Civic Commons

Nonprofit tackles starter home costs SEATTLE — A new partnership between the private and public sectors could make owning their first home attainable for more Washington families.

High housing costs are a statewide problem: only 3 of WA’s 39 counties have median home prices affordable to households earning 100% of AMI. That's why our WA Starter Home Plan is statewide & why we're glad to see this coverage from the Columbia Basin Herald: columbiabasinherald.com/news/2026/fe...

Soup-to-nuts plan to increase WA starter home production gets boost from banks - Puget Sound Business Journal Many big builders focus on move-up homes when smaller companies could serve the community by producing badly needed starter homes, the leader of the effort says.

At Civic Commons, we believe in the power of public-private collaboration. We're thrilled by this significant investment in our cross-sector work to make more affordable starter homes available in Washington state. Thank you JPMorganChase, US Bank & Columbia Bank!
www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news...

Vancouver activist touts nonviolent resistance, invites community to join her weekly protests Cindi Fisher understands how easy it is to feel powerless and overwhelmed by a seemingly never-ending stream of negative news.

Cindi Fisher understands how easy it is to feel powerless and overwhelmed by a seemingly never-ending stream of negative news.

A golden sunset over Seattle's Waterfront Park as people walk around on the pier.

During its first summer, Seattle's new Waterfront Park drew 2.4 million unique visitors.

According to foot traffic data, just over 60% of visitors were from the state of Washington. About a quarter live in the city of Seattle.

Did you visit the new waterfront park in its inaugural year?

Soup-to-nuts plan to increase WA starter home production gets boost from banks - Puget Sound Business Journal Many big builders focus on move-up homes when smaller companies could serve the community by producing badly needed starter homes, the leader of the effort says.

Huge thanks to Columbia Bank, US Bank, & JPMorganChase for this early investment in our Starter Home Plan. And thanks to Puget Sound Business Journal for reporting! Learn about the Starter Home Plan:
www.civic-commons.org/starterhomep...
And read the article:
www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news...

Civic Commons December 2025 Newsletter It’s been a year of essential and exciting growth for the team, adding 4 new staff members! We are now fully staffed and energized by the inspiration and expertise from our new team members.

Our December Newsletter is out!

Click the link below to read all about our 2025 year in review:

www.civic-commons.org/campaigns/vi...

Happy Holidays from all us at Civic Commons!

Civic Commons November 2025 Newsletter Thanksgiving offers a moment to pause, reflect, and express gratitude. The work of building a region and state where everyone can prosper and have their needs met is both urgent and deeply interconnected. It doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens because people and organizations choose to show up—with shared purpose, shared values, and a commitment to strengthening our collective civic muscle.

Our November Newsletter is live! Click here to read the latest Civic Commons news: www.civic-commons.org/campaigns/vi...

Make sure to follow us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/civi...

Civic Commons October 2025 Newsletter Over the past few weeks, I’ve had a number of conversations and meetings with civic leaders. While the issues we discuss are varied, a consistent theme emerges in those discussions: hope.

Our October 2025 Newsletter is live! Check out the latest Civic Commons News:
www.civic-commons.org/campaigns/vi...