Handout - Washington in the Making 2040: A Vision and Plan for Washington's Economy
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A handout for Washington in the Making 2040, described on its cover as a vision and plan for Washington's economy made for and by Washingtonians. It states that the plan envisions a vibrant Washington state that offers opportunity for every person and prosperity in every region, and describes a 15-year plan shaped by Washingtonians' priorities. The contents list an introduction, an executive summary, priorities and challenges, and four pillars with goals and strategies: business environment, workforce, infrastructure, and place and community. It also directs readers to an online hub at WA2040.org and to attend a summit.
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“Handout - Washington in the Making 2040: A Vision and Plan for Washington's Economy.”
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A vision and plan for
Washington’s economy made
for and by Washingtonians
On the cover. Katie Pype is a controls engineer at AST in Tacoma, helping to provide products for the pharmaceutical
and biotechnology industries. “Manufacturing is a blend of options,” Katie says. “You can be blue- or white-collar, on
the floor or in the office. People don’t understand how high-tech manufacturing is getting.” Washington residents’
top economic priorities include investing in industries like manufacturing that create family-wage jobs.
washington in the making 2040
A plan for opportunity and prosperity
Washington in the Making 2040 envisions a vibrant Washington state that offers opportunity for every
person and prosperity in every region. This plan reflects the experiences, priorities, challenges and
hopes of thousands of Washingtonians who helped inform it — including those sharing their stories on
these pages. Every person in our state can help bring this shared vision to life.
4 Introduction
6 Executive summary
12 Priorities we share
14 Challenges: Our shared work ahead
18 Business environment
20 Goals and strategies
22 Workforce
24 Goals and strategies Washington
in the Making
26 Infrastructure 2040 pillars
28 Goals and strategies
30 Place and community
32 Goals and strategies
34 Getting connected and getting started
3
introduction
An economic vision
that puts people first
There’s no Washington economy without Washington people. Inventors and entrepreneurs
introduce innovation and opportunities. Skilled professionals and experienced tradespeople solve
problems and produce exceptional products and services.
In return, a strong Washington economy creates plentiful jobs and competitive wages. It supports
a quality of life that attracts top talent and inspires capable young people to build careers and
families in our diverse communities.
These pages offer a vision of that economy and a 15-year plan to get us there, shaped by
Washingtonians’ priorities. It’s called Washington in the Making 2040.
A plan for and by Washingtonians
Also in these pages, people with wide-ranging experiences share their perspectives on our economy. They highlight
challenges as well as solutions.
Charity Duffy, a former economic development planner in Rock Island, knows about both. She worked with regional
partners on a project to extend a paved trail nearby to this city of 1,300 — giving residents better access to parks and
shopping and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to open trailside restaurants or breweries to serve weekend
cyclists and hikers.
“A sense of place and quality of life contributes to the economy, but people don’t really get that yet,” Charity says.
“Businesses are willing “We need more
to spend the money to conversations about
locate in Washington, manufacturing as a
but the electricity has viable career choice.”
to be here.”
Bob Schuetz is the CEO of Energy Northwest, the Katie Pype, of Lacey, recently launched a career in
Richland-based joint operating agency working to manufacturing. She’d like to see more women working
meet the growing demand from public utilities and in a field where she’s found flexibility and opportunity.
their customers for reliable, sustainable energy.
4
washington in the making 2040
Trades-education advocates. Serenity
Haines (left) and Cadence Haskins
welcomed high school visitors to
Spokane Community College’s Stannard
Technical Education building in 2024.
Cadence told the students: “Every single
quarter, we get at least one employer
coming in to talk to us, basically
begging us to come work for them.”
5
executive summary
Shared big-picture goals
for long-term success
As economic landscapes change around the U.S. and world, new challenges emerge. We
also face challenges at home.
