Author

Laurel Demkovich

Laurel Demkovich

Laurel Demkovich is a reporter for the Washington State Standard.

New housing construction.

How Washington state is treating housing as health care

By: - August 21, 2023

This story first appeared in the Washington State Standard. Washington state is trying something new when it comes to housing: treating it as health care. Apple Health and Homes is a multi-agency state program launched last year that focuses on providing housing to people with health and behavioral health challenges. What’s unique is that the […]

Bumper-to-bumper traffic.

New law pushes Washington cities and counties to plan for climate change

By: - July 25, 2023

Planning for severe storms, flooding, wildfires and poor air quality will soon be required for Washington cities and counties. A new law passed by the legislature this year requires local governments to consider climate change in their 20-year comprehensive plans beginning in 2025. The Department of Commerce released early guidance last month for how to […]