When the Kent Valley transitioned from a farming community to industrial center, the landscape was altered. Giant warehouses with blank walls, limited windows and no curb appeal replaced verdant farmland. The community’s infrastructure changed to support the transportation of goods in and out, and not necessarily helping people stay close to home. While the manufacturing industry has been economically resilient and serves the community well, it has not always been…
Author Archives: Becky Berg
Once, the little retail center off Highway 405 in north Kirkland was home to a dark ‘70s era mall with mostly empty storefronts. Now the Village at Totem Lake is an Eastside destination. Whether people need health care or high-end groceries, or just want a bite to eat and a place to browse, Totem Lake is a bright, modern, mixed use destination that seamlessly combines retail, entertainment, health care and…
The City of Airway Heights is booming. Once a bedroom community next to Fairchild Air Force Base, it’s now the fastest growing city in Spokane County with a 64% increase in population in the last 10 years. U.S. Highway 2 runs through the heart of downtown, dividing the city in two. The high-speed traffic corridor poses challenges to the nearby community and local businesses, as many of the people driving…
North Bend has branded itself as a community that’s easy to reach but hard to leave. The city, which has about 7,000 people, is a livable small town with a lot of character and natural beauty. Its secret is its people. Mayor Rob McFarland describes the community as one that people want to be part of. “People engage with each other, they care about their community,” McFarland said. He said…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmgqEIDOJ9Y Lake Stevens is respecting its past, even as it builds for the future. That was part of former mayor John Spencer’s vision from his first day in office. “We had the vision to build a town center, and fortunately for us, we already knew where the town center was going to be,” Spencer said. “We had our consultant give us a basic plan, but the big question was what…
The Department of Commerce’s new Tribal Liaison, Michelle Gladstone-Wade attends Governor Inslee’s landmark bill signing at the Tulalip Resort (3/31/2022) Chairwoman Rosemary LaClair, Nooksack Tribe, Michelle Gladstone-Wade Tribal Liaison COMM Council Member Lisa Wilson, Lummi Nation Michelle Gladstone-Wade Tribal Liaison COMM, Althea Wilson, Lummi Nation Governor Inslee signed the following bills into law: HB 1015 – Creating the Washington equitable access to credit act. HB 1571 – Concerning protections and…
Michelle Gladstone-Wade joined Commerce in February 2022 and is honored to serve as the Tribal Liaison and lead Commerce’s efforts to develop and maintain positive government to government relationships with our Tribal partners. She comes to Commerce via the Washington State Department of Revenue and before coming to state service, Michelle spent 10 years working in the Tribal College setting in student services, foundation management, and as faculty. Her experience…
Grants will serve residents with one-on-one technical support, devices, and subscriptions to facilitate internet use and adoption among targeted populations. OLYMPIA, WA — This week, the Washington State Broadband Office approved $7,387,500 in grants for Digital Navigator services throughout Washington state. Digital Navigator services are essential in helping new internet users get online. These resources will support individuals seeking work, families supporting students, English language learners, Medicaid clients, people experiencing…
On Nov. 15, heavy rainfall and strong winds after a prolonged drought led to flooding, landslides, and debris flows which damaged infrastructure in northwest Washington and southwest British Columbia. After a series of atmospheric rivers started pounding the Pacific Northwest, fuel emergencies soon followed in several communities.
Aerospace leaders from Washington and across the globe were on the ground for the Dubai Airshow, the fastest-growing airshow in the world. It opened Nov. 14 after a two year-hiatus.