The demand for affordable, reliable energy is surging. We’re in the thick of a housing crisis
and facing down a growing workforce skills gap. Employers are seeing more welcoming
environments in other states — and by 2040, our population is expected grow by 2 million
to 10 million people.
It’s up to us to lead the way to a better Washington. We must design our own economic
future and work together to achieve our shared success.
Washington in the Making 2040 is a long-range vision and plan for our state’s economy.
The plan comprises 13 goals, representing the state’s major catalysts for opportunity and
prosperity, and 18 strategies for achieving those goals.
An employer-led plan informed by residents
Washington in the Making 2040 was developed under the guidance of two employer-led,
nonprofit organizations and shaped by input from people across the state.
• The Washington Roundtable is composed of private-sector senior executives. It works
for policy changes that support the state’s economy and foster opportunity for residents.
• The AWB Institute, or AWBI, is an arm of the Association of Washington Business, which
functions as the state’s chamber of commerce and manufacturing association. The
institute’s mission is to support long-term economic growth and resilience in Washington.
These organizations aim to help the state maintain consistent, strategic focus across
administrations. Washington in the Making 2040 will support long-term stability while
adjusting to market changes, addressing new challenges, and attracting investment.
6
washington in the making 2040
The goals fall under four pillars.
In 2040, Washington will have:
Employers and jobholders who
thrive in a business environment
that fosters growth and innovation.
A world-class workforce.
Infrastructure and connectivity
that serve everyone.
Exceptional quality of life in
every place and community.
7
executive summary
Shared work toward
our shared future
The goals and strategies in Washington in the Making 2040 provide a framework to build upon.
But the plan is also a call to action.
Its success depends on employers and neighbors, entrepreneurs and economists, elected and
civic leaders — people from every part of the state who can bring expertise and creative solutions
to our shared challenges.
Washington in the Making 2040 Solution Summits will unite business owners, civic and community
leaders, and others to share ideas for bringing the plan to life. Policymakers and others will
convene at Policy Summits to transform those ideas into advocacy and action.
People like Shana Peschek, executive director of the Machinists Institute, are already working on
innovative solutions. The institute is creating two child care centers with nonstandard hours to
serve shift workers’ families. A shortage of accessible, affordable child care affects workers and
employers across the state.
“A huge portion of the workforce wants employers to be part of the solution,” Shana says. “There
are lots of ways to do that.”
Using Vitals to gauge progress
Progress toward Washington in the Making 2040 goals
and strategies will be measured and tracked.
The Vitals are an interactive set of economic indicators
updated regularly to reflect progress at the county,
regional or state levels. Access them at WA2040.org/
vitals.
Scan the QR code
In addition, periodic reports will address progress in to see the Vitals.
areas where direct indicators aren’t available. They will
be published at WA2040.org/research. WA2040.org/vitals
8
washington in the making 2040
On-the-job learner to leader. Andrey Khlevnoy
designs a fixture for 3D printing at Harper
Engineering Co. in Renton. He got work-based
learning opportunities starting at 16 and joined
the company right after high school. Andrey
rose to the position of shop lead.
9
looking back
Legacy of leadership. Dave
Rankin is president and CEO
of Rankin Equipment Co. in Union
Gap. He represents his family’s
fourth generation at the company,
which provides attachments
and equipment for the farm,
landscape and construction
industries.
10
washington in the making 2040
Where we’re coming from —
and where we want to go
In Washington, we share broad-scale
challenges that affect our economy,
businesses, communities and families.
We also share values and priorities
that will guide our work ahead.
11
priorities we share
When it comes to Washington’s
future, residents agree on plenty
Washington in the Making 2040 grew out of the perspectives and priorities
shared by thousands of business, civic and community leaders and other
residents. They conveyed an exceptional level of agreement about what
Washington’s future should look like.
Altogether, more than 4,200
Washingtonians participated.
3,500
• A random sample of 3,500 people, including people
in all 39 counties, completed a statewide survey. This
public opinion survey collected opinions about economic
challenges in their communities. It was conducted by
DHM Research.
