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How to Keep Wealth in Your Family for Generations to Come

Many families focus on building wealth, but fewer think about keeping it. Research shows that a majority of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation, and by the third generation, the figure can reach 90 percent. That happens not because parents lack concern for their kids, but because key planning pieces are missing.

Keeping wealth in your family isn’t just about signing legal documents or having a strong investment portfolio. True wealth preservation requires a shift in how you think about inheritance, practical systems that keep your assets accessible, and education that prepares the next generation to be responsible stewards.

In this article, you’ll learn three essential elements of building and preserving generational wealth: the mindset shifts that redefine what inheritance really means, the legal and financial strategies that keep assets from slipping through the cracks, and the education process that prepares your children to manage and grow what you’ve worked so hard to build. Most importantly, you’ll see why families who succeed in passing wealth down think differently about what they’re actually leaving behind.

The Mindset Shift: From “My Wealth” to “Our Legacy”

The families who successfully maintain prosperity over multiple generations understand something critical: wealth is more than money. Yes, you can leave your children a million dollars, but if they don’t understand responsibility, financial management, or your family’s values, that money will vanish.

Generational wealth lasts when you pass on tangible and intangible assets —accounts and property, but also knowledge, traditions, and life lessons — that make financial wealth sustainable. Your experiences, values, and even your failures are part of the inheritance that will shape how your children handle what you leave them.

This requires a mindset shift: inheritance isn’t a one-time transfer that happens at death. It’s an ongoing process of preparation during your lifetime. Instead of keeping financial matters completely private, invite your children into age-appropriate conversations about your values, your goals, and the responsibilities they may inherit one day.

Think of it like teaching your child to drive. You wouldn’t simply hand over the keys without practice and guidance. Likewise, don’t hand over wealth without the training and perspective they need to manage it wisely.

Of course, perspective alone isn’t enough. Once you embrace this broader definition of wealth, you’ll need systems that ensure your financial assets are actually protected and available when the time comes.

The Practical Side: Legal and Financial Strategies That Work

Too many people, even those with substantial assets, think that estate planning is about creating a set of documents. But documents aren’t enough. A document like a will, trust, power of attorney, or healthcare directive cannot pass on all that’s important to you, and it doesn’t address the direct impact on the people you love once you die or if you become incapacitated. The truth is, a document alone often creates more problems than it solves—like months of probate, thousands in legal fees, and painful family conflict during an already emotional time. 

That’s why my Life & Legacy Planning® process goes further. Protecting wealth and passing it on requires much more than a set of documents that eventually go stale. Protecting wealth requires so much more, such as:

Comprehensive Asset Organization

Your plan begins with a complete inventory of everything you own—bank accounts, investments, real estate, insurance policies, digital assets, business interests, and personal items of value. Each asset is titled correctly and integrated into your overall plan, so nothing is lost or overlooked—and it can be passed on to the people you love.

A Plan That Stays Up to Date

Life doesn’t stand still, and your plan shouldn’t either. Marriages, divorces, births, deaths, and property changes all require updates to ensure your plan continues to reflect your current life and wishes. Through regular reviews, I help ensure your plan stays current so it works exactly as intended when your family needs it most.

Clarity for the People You Love

A Life & Legacy Plan doesn’t just protect your assets—it protects the people you love from uncertainty. Your family receives clear guidance about what you own, how to find it, and what to do when the time comes. I help you document where accounts are held, how to access them, and who to contact for help. This clarity prevents the confusion and conflict that too often arise when families are left searching for answers.

Ongoing Guidance and a Trusted Relationship

Legal strategies form the foundation of wealth preservation, but they’re only one part of the equation. My role is to serve as your trusted advisor for life—someone who understands your family, your values, and your goals, and who will be there to guide your loved ones when you no longer can. And if I’m not able to be there, I’ll have a trusted colleague you can turn to who will be there in the same way I would. That ongoing relationship ensures your plan works not just legally, but practically and emotionally, for the people you care about most.

Creating a comprehensive plan and keeping it up to date over time is only one part of preserving generational wealth.  For true generational wealth to last, your children also need the tools, guidance, and values to use it wisely.

The Education Piece: Preparing the Next Generation

Even the most thoughtfully crafted estate plan can’t prepare your family to carry your intentions forward. Real success requires education, communication, and participation, so the people you love understand not only what you decided, but why.

