The wildfire and fire-related flooding events in Okanogan County during the summer of 2014 brought to light several important opportunities for the State of Washington to proactively shape policy such that the State and communities of Washington State were better prepared for future natural disasters. During the 2015 Legislative Session, the Long Term Recovery Organizations active in Okanogan County worked collaboratively to identify policy initiatives and encouraged the Legislature of the State of Washington to take action for the benefit and future of WA State communities. Recommendations were presented at a hearing in Brewster, WA in January 2015 in the form of the “Simple Steps for a Stronger Future” document (examples seen below). Advocating for community member voices and needs required collaboration and a unified message. Eleven clearly stated requests were brought forth and many of the requests were implemented.