• 471 people gathered at 22 economic development surveys statewide
groups to attend town hall meetings. And 241 people
who couldn’t attend completed town hall surveys.
• 65 subject matter experts helped shape the plan.
The survey and town halls found similar concerns: counties
• A lack of affordable and available housing, which
residents said affected many aspects of the economy.
• A need for more workforce development and for
investment in training, the trades and connecting
young people to opportunities.
• Infrastructure concerns about energy, water, roads and town hall meetings
transportation, and broadband internet access.
12
washington in the making 2040
Washington residents’ top economic priorities
When it comes to what matters most, Washingtonians share vastly more common ground than
differences. Specifically, strong consensus in the resident survey emerged around 14 ideas — priorities
that rose to the top for the most people. In that survey, 85% or more of respondents said these priorities
were “somewhat important” or “very important.” These priorities drive Washington in the Making 2040.
Ensure Washington has adequate water supply for residential, agricultural and industrial needs. 93%
Expose teens to more career paths, including through work experience before high school graduation. 93%
Do more to keep communities safe. 92%
Create enough jobs that allow people to afford to buy homes in their communities. 90%
Enhance, grow and increase access to education or training programs
that prepare workers for high-skill, high-demand jobs. 89%
Ensure everyone has access to health care services. 89%
Maintain or improve local parks, playgrounds, trails and public gathering spaces. 89%
Invest in industries like manufacturing, technology and health care that create
family-wage jobs that help Washington’s economy consistently grow. 88%
Increase the number of students who graduate from college, trade school,
apprenticeships or other professional credential programs. 88%
Prioritize education funding for high-skill, high-demand jobs (such as nursing, cybersecurity or trades). 88%
Ensure Washington has enough clean, affordable and reliable energy. 87%
Ensure economic growth benefits people of all ages, races and income levels. 86%
Ensure that high-speed internet access and cell phone connectivity is available to every Washingtonian. 86%
Build enough affordable housing to support a growing workforce. 85%
13
our shared work ahead
It’s time for Washington
to think differently about
our economic challenges
Creating the change we need across industries and communities will require
concerted and sustained collaboration, planning and action. It also will require
a change from our old way of doing business.
In the old way, priorities and focus shifted along with leadership changes
at the state and local levels. Washington in the Making 2040 represents a
new way. We’re seeking solutions to challenges that business owners and
community leaders say are most crucial. Our focus is on the long term.
Business Workforce Infrastructure Place and
Environment challenges challenges Community
challenges challenges
Let’s address Let’s meet the
Let’s repair our training and steeply rising Let’s address
complex system education demand for shortages of
of regulations, hurdles so affordable, reliable affordable housing
taxes, policies employers can energy and ensure and behavioral
and processes so hire workers our water supply health care affecting
more businesses with the right can meet our employers and
can succeed. skills and future needs. Let’s communities.
That includes credentials. fill gaps in our Let’s ensure every
manufacturers and transportation and resident can access
BIPOC-, woman- internet-connectivity the quality outdoor
and veteran-owned networks. space that sets
businesses. Washington apart.
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washington in the making 2040
Thinking differently
to build stronger
classroom connections
Washington’s construction industry needs to attract
high-schoolers of today to its workforce of tomorrow.
A program called Core Plus Construction offers a
needed bridge between education and industry. The
program offers school districts across the state a high-
quality construction curriculum, industry-sponsored field
trips and other opportunities.
Founded by Boeing and other industrial employers
in the Seattle area, Core Plus has expanded across
many industries. Core Plus Construction is in close to
100 high schools and most Washington skill centers. It
demonstrates how an industry can help develop its
workforce — and how we can think differently to address
problems more effectively.
“It’s moving industry away from ‘We want immediate ROI’
to ‘You’ve got to look long-term,” says Sarah Patterson
(pictured), workforce development director at the
Associated General Contractors Education Foundation.