That’s why I encourage families to treat planning as an ongoing conversation, not a one-time event. When your family understands your decisions in advance, such as why you chose particular beneficiaries, appointed specific roles, or structured inheritances a certain way, they’re far less likely to experience confusion or conflict later. These conversations also provide a chance to share your values, priorities, and hopes for how your wealth will be used to strengthen relationships, not divide them.

When you work with me, you’ll also record a Life & Legacy Interview, where you’ll share your stories, values, instructions for your loved ones, and your reasons for the choices you’ve made. Combined with periodic family meetings and regular plan updates, this approach ensures that your loved ones are never left wondering what you wanted or why.

Ultimately, the goal isn’t just to pass on assets, but to create a foundation of trust, understanding, and continuity. When your family is informed and included, they’re empowered to honor your legacy with confidence and clarity.

When your children are educated and prepared, the next question becomes: how do you ensure that wealth doesn’t just last for them, but also for grandchildren and beyond?

Thinking Beyond One Generation

The families who keep wealth for generations plan not just for their children, but also for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This often means using structures designed for long-term stewardship:

  • Trusts that distribute assets over time, protecting against mismanagement or outside threats.
  • Family governance structures that bring relatives together for ongoing discussions about values and shared resources.
  • Family foundations that involve multiple generations in philanthropy, reinforcing shared purpose and connection.

The goal isn’t simply to pass down money. It’s to create a structure that helps your family stay connected, supported, and guided by the values that built the wealth in the first place.

With the right mindset, strategies, and education in place, the final step is taking action. Start today, while you have the time and clarity to shape your legacy.

Your Legacy Starts Now

Preserving generational wealth requires more than smart investments. It requires intentional planning, ongoing education, and a fundamental shift in how you think about inheritance.

I help families design Life & Legacy Plans that protect not only your money but also everything that truly matters—your values, your wisdom, and your family’s future stability. My process begins with a Life & Legacy Planning Session, where we’ll clarify your goals, review your family dynamics, and create an inventory of your financial and intangible assets. From there, we’ll build a plan that ensures your legacy lasts for generations.

Ready to protect your wealth and everything it represents? Schedule a complimentary 15-minute discovery call today.

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

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RFA Passes, Mahsa Eshghi is Camas’ Newest Council Member

Camas, WA —The Nov. 4 general election has been certified, and the results show that the Regional Fire Authority (RFA) ballot measure passed in both Camas and Washougal.

In addition to the RFA passing, three of the four incumbents on the Camas City Council will remain on the dais. Ward 2’s Tim Hein and Martin Elzingre both ran unopposed. Ward 1’s Marilyn Boerke defeated Geoerl Niles, while Camas’ Ward 3 will have a new representative, Mahsa Eshghi, who defeated incumbent Leslie Lewallen.

The RFA passed in both cities by a combined margin of 51.6% to 48.3%. Boerke was re-elected to the Ward 1, Position 2 seat by Camas voters, earning 67% of the vote. Hein and Elzingre were re-elected to their Ward 2 positions, earning 98% and 97%, respectively. Camas’ newest council member, Eshghi, was elected to the Ward 3, Position 2 seat, earning 56% of the vote. The election was certified by the Clark County Elections Department today, Nov. 25.

Elzingre will be sworn in at the Dec. 1 council meeting, with his term ending Dec. 31, 2027. Hein, Boerke and Eshghi will be sworn in at the Jan. 5 council meeting, with their terms ending Dec. 31, 2029.

About Mahsa Eshghi

Mahsa Eshghi and her family have lived in Camas since 2007. Eshghi has served the community in many capacities, including her current role on the Camas Planning Commission, where she has served since 2020. She also served on the North Shore Subarea Advisory Committee, the Grand Ridge HOA as treasurer for many years, and has been active in a wide range of community efforts, particularly those focused on youth education, mentorship and supporting future leaders.

Professionally, Eshghi is a licensed civil engineer with more than two decades of experience in both the private and public sectors. She holds a master’s degree in transportation and environmental engineering from Portland State University and has built a career as a project manager leading complex infrastructure and environmental projects.

Outside of her professional career and community service, Eshghi is a proud mom raising two daughters who attend Camas public schools. She and her family love spending time outdoors and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. On weekends, you can usually find her cheering at soccer tournaments, sitting through gymnastics practices or attending high school band performances.

