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)
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Observations
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.
WA House COG - Committee Meeting
(February 5, 2021) - HB 1443 - Public Hearing
Legislation which would expand the scope of the state’s cannabis social equity program, assistance grants, and social equity task force received a welcoming policy committee hearing.
The Week Ahead
(January 25, 2021)
WSLCB licensing staff would testify before the social equity task force the same week as an out-of-state ownership lawsuit proceeded while 11 cannabis-related bills made their way through the legislature.
WA Task Force on Social Equity in Cannabis - Public Meeting
(December 14, 2020) - Summary
Though not unanimous, the task force voted to focus on anti-Black racism in their operating principles before broadly discussing the equity program and establishing three work groups.
WA Task Force on Social Equity in Cannabis - Public Meeting
(December 14, 2020) - A History
A history of racial discrimination in the American drug war and Washington state’s legal industry was described by a task force member, guest presenter, and commenters from inside and outside the industry.
WA Senate LBRC - Work Session
(November 30, 2020) - Social Equity
Senators heard a status report on the social equity task force, concerns from past and prospective applicants, and a rebuttal from WSLCB staff on licensing decision making.
WA Senate LBRC - Work Session
(November 30, 2020) - In Brief
State and local officials as well as cannabis industry stakeholders discussed the Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force, excise taxes on medical marijuana, and a cannabis research commission.
The Week Ahead
(November 30, 2020)
On Monday, legislators in both chambers planned to review social equity within the cannabis industry, medical marijuana, a proposed cannabis commission, and the WSLCB’s status.
WA Task Force on Social Equity in Cannabis - Public Meeting
(October 26, 2020) - Disproportionately Impacted Areas
Task force members received a data briefing to assist in elaboration of qualifying criteria for cannabis social equity applicants residing in “disproportionately impacted areas.”
WA Task Force on Social Equity in Cannabis - Public Meeting
(October 26, 2020) - Structure
Review of the task force’s scope and responsibilities, draft bylaws, and operating principles elicited member perspectives on the kinds of systemic racism they would attempt to address within the state’s legal cannabis market.