As they developed the program, Sarah and others
shifted their focus from directly reaching students to
supporting their teachers.
“We’re now providing the professional development
that has not been provided to educators as members
of our industry,” Sarah says. “Because if we don’t have
a really strong classroom teacher that we can keep
in that classroom, it doesn’t matter how excited
those students are.”
15
looking ahead
Skills and experience. Pump
assembler Scott Thompson
has worked more than
30 years at Vaughan Co.,
a family-owned pumping
and mixing equipment
manufacturer in Montesano.
16
washington in the making 2040
Where we’re going —
and how we can
get there together
Whether we’re shaping policy
or teaching young people new
skills, every person in every
part of the state can help
bring the goals of Washington
in the Making 2040 to life.
17
business environment
Companies need
a supportive climate
to open and thrive
Washington is known for bold ideas, game-changing methods
and life-changing products. People here are driven to invent
and create — to launch and grow businesses of all sizes that “Everyone
contribute to our communities and economy.
understands the
Too often, however, business owners come up against end goal. We all
regulations, permitting processes and tax policies that work
against them, sometimes before they really get started.
want businesses
to thrive. How
We envision a business environment that fosters growth and can we eliminate
innovation. By 2040, any business owner with a great idea
and a drive to succeed should know Washington is the place to processes that
achieve their goals. can impede
growth?”
Yani Cisneros
Board Chair,
Central Washington
Hispanic Chamber
of Commerce
18
washington in the making 2040
For coffeehouse owners,
opening small businesses
was a tangled process
Efrain Martinez (pictured, on the right)
and Fidel Negrete grew up in Yakima
Valley communities with deep Hispanic
roots. Now they own two coffeehouses
and a juice bar in Yakima and Wapato,
employing a dozen people.
Their journey to ownership was, at
times, confusing. They were surprised
to find along the way, for instance, that
they needed licenses from multiple local
entities as well as the state. “We did
not know where to get resources,” Fidel
says. “We spent a lot of time Googling.”
They eventually lucked out, finding
guidance and a loan through a rural
community-development program.
Others struggle for longer, or they’re
never able to open, says Yani Cisneros,
chair of the Central Washington Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce.
For some people, resources for small-
business owners aren’t created in their
languages. Sometimes the processes,
paperwork and filings feel like a twisting
maze, including dead ends. Supporting
small businesses means adding
mentorship and resources while also
untwisting the maze.
19
business environment
We can make our state
a top spot for business
By working together toward these goals,
we’ll turn our shared vision into reality.
GOALS STRATEGIES
The vision for 2040 To get us there, let’s:
Make the regulatory, permitting and
Washington is a top state tax environment more competitive,
for starting, growing and predictable and consistent.
selling a business.
Develop industry-specific policies and
strategies to help the manufacturing
sector grow and succeed.
Washington is a leader in
supporting manufacturing jobs Develop resources, mentoring and
and manufacturers’ growth. support programs, and investment-capital
opportunities specifically for BIPOC,
woman and veteran business owners.
The number of successful and Promote efforts to centralize and
growing BIPOC-, woman- and streamline state processes for starting
veteran-owned businesses reflects a business; align and speed permitting
Washington’s population. processes across local jurisdictions; and lift
other barriers to starting a new business.
20
washington in the making 2040
Manufacturers create jobs
that underpin the economy
Manufacturing is the backbone of many strong economies. These jobs pay well and offer good
benefits, contributing to families’ financial stability and communities’ quality of life. They also tend
to support other jobs: When workers spend their earnings locally, businesses in sectors as varied as
restaurants and health care get a boost, too.
In Washington, manufacturing jobs are still recovering from the pandemic. In 2021, the Legislature
passed the Building Economic Strength Through Manufacturing Act. The state is making slow progress
toward its goal of doubling manufacturing jobs and woman- and minority-owned firms over 10 years.