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Washougal School District Board Votes to Place Renewal Levies on Feb 2026 Ballot

The Washougal School District Board of Directors voted unanimously on November 25, 2025, to place a renewal Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy and Capital levy on the February 10, 2026 special election ballot.

If approved by voters, both levies would provide funding for three years and replace the current levies expiring at the end of 2026. These are not new taxes.

Continuing strong support for student programs and school maintenance

The EP&O and Capital levies work together to fund student programs and keep schools safe and in good condition. These local funds account for about 20% of the district’s overall budget.

If approved by voters, the EP&O Levy would continue programs and services that go beyond what the state provides. Local EP&O levy dollars support classroom teachers to maintain small class sizes, security staff, nurses, school counselors, instructional support staff, arts, music, drama, athletics, after-school activities, learning technology, Advanced Placement and Highly Capable programs, operations & maintenance staff, fuel, and utilities.

The Capital Levy would fund school safety improvements, heating and cooling systems, repairs to playground and parking areas, carpet and drywall repairs, instructional technology, and updates to athletic and performing arts spaces.

“The proposed levies continue our community’s strong tradition of supporting Washougal students, and fund the programs and staffing that make Washougal’s schools a great place for our kids,”  said Sadie McKenzie, School Board President.

Lower estimated total school levy amount projected in 2027 compared to 2026

The proposed EP&O Levy rate would be $1.95 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The proposed Capital Levy would be $0.62 per $1,000. If approved by voters, estimated total school levy rates would be lower than what homeowners are projected to pay in 2026.

If voters approve the levies, the owner of a $636,000 home is projected to pay about $9 less per month in local levy costs in 2027 than in 2026. According to projections, levy costs would dip in 2027-28, then return in 2029 to about the same monthly amount as 2026 to account for inflation.

“These renewal levies would result in a lower estimated tax rate than what homeowners are projected to pay in 2026,” said Aaron Hansen, Superintendent at Washougal School District. “We’ve been intentional in asking for an amount that gives some relief to taxpayers in the next two years, while still supporting the experiences and opportunities the community asked us to provide for students through our strategic planning process.” 

Student Programs & Improvements Supported by Local Levy Dollars

The proposed levies will continue funding that supports student programs, technology, and facilities maintenance in Washougal School District.

EP&O Levy dollars would support:

  • Classroom teachers to maintain small class sizes
  • Health & safety staff, including security staff, nurses and school counselors
  • Instructional support, including paraeducators, library staff, curriculum, food service and more.
  • Arts, music, and drama
  • Athletics and after-school activities
  • Learning technology
  • Advanced Placement and Highly Capable programs
  • Operations & maintenance, including custodial and grounds staff, maintenance staff, fuel, and utilities

Capital Levy dollars would support:

  • School safety improvements
  • School heating and cooling systems
  • Playground and parking repairs
  • Carpet and drywall repairs
  • Instructional technology and student devices
  • Updates to athletic facilities and performing arts spaces

“Our goal is to maintain high quality opportunities for Washougal students while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said McKenzie.

For more information about the upcoming levies, visit the Washougal School District website:
www.washougal.k12.wa.us/district-budget-information/levy

Washougal
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Building Industry Association Installs Alexa Lee as 2026 President

Vancouver, WA – The Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIA) recently installed Alexa Lee of Tapani, Inc. as the association’s 2026 Board President. Lee is celebrated as second female president in the history of the association, accepting a second year term. 

In addition to Lee’s role, the BIA’s 2026 officers were formally installed by Kevin Trevena, Lifetime Director of the BIA of Clark County. Max Booth was installed as Vice President, Nicole Hinton-Duke as Vice President Secretary, Dave Campos as Vice President Treasurer, Mark Kroll as Vice President Associate, and Tracy Doriot as Immediate Past President.

Prior to the installation, the evening recognized excellence across the industry with the annual President’s Awards. The Membership Outreach award was presented to Nikki Grey, while Dave Cole received the Workforce Development Champion award. The Constructed for Success award went to Avilaco. Samantha Zimmer was named Industry Advocate, and Industry Connector honor was awarded Jason Presser. Political Action Champion was awarded to Betty Sue Morris. The Legacy Member Award went to our longest standing member of over 46 years – Performance Building Products, Inc., while Most Spikes honors went to Drew Talbert. 

