up the Big Green Egg (a charcoal BBQ) and babysit a smoking brisket or roast all day.
What is one piece of advice you would give yourself starting out in this field?
I’m stealing this from the hiring manager that originally brought me to the agency and was kind enough to tell me on Day 1: Pay attention and be kind to our contractors. Commerce can’t build anything or directly serve anyone in need without them!
News and upcoming events
Capital Programs
The Community Reinvestment Project is accepting applications for the 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity. Applications are due by 3 p.m. Pacific Time on March 16.
The Capital Programs team recently announced awards for the 2025 Homeownership Notice of Funding Availability. The list of award recipients is available online.
Foreclosure Prevention
The new Common Interest Community (HOA/COA) foreclosure mediation began Jan. 1. You can learn more about the changes online.
Manufactured Housing
The Washington State Legislature directed Commerce to conduct a comprehensive study on funding structures available to preserve manufactured/mobile home communities (MHCs) as nonprofit or cooperatively run affordable housing. This work began in July 2024, with a final report submitted to the Legislature in October 2025. Learn more about the study online.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the content of this newsletter, please contact Kaylie Gladwell at Kaylie.Gladwell@commerce.wa.gov.
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