For your consumption. On Thursday, the BEA released the latest national and state by state economic data on outdoor recreation. Attached is their WA State report and the link below is where you can find national data. Some interesting numbers and some key indicators of which stakeholder groups we are missing in the Big Tent. A few of which we spoke about earlier this week.
The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is inviting public input on proposed updates to Manual 9: Boating Facilities Program. The proposed changes include revisions to grant limits for local agencies, worksite request limits for multi-site projects, and other policy updates aimed at improving alignment and clarity.
A detailed overview of the background and proposed revisions is available in the Public Comment Package. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the materials and share feedback by submitting comments through the online comment form.
The Washington Recreation and Park Association (WRPA) is actively monitoring state legislative activity aroundEngrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5814 (ESSB 5814) and related House bills that impact the application of Washington’s tax laws, including those affecting services that may intersect with the parks and recreation sector.
ESSB 5814 is part of Washington State’s broader tax and revenue package and includes changes to how certain services are classified and taxed. WRPA is tracking thestatus, implementation timelines, and agency guidance related to this legislation, including any impacts to parks, recreation, and special purpose districts. We are also monitoringrelated House bills and companion legislation connected to ESSB 5814 as they move through the legislative process.
LISC Puget Sound, in partnership with the Seattle Seahawks, is accepting applications for the 2026 NFL Foundation Grassroots Program. This grant supports the renovation of sports fields in low- and moderate-income communities across Washington state.
Passionate Professional: Rick Bruya
For more than 30 years, Rick Bruya dedicated his career to creating safe, positive youth sports programs for families in Auburn, Washington. A Recreation Coordinator and longtime Certified Youth Sports Administrator, he is retiring Dec. 31 after joining the City of Auburn in 1992.
Parks and recreation are essential to the fabric of communities across the country, and new data makes that clearer than ever.
RCO is reaching out to let you know we are considering changes to the $14mil Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle grant program available to local Agencies. This program funds the development of new, or maintenance of existing “backcountry” recreation areas such as trails, campgrounds, hunting-fishing areas, day use sites, boat launches etc. It also funds ORV parks and law enforcement operations in backcountry areas.
The changes in this document would be implemented in 2026.
The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) will host a series of webinars on February 11, 2026, to start the application cycle for 2026-27. If you are thinking about applying for a grant for your outdoor recreation or conservation project, mark your calendar now.
This report examines the economic impact of outdoor recreation alongside the value of ecosystem services provided by recreation-supporting lands. It explores participation, spending, community benefits, and environmental considerations, while highlighting both the opportunities and challenges communities face in growing outdoor recreation economies.
The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program’s Manual 10b: Habitat Conservation Account. These changes relate to intent language and evaluation criteria for both the Critical Habitat and Natural Areas funding categories.
Background and proposed changes can be reviewed in the Public Comment Package. Comments can be submitted by completing this web form and will be accepted until11:59 p.m. on December 15, 2025.
After several days of ballot returns, statewide voter turnout stands at 39%. Democrats prevailed in all contested legislative races against Republican opponents, and in the two Democrat-versus-Democrat contests, the more progressive candidates prevailed.
The only change since the initial election report below is that Rep. Edwin Obras will prevail in the 33rdLD House seat. While Kevin Schilling (Burien Mayor) – running as a more moderate Democrat – led on election night, Rep. Obras (D) picked up the late ballot count and will return to Olympia next year.
Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office updated their Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State, and the findings confirm that Washington’s outdoors continue to be a major economic driver for the state.
The report estimates that more than $25.2 billion is spent annually in Washington on recreation trips and equipment. Spending on lodging, equipment, and permits generates additional economic activity because local businesses purchase supplies and services, and their employees spend their wages locally. Altogether, this spending contributes 2.4 percent to the state’s economic production (gross domestic product).
The first round of Washington election results were released around 8:00pm. last night, providing preliminary results for the November general election. Ballots will continue to be counted throughout the week, and several key races remain too close to call, however Democratic candidates are trending to prevail. In Washington, voter turnout is trending low, with 21.31% of ballots counted as of this morning. Counties will certify results on November 25, followed by statewide certification by the Secretary of State in early December. Below are the initial results of the nine legislative races:
The next election update will happen on Wednesday, November 5.
RCX Sports
Contact: Alicia Seegers Martinelli
AWC is seeking a senior-level city staff member (e.g., police chief, parks director) to fill a vacancy on the Boating Programs Advisory Council, which advises Washington State Parks on boating programs, safety, and environmental stewardship.
OLYMPIA – Washington’s projected Near General Fund revenue collections through 2029 decreased by around $903 million from the June 2025 forecast, according to estimates released today by the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council.
The changes in the forecast are primarily the result of a weaker taxable sales forecast for retail and construction, lower state agency revenues, and a reduction in projected real estate excise tax returns, according to the ERFC.
Washington State Department of Health has formed a committee to consider amendments to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 246-260 specifically for bathing beaches, which are designated swimming areas in natural water. You can access our contact form at the weblink below to receive updates or volunteer to be a member of our committee!
Colleagues of the Washington Recreation and Park Association Aquatics Network:
Due to legislative changes as well as our rules requiring some general updates, we are wanting to take a comprehensive look at all of our Youth Employment rules. One of the items we are looking at is the distinction between private and public employers in non-agriculture industries. Before we decide which topics to include in our rulemaking efforts, we want to hear from potentially impacted parties. We will be holding listening/feedback sessions in the coming weeks. We will send invites to those meetings soon.
King County’s WaterWorks Grant Program has $4.6 million in funding available for community-driven projects that protect water quality, control pollution, and build healthy communities. Projects must provide an improvement to water quality within the Wastewater Treatment Division service area, and non-profits, Tribes, cities, schools, and special purpose districts are eligible to apply.
Applications are open now and due September 30, 2025. The application process begins by filling out a short Letter of Intent form through the online grant portal. Selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals in February 2026.