The Lifetime Directors award was presented to both Kevin Trevena and Paul McGraw. Supplier of the Year Award was given to Brian Boggs of Pacific Crest Custom Cabinetry. Remodeler of the Year went to West Coast General Construction LLC, and the Builder of the Year Award was given to Urban Northwest Homes. Industry Associate of the Year was awarded to Ashley Shimer, and the Beacon Award was presented to Lisa Thompson. The Industry Impact Award was presented to several members, including Tracy Doriot and Bobbi Bjork, Tony Curtis, Erin Wriston, Justin Ross, Nikki Hinton-Duke, Jodi Bailey, Matthew and Cheri Clarkson. The Alpha Performer award was given to Noelle Lovern, the E.O. at the BIA. These awards celebrate companies and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding craftsmanship, dedication, and vision in their work, reinforcing the industry’s strength and future.

“It is an honor to serve a second term as the BIA President.” said Alexa Lee, current President of the BIA of Clark County. “I am proud to present these awards as they celebrate the members who consistently elevate our association and strengthen our industry.”

The evening united industry leaders and innovators to honor the outstanding achievements and vision shaping 2026.

Taylor Morrison was the title sponsor of the event. To learn more about the Building Industry Association of Clark County, please visit biaofclarkcounty.org.

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Washougal Mourns Loss of Former Mayor, Council Member Molly Coston

The City of Washougal is deeply saddened to share the passing of former mayor and current council member Molly Coston. A long-serving public official and dedicated community volunteer, Coston’s leadership and commitment played a central role in Washougal’s growth and civic identity for nearly two decades.

“Molly’s passing is a huge and sad loss for our City of Washougal,” said Mayor David Stuebe. “She was dedicated to this community and consistently approached her work with commitment, fairness and passion. Many people called her ‘Mayor Molly’ because she was approachable and took the time to truly listen and be truly engaged. Her leadership influenced the direction of our city, and we are so grateful for her service.”

Coston first joined the Washougal City Council in 2005, serving for six years. After several years away from city government, Coston was elected Mayor of Washougal in November 2017 and held the position from 2018-2021. In 2021, she was elected to fill the unexpired term for Council Position 5, with her current term set to conclude in December 2027.

During her tenure, she led and supported numerous key projects:

  • Convened a citizen panel to study shifting to a Council-Manager government, later approved by voters.
  • Played a key role in creating recently voter-approved Regional Fire Authority.
  • Chaired the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, guiding hotel-tax investments in tourism and events.
  • Championed new public art for the Towncenter Plaza campanile.
  • Regularly attended community events, actively engaging with residents.
  • Helped shape major projects including the Steigerwald Restoration, Waterfront Trail, Towncenter Revitalization, the 32nd Street Rail Crossing elimination and many others.

She was currently serving as the Chair of the C-Tran board of directors. She also represented east Clark County on the Regional Transportation Council Board of Directors, serving as its chair in 2010.

Beyond her roles in City Hall, Coston was an involved community member. 

Clark County

She served as:

  • President of the Board of Directors for the Washougal Arts & Cultural Alliance (WACA)
  • Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards board member
  • 25 year member of the Camas Washougal Rotary, serving as Peace Builder Chairwoman and on the Public Image Committee, Youth Services Committee, AKIN, and Diaper Drive
  • House Committee Co-Chair at Orchard Hills Golf & Country Club
  • Washougal School District PAC member

Coston has lived in Washougal since 2000. She was a graduate of the University of Arizona and George Washington University. Coston was also a Master Scuba Diver. She was 77.

The City of Washougal extends its deepest condolences to Molly’s family, friends, colleagues, and all community members who were touched by her service.

Her leadership, fairness, and ability to bring people together left a lasting imprint on the landscape of Washougal.

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Help Shape Clark County’s Future: Your Voice Matters in the 2045 Growth Plan

Clark County is entering an exciting new chapter. With nearly 200,000 new residents expected by 2045, our community is growing, evolving, and becoming an even more dynamic place to live, work, and raise a family. This kind of growth brings with it an extraordinary opportunity—the opportunity for residents to help guide what Clark County will look like for the next generation. Through Clark County Council’s Comprehensive Growth Plan process happening right now, community members have a real and meaningful chance to make their voices heard, influence local priorities, and shape a vision for a brighter future.