Making Washington a manufacturing leader
Policies to support growth could address supply chain needs, regulatory or tax environments,
and other issues affecting the industry.
TOTAL MANUFACTURING JOBS IN WASHINGTON
250K
Source: Manufacturing Jobs Vital, AWB Institute (WA2040.org/indicator/manufacturing-jobs/)
21
workforce
Our world-class workforce
will require employers
to help develop talent
Thriving businesses need great talent. Employers in
Washington are facing a shortage of workers with the right
training and credentials. “The nature of
Employers play a crucial role in nurturing and training
work is changing.
tomorrow’s talent, says Paula Linnen, board chair of the AWB Technology is
Institute and principal at The Foster Institute. But they need evolving.”
more flexible regulations to provide on-the-job learning
opportunities: “People learn in very different ways. Those
experience-based learning opportunities are everything.”
Meanwhile, a shortage of affordable, accessible child care
holds parents and other caregivers back from education and
jobs. Parents can’t train or work when they can’t find care.
In 2040, we envision an economy where Washington
employers can count on a skilled, talented and inspired
Paula Linnen
workforce. Young people have clear pathways to jobs that Principal,
fulfill them — and parents can count on child care so they The Foster Institute
can prepare for and work at those jobs.
22
washington in the making 2040
Solving problems in new ways
at a Spokane child care center
The children at Luc Jasmin III’s Parkview
Early Learning Center in Spokane learn
science and emotional awareness while
their parents work, study or build skills
on the job.
But many families struggle to find and
pay for care. “This is an everyday scenario,”
Luc says.
In some pockets, partners are coming
together to address the shortage. Luc is
working with a Spokane employer to start
a child care program for its own workers
and other families in the community.
The employer had the space, its
employees had the need, and Luc’s team
had the child care know-how. It’s an
innovative solution that benefits everyone.
Says Luc: “It’s been all hands on deck.”
23
workforce
We can make our state’s
workforce the nation’s best
By working together toward these goals,
we’ll turn our shared vision into reality.
GOALS STRATEGIES
The vision for 2040
Ensure 70% of Washington students
across racial and ethnic groups are earning
Washington is home post-secondary credentials by age 26.
to the best prepared,
trained and credentialed
Create 10,000 new work-based learning
workforce in the U.S.
experiences every year for students.
Reform regulations so more small
Work-based learning opportunities businesses can provide work-based
abound for young people and others learning experiences.
entering the workforce, with 75% of
employers offering experiences or
exposure to help launch careers. Support an education funding structure
that incentivizes institutions to meet the
enrollment and credentials attainment
needed by Washington’s workforce.
Parents and caregivers in
every community can access
and afford quality child care Reform regulations and support
while they’re at work. collaboration among state and federal
agencies to help more child care providers
open their doors to more children.
24
washington in the making 2040
Employers are facing a growing skills gap
Washington job openings will require a more highly skilled workforce. But residents
aren’t gaining the right skills at the right levels to fill them. Our largest credential gap is
related to the need for people with bachelor’s degrees and higher — education levels “The bottom line is
linked to the biggest wage increases for workers. But the shortage also affects employers
searching for people with associate’s degrees, certifications and apprenticeships. we don’t have the
population or the
The lag between jobs and learning by 2032 skillset we need.
Some 75% of all job openings in Washington state from 2023 to 2032 will require
If we are going to
education beyond high school, based on national research. Of the projected 1.5 million survive, we need
openings over that period, 45% (686,000 jobs) will require at least a bachelor’s degree.
Another 20% (313,000 jobs) will require apprenticeships, certificates and other training
to change that.”
credentials. Meanwhile, residents with high school diplomas or less will total 639,000.
They’ll compete for far fewer jobs, leaving more than a quarter million with few options.
