The Washington State Commission on African American Affairs (CAAA) serves as the official state representative of the African American community—advising the Governor, Legislature and state agencies regarding policy development and implementation. The Commission also works to establish relationships with local governments and private sector organizations that promote equal opportunity for African Americans.
The Commission has one paid Executive Director and one paid Executive Assistant who work full-time for the Commission. The Governor appoints the Executive Director who serves at the Governor's pleasure. The Commission also has a nine-member volunteer Commission Board appointed by the Governor.
Washington State Commission on African American Affairs
(CAAA)
Public
Structural Relationships
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Washington State Office of the Governor
(WA Governor) -
Washington State Commission on African American Affairs
(CAAA)
Information Set
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Observations
WA Senate LC - Committee Meeting
(January 10, 2023) - SB 5080 - Public Hearing
Most speakers welcomed WSLCB request legislation expanding the social equity program, though several testifying wanted to see changes to avoid “oversaturation” of the retail market.
City of Seattle - City Council - Committee - Finance and Housing - Committee Meeting
(August 17, 2022) - Cannabis Equity Ordinances
- USA - Washington - City - Seattle
- Seattle City Council Finance and Housing Committee (City of Seattle - City Council - Committee - Finance and Housing)
Opinions differed on an ordinance requiring a “cannabis needs assessment” on industry equity, but other measures on city equity licenses and worker retention were less controversial.
WA House COG - Committee Meeting
(January 28, 2022) - HB 2022 - Public Hearing
A hearing on social equity legislation provoked largely favorable testimony, peppered with repeated questions and comments about proposed buffer zones changes for retailers.
WA SECTF - Public Meeting
(January 24, 2022) - Summary
New task force members were welcomed, followed by a review of recommendations already made and those still needed, then a vote to continue one work group and start up three others.
The Week Ahead
(September 13, 2021)
The social equity task force was scheduled to review significant legislative proposals developed by work group members, and WSDA opened its pesticide penalty regime for revision.
WA SECTF - Public Meeting
(July 27, 2021) - Summary
Task force members heard progress reports from work group leaders and WSLCB licensing staff while the public voiced complaints about the pace of task force work and the absence of the former co-chair.
The Week Ahead
(March 15, 2021)
There’s a new Board Chair at WSLCB, policy committee public hearings on 5 bills plus a prevention work session in the Legislature, and a WSDA webinar on the hemp program.
WA Senate LCTA - Committee Meeting
(March 11, 2021) - HB 1443 - Public Hearing
- USA - Washington
- Washington State Senate Labor, Commerce, and Tribal Affairs Committee (WA Senate LCTA)
Following passage by the House, legislation to modify and expand the State social equity in cannabis task force and program was heard by senators for the first time.
WA House APP - Committee Meeting
(February 19, 2021) - HB 1443 - Public Hearing
Legislative staff briefed on a bill to modify the cannabis social equity task force which drew a question on the need for an emergency clause, received some sign in support, but broached no public testimony.
WA House COG - Committee Meeting
(February 12, 2021) - HB 1443 - Executive Session
A substitute version of a bill expanding and revising the duties and membership of the State’s social equity in cannabis task force was narrowly recommended by its policy committee following a 5-4 party-line vote.