The Comprehensive Growth Plan isn’t just a technical document. It is the roadmap that will determine the character of our neighborhoods, the types of homes available, where new jobs will be located, how transportation systems will function, and how we protect open spaces and natural resources. When residents participate in the public input process, they help ensure that these decisions reflect local values—things like affordability, community character, access to nature, and economic opportunity. This is a moment where civic engagement truly matters.

One of the most exciting aspects of this planning process is the ability to advocate for choice. As Clark County grows, thoughtful zoning can create communities with a diverse range of housing options, from starter homes to townhouses to apartments to age-friendly alternatives. It can support vibrant employment areas that bring jobs closer to where people live. And it can ensure that future growth aligns with transportation corridors, creating more walkable neighborhoods, shorter commutes, and better connections between home, work, and recreation. The decisions made today will help shape a county where families of all sizes, incomes, and stages of life can find a place that feels like home.

Planning now also allows Clark County to position itself for long-term economic strength. By designating sufficient employment lands in strategic locations—especially near transportation routes—the community can attract businesses and industries that provide stable, well-paying jobs. This is how we build a balanced tax base, support public services, and keep Clark County competitive regionally and nationally. Residents can have a direct say right now in how and where this economic opportunity grows.

Of course, growth comes with challenges if it isn’t aligned with smart planning. Without careful zoning and long-term strategy, communities can experience overcrowded schools, increased traffic congestion, and missed opportunities for new industries due to a lack of available employment sites. These impacts are avoidable, but only when the right decisions are made early—and that requires robust public participation from the people who live and work in Clark County.

Fortunately, this planning cycle is built around community involvement. Whether someone lives in a city center, a rural area, or anywhere in between, every voice matters. The decisions adopted now will guide Clark County through 2045, and this is the window in which residents can shape what that future looks like. Public comment ensures that the plan supports the outcomes people care about: quality schools, transportation options, housing affordability, economic opportunity, and the preservation of the natural beauty that makes Clark County unique.

This is a moment to be optimistic. Clark County’s future is full of possibility, and the community has a direct hand in shaping it. By participating in the public comment process, sharing ideas, and expressing priorities, residents help build a roadmap that reflects shared values and aspirations.

To make this even easier, the Building Industry Association of Clark County is inviting residents to take a community survey designed to capture local values, concerns, and hopes for the future. Your input will help ensure that community needs are understood and represented throughout the planning process.

Clark County is growing—and this is your chance to help guide it. Your voice can help create a thriving, balanced, and welcoming community for decades to come.

Take the BIA Survey:  https://tinyurl.com/ClarkCountyGrowthSurvey

Learn More about the Growth Plan: www.ShapeClarkCounty.com 

Submit a Public Comment on the Growth Plan: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/2025-update-outreach

Learn More about BIA: www.biaofclarkcounty.org 

Click this image to read the Public Participation Plan:

Clark County
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Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Votes Tonight to End Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) released the following statement about her vote to reopen the government: 

“Tonight, I voted to end this partisan car crash of a shutdown. Nobody likes paying even more money to insurance companies – and the fight to stop runaway health insurance premiums won’t be won by holding hungry Americans hostage. Americans can’t afford for their Representatives to get so caught up in landing a partisan win that they abandon their obligation to come together to solve the urgent problems that our nation faces.”

“The last several weeks have been a case study in why most Americans can’t stand Congress. None of my friends who rely on SNAP would want to trade their dinner for an ambiguous D.C. beltway ‘messaging victory’ and I’m glad this ugly scene is in the rearview mirror.”

“Now, it’s time for Congress to get back to work and build an economy where people aren’t yanked around by partisan interests, where we understand national health doesn’t come from insurance coverage – and reestablish a truly deliberative democracy. I’ll work with whoever is necessary to reach those goals – and I don’t give a damn which side of the aisle they sit on.” 

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Gluesenkamp Perez Meets with Residents of Vista Del Rio Mobile Home Community

VANCOUVER, WA – On Wednesday, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03),visited the Vista Del Rio Mobile Home Community in Vancouver and met with residents to discuss the role manufactured homes can play in addressing the housing shortfall and building generational wealth. 

“Mobile and manufactured homes are one of the most cost-effective, achievable forms of affordable housing in our country and it’s one that is critical for seniors, people on fixed income and many veterans. More than 22 million Americans live in manufactured homes, but they have been largely neglected as a vehicle for building generational wealth and self-determination in this country,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez.“It was so encouraging to engage with such a smart, strategic, community minded group of people at Vista Del Rio, and it’s an honor to fight alongside them for common sense reform to protect Americans’ right to self-determination.”

