Thriving Communities

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purple puzzle pieceVibrant communities foster civic engagement, the arts, and economic innovation. They depend on reliable systems for transportation, communications, and justice as well as thoughtful, long-term planning and the sustainable use of resources.

The public investments that create thriving communities must be maintained and updated. We need adequate transportation and communication systems that keep up with population growth and changing demographics in the state. As we pursue new avenues for economic development, we must protect the long-term health of our communities and natural resources.

The state can promote economic growth and wise use of resources at the same time as it can ensure that business, education, and the arts serve the interests of all Washingtonians. To effectively manage our shared assets and resources, state policies and programs should be efficient and transparent.

This chapter describes our shared efforts to build thriving communities in the state. It includes goals, measurable outcomes, and spotlights on key issues.

 

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HIGHLIGHTS

Policy Agenda

We have released Framework for Prosperity, a comprehensive policy agenda for the 2013-2015 biennium. We make specific recommendations for targeted investments that would bring our state closer to providing prosperity for all Washingtonians. We also provide revenue options to help pay for those investments. Click on the image below to download a PDF of the agenda.

 

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Catch the Budget Beat

During the 2013 legislative session we will host regular Budget Beat calls and and podcaBudget Beatsts to bring you updates and breaking news from Olympia, timely policy analysis, and share resources and upcoming community events.

Check out the archive of Budget Beat calls and podcasts. 

Join the Budget Beat calls every other Friday at noon!  

Budget Matters 2012

Our first annual policy conference was a great success! More than 300 people came together to hear from policy makers, national and state policy experts, and community leaders from around the state. Our special lunch speaker was Van Jones.

Van jones at Budget Matters 

Here are some of the PowerPoint presentations from the break-out panels.

-The Affordable Care Act: Maximizing the Opportunities

-Building a Prosperity Economy in Washington State

-Building a 21st Century Revenue System

-Effective Messaging Strategies

For pictures and more information, check out our event page.