REQUIREMENTS OPENINGS WORKERS*
Bachelor’s degree 686,000 385,000 -301,000
and higher
Associate’s degree 155,000 89,000 -66,000 Wade Larson
Director of Workforce
Development at
Certifications, Spokane-based
apprenticeships 313,000 86,000 -227,000 manufacturer Wagstaff
and other training
Director at the Production
& Manufacturing Institute,
which introduces young
Noncredentialed 385,000 639,000 +254,000 people to careers
in advanced manufacturing
*Workers include new Washington graduates and people moving into the state.
Source: “Skill Up For Our Future,” October 2024, by Washington Roundtable, Partnership for Learning and
Kinetic West; based on data from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.
25
infrastructure
Building up our energy capacity
and other economic drivers
Key parts of Washington’s infrastructure, directly connected to the economy, need
attention: energy, water, transportation and broadband internet access.
We’ve enjoyed a competitive advantage, thanks to our affordable, cleaner energy,
including hydropower, natural gas and nuclear energy. But the energy forecast calls for
steeply rising demand, complicated by carbon emissions standards and other factors.
Our water supply faces more challenges than ever. And as the world grows more
connected every day, employers and communities lacking fast, reliable internet access
and an efficient transportation network will fall further behind.
In 2040, we envision an economy where a reliable, resilient infrastructure allows
Washington employers and residents to compete on a global level and live well.
For farmers, water is harder to come by
Leslie Druffel is the outreach director at the With the effects of climate change, such
McGregor Co. in Colfax, which provides seed, as higher temperatures and changing
fertilizer, equipment and other supplies to precipitation patterns, there are more
growers in the Inland Northwest. She lives on restrictions on water for irrigation.
a dryland wheat farm in nearby Colton.
But Leslie sees potential in innovations that
Agriculture is at the heart of the region’s improve water efficiency. Sprinklers that
economy. Crops like wheat, barley and peas provide highly uniform water distribution can
are predominant. help reduce runoff, for example.
“Access to water for irrigation is critical,” Leslie “It blows your mind all the cool things they’re
says. “That is getting more challenging, doing,” she says.
whether it’s water rights issues or you’re last in
line for water if there’s a curtailment.”
26
washington in the making 2040
“The goal is a stable
water supply, which
we don’t have. In
an ideal world,
there would be
a comprehensive
state water plan,
recognizing that
local situations call
for local solutions.”
Mike Faupel
Executive Director,
Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee
Washington roots. Leslie Druffel
is the outreach director at the
McGregor Co. in Colfax.
27
infrastructure
We can strengthen our state’s
infrastructure to serve everyone
By working together toward these goals,
we’ll turn our shared vision into reality.
GOALS STRATEGIES
The vision for 2040 To get us there, let’s:
Our energy infrastructure has Create and implement a realistic,
expanded to provide abundant, comprehensive energy-demand forecast and
affordable, reliable and sustainable plan to support expected population and
energy to meet future demand. industry growth, as well as the energy transition.
Explore and develop all sources of low-carbon
The state’s water supply and and carbon-free energy, the infrastructure
water-storage capacity meet needed to deliver it, and the technologies
our residential, agricultural, for energy storage and efficiency.
industrial and habitat needs.
Create and execute a statewide water-
demand forecast and comprehensive
plan to guide long-term management.
High-speed internet access
and cell service reaches all
Washington residents. Encourage new ideas and efficient
methods to keep expanding
affordable high-speed internet.
An integrated transportation
system, supported by a Create a unified transportation plan for
sustainable funding model, Washington that fulfills promises, keeps
ensures smooth and efficient current infrastructure in good shape,
movement of people and goods. and addresses gaps in the system.
28
washington in the making 2040
Varied factors ENERGY RESOURCES IN THE NORTHWEST
“What happens in
will drive up
2025-2026 2034-2035
other parts of the
energy demand state affects all of us.
SURPLUS: 747
Everyone is chasing
Electricity demand in the DEFICIT: 9,505 the same thing —
Northwest is expected to grow
more than 30% over the next HYDRO
clean energy.”
