What is Small Communities Initiative?

In 1999 the State of Washington Department of Commerce (formerly the Department of Communicty, Trade, and Economic Development) and Departments of Health and Ecology, building on successes of the past, began formally collaborating to assist small, rural communities that are simultaneously struggling with economic viability and compliance with health and environmental regulations.

The Small Communities Initiative (SCI) is more an approach than a program. The approach includes regulatory flexibility, emphasizes on-going partnerships, and recognizes multiple community priorities. The goal of this interagency effort is to establish excellent working relationships between communities and regulators, promote compliance with environmental and public health requirements, and support the economic vitality of Washington’s small communities.

Contact:    Cathi Read, Department of Commerce, Program Manager, (360) 725-3016 in Olympia                   
                Jonathan Galow, Department of Commerce, Project Manager, (509) 777-1503 in Spokane