Community Reinvestment Program

The Community Reinvestment Program (CRP) Work Group brings together state agencies, legislators, and community leaders to plan the future of one of Washington’s most significant equity investments.  

About the Community Reinvestment Program 

The Community Reinvestment Program is a community-designed initiative to create lasting economic opportunities and build wealth in communities across Washington. In 2022, the Legislature created the Community Reinvestment Account (RCW 43.79.567) to address the racial, economic, and social disparities created by the historic design and enforcement of state and federal criminal laws and penalties for drug possession — commonly referred to as the “War on Drugs.” 

The Legislature directed that funds be invested in five program areas: 

• Economic development 
• Civil and criminal legal assistance 
• Community-based violence intervention and prevention 
• Reentry services 
• Agriculture 

The Department of Commerce currently administers the program in partnership with the Office of Equity. For the 2025–2027 biennium, the program received $60 million, including $50 million in new funding. Investments prioritize “by-and-for” organizations — including those operated by and for Black, Latine, Native American, Asian, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. 

Legislative direction

In 2026, the Legislature enacted Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2523, sponsored by Representative Kristine Reeves (E2SHB 2523), which codifies the Community Reinvestment Program in state law and strengthens its oversight. Among other things, the law: 

• Codifies the Community Reinvestment Program and its program areas in statute. 
• Strengthens conflict-of-interest safeguards for organizations that receive CRP grants. 
• Requires the Office of Equity and the Department of Commerce to review and update the Community Reinvestment Plan every five years. 
• Directs the Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) to study the distribution and use of CRP funds. 
• Establishes the CRP Work Group to develop a plan for joint administration of the program by the Office of Equity and the Department of Commerce. 

Beginning July 1, 2027, the Community Reinvestment Program will be jointly administered by the Office of Equity and the Department of Commerce.  

Purpose of the Work Group 

The CRP Work Group was established by E2SHB 2523 to make recommendations on joint administration of the CRP and strengthen the program’s transparency, accountability, and impact. Specifically, the Work Group is responsible for: 

• Developing recommendations for the Legislature, due by November 1, 2026. 
• Designing the framework for joint administration of the program by the Office of Equity and the Department of Commerce. 
• Laying the groundwork for the transition, including future advisory structures, community engagement, and the measurement of outcomes.  

Recommendations made by the Work Group for changes in state law to facilitate joint administration of the program will need to be introduced and passed by the Legislature in the 2027 legislative session, and signed by the Governor, in order to come into effect. 

Membership 

The Work Group has 21 members and includes state agency leaders, legislators, and community members as directed by the legislation.  

Key milestones