“Modest at best,” is how Lt. Gov. Denny Heck characterized the Legislature’s progress on housing policy this year. It’s a far cry from 2023, which lawmakers dubbed the “Year of Housing” as they cleared the way for more “middle housing” throughout the state and put a record $400 million into the state’s fund for building affordable housing.
“This (new stage) will improve the vibe of the concerts. You’ve got the stage, the (Columbia) River and the sunset,” said Mark Blotz, general manager and partner of Clover Island Inn, who helped get the annual concert series going 19 years ago.