12,316
decade, based on industry
trade group Pacific Northwest
Utilities Conference Committee’s
2024 annual report. SMALL THERMAL 29
HYDRO
11,923
Matt Steuerwalt
Contributing factors include
Senior Vice President
population growth, the NATURAL GAS
5,947 of External Affairs,
electrification of transportation SMALL THERMAL 11 Puget Sound Energy
and buildings, high-tech
manufacturing, and the RENEWABLES 275
NATURAL GAS
emergence of new industries 6,781
such as AI. SOLAR 541
“Our energy price
Meanwhile, the state is in an RENEWABLES 257
and the composition
energy transition, shifting from WIND 1,937
fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable SOLAR 504 of our energy —
energy sources. COGENERATION 55 being that cleaner
Meeting demand will require
WIND 1,559 generation portfolio
investment in more energy
IMPORTS 883
— are differentiators
generation, storage and
COGENERATION 14
for Washington.”
transmission. NUCLEAR IMPORTS 176
1,116
NUCLEAR
COAL 994
1,820 Jason Thackston
COAL 197 Senior Vice President,
Energy Policy and
Chart source: Pacific Northwest Utilities
Conference Committee’s Northwest
Chief Strategy Officer,
Avista
Regional Forecast of Power Loads and
Resources, August 2025 through July 2035 24,918 22,418
MEGAWATTS MEGAWATTS
(24,171 needed) (31,923 needed)
29
place and community
In every community,
employers and workers
value quality of life
Washington’s housing crisis affects
many parts of our economy.
A shortage of affordable homes has
left families struggling with high
housing prices. Employers struggle to
attract talent, because people can’t
afford to live near their jobs.
Workers paying high costs are
left with less of their paychecks to
spend on groceries and other goods.
Homelessness has surged, and
shelters and transitional housing
programs can’t meet demand.
Meanwhile, land-use laws and
high costs make it harder to build
affordable options.
In 2040, we envision a Washington
where land-use policies and housing
goals align, so all families can enjoy
the quality of life that sets us apart.
30
washington in the making 2040
In Spokane, leaders are
looking back to look ahead “We won’t have to toss
out policy objectives,
Spokane’s housing market, as in other cities and states, has left like for environmental
“home” out of reach for many. concerns. But with 35
“We have jobs here, but if you can’t bring employees here to live, years of overlapping
that becomes a significant problem. That’s a drag on the economy,” regulations, we’ve
says Spencer Gardner, the city’s planning director (pictured at left). lost sight of balancing
Standing in the city’s historic Cliff Cannon neighborhood, however, habitat for squirrels
Spencer says its diverse homes, people and income levels reflect with housing for
an old approach to housing that Spokane is embracing again.
working families.”
The Cliff Cannon neighborhood is a mix of historic mansions,
modest older houses, townhouses, condos and apartments. Many
of the homes were built to remedy a housing shortage in the early
1900s, Spencer says. Spokane nearly tripled in size from 1900 to
1910, adding 70,000 residents.
“The way we responded then was by allowing a variety of housing
types in all parts of the city,” Spencer says. “We didn’t wall off
neighborhoods or overly restrict where housing could go.”
That “all of the above” approach has shaped Spokane’s housing Phil Wuest
strategies in recent years. But the city had to challenge ingrained President, Ginn Group in Vancouver,
on the state’s Growth Management
ways of working to make it legal. Act, adopted in 1990
Zoning laws were preventing new housing in most parts of the
city. Duplexes, triplexes and small starter homes were hard to
find. Residents mostly had two options: single-family homes or
apartment buildings.
Soliciting community input, the city changed its code to allow for
more variety and more housing. “That’s consistent with our history,”
Spencer says, “and it’s where we want to go in our future.”
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place and community
We can address challenges
to build the homes we need
By working together toward these goals,
we’ll turn our shared vision into reality.