Last year, the residents of Vista Del Rio began organizing an effort to buy the land that they live on. 

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez introduced the Lowering Energy Costs for Manufactured Homeowners Act in October of last year, which would implement a tax credit for installing or updating energy-saving skirting around mobile homes. 

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Building Industry Group PAC Announces Endorsements for Local Races

Vancouver, WA — The Building Industry Group Political Action Committee (BIG PAC), the political arm of the Building Industry Association of Clark County, has announced its endorsements for the 2025 election season.

BIG PAC works to support candidates who understand the importance of housing affordability, economic development and policies that strengthen the local building industry. The committee engages in careful review, including candidate questionnaires and interviews, to ensure endorsed candidates reflect a commitment to balanced growth and sustainable communities.

“Our industry depends on elected officials who recognize how housing policy impacts not only builders but families across Clark County,” said Tracy Doriot, Chair of BIG PAC. “BIG PAC is proud to support candidates who value housing choice, job creation and responsible governance.”

The following endorsements have been made:

Battle Ground

  • Troy McCoy, Mayor

Camas

  • Leslie Lewallen, City Council, Ward 3, Position 2

Ridgefield

  • Matt Cole, City Council
  • Rian Davis, City Council

Vancouver

  • Anne McEnerny-Ogle, Mayor
  • Pooneh Gray, City Council, Position 1

Washougal

  • David Stuebe, Mayor

Charter Review Commission

  • Brandon Erickson; District 2, Position 1
  • Cemal Richards; District 1, Position 1
  • Ann Donnelly; District 1, Position 2
  • Adrienne Mason; District 1, Position 2
  • Bob Runnells; District 2, Position 2
  • Kim Hamlik; District 2, Position 3
  • Jill Ross; District 3, Position 1
  • John Jay; District 3, Position 3
  • Liz Cline; District 4, Position 1
  • Brad Benton; District 5, Position 1
  • Duncan Hoss; District 5, Position 2

“Endorsing candidates is one of the most important ways we advocate for housing affordability and economic growth,” Doriot said. “We encourage our members and the community to engage with these candidates and learn more about their vision for our local communities.”

For more information regarding BIG PAC endorsements, contact Ian Harkins, Government Affairs Coordinator at the Building Industry Association of Clark County. Call at 360-729-6099 or email at iharkins@biaofclarkcounty.org.

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Washington’s Renewable Energy Boom: Building a Green Future

Southwest Washington is leading a green energy revolution. Peek into the projects and innovations powering a cleaner, sustainable future for all.

Southwest Washington stands at the forefront of America’s clean energy revolution. The region is transforming its landscape with wind farms, solar installations and hydroelectric projects that power homes across the Pacific Northwest. Local communities are embracing this shift toward sustainability while creating jobs and attracting significant investment.

The Columbia River Gorge cuts through Southwest Washington like a natural wind tunnel, making it one of the nation’s premier locations for wind energy generation. Renewable energy projects contribute significantly to the regional economy, though specific figures vary. These developments signal a fundamental change in how Washington approaches energy production and environmental stewardship.

State leaders champion aggressive climate goals that position Washington’s renewable energy boom as leading a green future and being a national model for clean energy adoption. The Clean Energy Transformation Act requires utilities to eliminate coal-fired electricity by 2025 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Southwest Washington utilities are already making significant progress toward these benchmarks, demonstrating the region’s commitment to environmental leadership.

Wind Power Transforms Rural Communities

The rolling hills of Klickitat and Skamania counties now host some of the largest wind farms on the West Coast. These installations generate enough electricity to power hundreds of thousands of homes annually. Rural landowners lease their property to wind developers, creating steady income streams that support agricultural communities facing economic challenges.

Shepherds Flat Wind Farm, located primarily in Oregon, ranks among the largest wind installations in North America. The facility features 338 turbines that produce 845 megawatts of clean electricity. Local contractors handle maintenance operations, while nearby communities benefit from increased property tax revenues that fund schools and infrastructure improvements.

Construction crews work year-round expanding existing wind facilities and developing new sites throughout the region. The evolution of technology in the heavy machinery industry plays a necessary role in these projects, as modern equipment enables crews to install turbines more efficiently in challenging terrain. Specialized transport vehicles and cranes reduce project timelines while minimizing environmental impact.

