Gov. Jay Inslee has introduced a new state effort meant to help communities recover from the social and economic damage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Inslee, the Washington Recovery Group will work to strengthen the state’s recovery efforts. The new group is intended to help state agencies coordinate with local governments, higher education and the private sector. He has not identified members of the group.
“COVID-19 has tested our state in many ways and each crisis is a learning experience,” Inslee said. “While local governments, businesses and our agencies have made heroic efforts to protect and care for our communities, this crisis highlights gaps we need to close in our emergency recovery efforts and long-term rebuilding efforts. This new group will help state agencies change how we do business so that we can better serve the people of Washington.”
State agency experts will work with local stakeholders and tribal partners to implement recovery solutions and pathways. Those ideas and policy solutions will be presented to cabinet agencies and the Office of Financial Management. The areas of focus include:
- Community and social services
- Education and childcare
- Employment and jobs
- Equity and social justice
- Health and healthcare
- Housing
- Infrastructure and energy
- Support for small business
The Washington Recovery Group will be housed at the Office of Financial Management, which will partner with the Emergency Management Division of the state’s Military Department. The WRG, chaired by Dan McConnon of OFM, is scheduled to hold its first meeting this month.