GOALS STRATEGIES
The vision for 2040 To get us there, let’s:
We have built at least Modernize the Growth Management
1 million new housing units Act to address current and future
throughout the state. challenges in urban, suburban and
rural planning and development.
Create programs and policies that
help make housing more affordable,
Every Washington both directly and indirectly.
resident has access to
quality outdoor space.
Support community solutions to maintain
and improve parks, playgrounds, trails
and gathering spaces.
Local and regional efforts Make behavioral health positions a priority
are addressing behavioral in education and first-responder budgets
health needs in communities and adopt licensing best practices so more
throughout the state. behavioral health professionals can work
in Washington.
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washington in the making 2040
For more middle-income families,
housing is out of reach
Fewer middle-income families in Washington can afford to buy a home, even with
higher wages. This group, at the middle of the income spectrum, is often overlooked in
conversations about affordability.
The Housing Affordability Index measures a middle-income family’s ability to make
mortgage payments on a median-price, resale home. When the index is 100, the “Homeownership
household pays exactly 25% of its income to principal and interest. When it’s below 100,
a household will spend more than 25%, considered not affordable. As of the third quarter
does give
of 2024, 36 of Washington’s 39 counties had scores below 100. The three affordable stability. People
counties: Columbia, Garfield and Lincoln. who feel stable
Housing affordability in Washington tend to do
better in life.”
ALL-BUYER HOUSING AFFORDABILITY INDEX
107
100
Karen Livingston Hall
55 Director of Housing,
South Puget Sound
Habitat for Humanity
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Source: Data from the Washington Center for Real Estate Research at the University of Washington
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what ’s next
Getting connected
and getting started
Building a strong economy for a vibrant Washington will take creativity, energy,
collaboration and commitment from people across the state. It will take all of us, whether
you’re a community leader, business owner or entrepreneur, educator or policymaker.
We commit to convening, reporting and supporting
Here’s what Washington in the Making 2040 will do.
Drive conversation about the issues. We will continue to raise awareness and
actively encourage dialogue among diverse audiences from across the state.
Bring people together. We will organize and invite employers, local leaders,
policymakers and others to Solution Summits, where they can collaborate and share
ideas for creating change.
Report on progress. We will maintain and update the Vitals, a set of economic
indicators reflecting progress toward the plan’s goals and strategies. We’ll also publish
progress reports on strategies not reflected in the Vitals.
Share information and support. We’ll also share information about demographics,
economic trends and other relevant topics to help organizations and leaders make
informed decisions, along with tools to support local efforts.
Advocate. We will assist with policy development and advocate for policies that align
with Washington in the Making 2040 goals.
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washington in the making 2040
Plug in, share ideas and bring them to life
Here’s what you can do.
Share what you’ve learned. Organizations and communities across
Washington have developed innovative solutions to challenges affecting
the economy. By sharing ideas with one another, we can accelerate Online hub
progress and build on what’s working. Go to WA2040.org
Attend a summit. Washington in the Making 2040 will require a or scan the QR code.
diversity of ideas and perspectives. Share what you know about your • See the plan.
community, business and industry and ideas for making them stronger.
• Watch videos.
Plug into the shared goals. How do your local strategies and • Explore the Vitals.
goals align with statewide goals? What can you learn from or teach
partners across Washington? How can you collaborate to create smarter • Sign up for news.
solutions for more people? • Read research
Put the data to work. The Vitals, a curated set of economic and reports.
indicators, make it easy to compare county-level or statewide
performance and to see changes over time. Use these statistics to
determine action priorities in your industry, community or region.
Use and share the resources. Take advantage of updates at
WA2040.org about economic trends and other relevant topics shared
to help organizations and leaders make informed decisions. You’ll also
find tools for chambers and other groups to support local efforts.
Sign up for email updates. Invite others to do the same.
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WA2040.org
Funders as of May 23, 2025
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