Governors of Oregon and Washington signed a memorandum of intent to build a new I-5 bridge over the Columbia River.  The document established a joint office to conduct a study on what to do next.  When asked why this effort will succeed when previous attempts during his administration have failed, Governor Inslee stated, “Number one, there’s no other option. This has to be done,”  (KATU –TV)

The Washington Banking Association and the American Banking Association have filed a lawsuit against the State of Washington over the constitutionality of increases to the B&O tax levied against some financial institution.  The legislation was passed at the end of the 2019 session. Specifically, the suit questions the taxing of institutions with annual net income over $1 billion.  This impacts 20 banks and they are all located outside of Washington. (News Tribune)

The City of Seattle has requested the Washington State Supreme Court decide on the city’s income tax law.  In 2017 the City passed a 2.25% income tax on those making over $225,000 a year. Issues to be determined are A) Is the Seattle income tax constitutional, B) Is the appeals court correct that it is constitutional only if it applies to all income levels, and C) Is income property? (MyNorthwest)

The Seattle non-profit Block Project aims to house homeless individuals in people’s backyards.  The endeavor received much media attention when it was created in 2017, but thus far only nine mini-homes have been installed and only four have residents.  Regulatory concerns and environmental demands have caused much of the delays. (Seattle Times)

Nearby residents are suing Spokane County over the possible construction of a $2.2 million youth sports complex.  The Glenrose neighborhood residents do not believe the county’s planning director has properly interpreted the county’s zoning code that allows for the facility to be built in the current location. (Spokesman-Review)

A Yakima Valley dairy has agreed to shut down for three years to settle a lawsuit brought by environmental groups.  The groups said Spring Canyon Ranch of Outlook was not in compliance with the Solid Waste Disposal Act.  The dairy facility will be closed, yet the property will now be used to raise beef cattle. (Capital Press)

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