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Community Reinvestment Plan

In 2022, the Washington State Legislature set aside $200 million in the Community Reinvestment Account for the Department of Commerce (Commerce) to invest in communities disproportionately harmed by the historical design and enforcement of state and federal criminal laws and penalties for drug possession. Investments are guided by the community driven Community Reinvestment Plan (CRP) to distribute these funds through seventeen grant programs falling across four program areas: economic development, civil and criminal legal assistance, community-based violence intervention and prevention services, and reentry services.

Local Workforce Boards are partnering with Commerce) and the Employment Security Department (ESD) to lead implementation of the following initiatives from the Community Reinvestment Plan:
 
 

WWA is leading the development of statewide policy guidance and implementation of the Matched Investment Savings Account Initiative in partnership with Commerce, ESD, and the Local Workforce Boards.

Community Reinvestment in Action:

WorkForce Central was excited to invest in Bite Me! Inc. with a new industrial oven that will allow them to significantly increase production of those cookies we all love. This directly supports their mission to continue hiring and advancing careers into quality jobs for Pierce County residents. Huge thanks to the Washington State Department of Commerce for your vision in connecting workforce development and support for local small businesses owned by Black, Latine, and Tribal community members.

Omar R., a low-income single father, faced various barriers including basic skills deficiencies, a criminal record, and a lack of occupational skills. Despite these challenges, he was determined to pursue an associate’s degree in information technology & communication systems. During his training journey, he encountered family issues that forced him to temporarily halt his studies at Perry Tech. However, his resilience shone through as he re-enrolled the following quarter, balancing his education with a part-time job at Panera while caring for his daughter.
 
The Career Accelerator Incentive played a crucial role in Omar’s path to self-sufficiency. It enabled him to cover his rent and provide for his child’s necessities, alleviating financial stress and allowing him to focus on his education. As he progressed through his program, Omar made the difficult decision to leave his part-time job to fully concentrate on his externship. This dedication paid off, as he successfully completed his associate’s degree on June 18, 2024.
 
Following his externship at QuickSilver Audio, where he had been gaining practical experience, Omar was offered a position as a computer technician, earning $20 per hour. This opportunity not only provided him with a stable income but also allowed him to acquire new skills and advance within the company.
 
Omar’s inspiring journey exemplifies the transformative impact of the Career Accelerator Incentive in empowering individuals to overcome obstacles, achieve their educational goals, and secure meaningful employment opportunities.

Matched Investment Savings Account

The Matched Investment Savings Account program is aimed at helping Black, Latino, and Tribal communities disproportionately impacted by the racial, social and economic disparities caused by the war on drugs save for specific assets, such as education, housing, or starting/growing a business.

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Career Accelerator Incentives

The Career Accelerator Incentives grant program is designed to support individuals as they work towards economic security and stability, with a focus on justice-involved individuals (and their families).

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CRP Business Support

The CRP Business Support grant program aims to support Black, Tribal, and Latino businesses in participating in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) while helping job seekers acquire the necessary skills and experience to secure long-term employment.

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