Solar Energy Gains Momentum Despite Cloudy Reputation

Southwest Washington defies stereotypes about solar energy potential in the Pacific Northwest. Cowlitz and Lewis counties are attracting solar developers who recognize the region’s untapped potential for photovoltaic installations. Ground-mounted solar arrays now generate clean electricity across former timberlands and agricultural fields.

The Olympia Solar Project represents one of the largest utility-scale solar installations in western Washington. This 120-acre facility produces 28 megawatts of electricity while demonstrating solar viability in cloudy climates. Energy storage systems complement solar arrays by storing excess power during sunny periods and releasing it during peak demand hours.

Residential solar adoption is accelerating throughout Southwest Washington as equipment costs decline, and state incentives make installations more affordable. Homeowners report significant reductions in electricity bills while contributing to grid stability during summer months when solar production peaks.

Communities are also benefiting from shared solar initiatives, which allow multiple households to access clean energy from a single solar installation. These programs make renewable energy more accessible to those who cannot install panels on their properties.

Hydroelectric Heritage Meets Modern Innovation

The Columbia River system provides Southwest Washington with abundant hydroelectric resources. This resource complements Washington’s renewable technology boom, building a green future. 

Fish passage improvements at existing dams balance environmental concerns with clean energy production. The US Army Corps of Engineers invests millions in salmon recovery programs while keeping hydroelectric operations that support grid reliability. These upgrades demonstrate how legacy infrastructure adapts to modern environmental standards.

Small-scale hydroelectric projects are emerging along tributaries throughout Southwest Washington. Run-of-river installations generate electricity without large reservoirs, minimizing ecological impacts while providing local communities with renewable power sources. Environmental groups support these projects as alternatives to fossil fuel generation.

These projects also create opportunities for education and public awareness about sustainable energy practices. By integrating modern technology, small-scale hydroelectric systems showcase new ways to balance energy production with environmental stewardship.

Economic Impact Reaches Beyond Energy Sector

Renewable energy development creates ripple effects throughout Southwest Washington’s economy. Construction workers, engineers and technicians find steady employment as projects move from planning to operation. Local suppliers provide materials and services that keep energy facilities running efficiently.

Manufacturing companies establish operations near renewable energy sources to take advantage of clean electricity and a skilled workforce. Data centers, aluminum smelters and other energy-intensive industries are relocating to Southwest Washington specifically because of renewable energy access. These businesses create high-paying jobs while supporting local tax bases.

Port facilities along the Columbia River handle wind turbine components and solar panels shipped from overseas manufacturers. Longview and Vancouver ports invest in specialized equipment to accommodate oversized turbine blades and tower sections. These infrastructure improvements position Southwest Washington as a renewable energy logistics hub.

The region’s proximity to major transportation networks, including highways and railways, further enhances its appeal as a logistics center for renewable energy. Additionally, ongoing investments in clean energy infrastructure demonstrate a long-term commitment to sustainable economic growth.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Grid integration presents ongoing challenges as renewable energy production grows throughout Southwest Washington. Utility companies are investing in smart grid technologies and energy storage systems to manage variable wind and solar output. Regional transmission lines require upgrades to handle increased electricity flows from distributed generation sources.

Workforce development programs are preparing residents for careers in renewable energy industries. Community colleges offer training in wind turbine maintenance, solar installation, and grid operations. These programs connect rural communities with emerging job opportunities while addressing industry skill shortages.

Environmental permitting processes sometimes delay renewable energy projects despite broad public support for clean energy development. Federal and state agencies are working to streamline approvals while maintaining ecological protections that preserve Southwest Washington’s natural resources.

Looking Toward a Cleaner Tomorrow

Southwest Washington’s renewable energy boom continues accelerating as technology improvements reduce costs and increase efficiency. Battery storage projects enable wind and solar facilities to provide round-the-clock power, addressing reliability concerns that once limited clean energy adoption.

Electric vehicle charging networks are expanding throughout the region, powered by locally generated renewable electricity. Transportation electrification is creating new markets for clean energy while reducing emissions from the largest source of regional air pollution.

Climate change mitigation depends on successful renewable energy transitions like the one transforming Southwest Washington. The region’s experience provides valuable lessons for other areas seeking to balance economic development with environmental stewardship. Clean energy investments today build the foundation for sustainable prosperity that benefits both current residents and future generations.

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