In 2022, the Washington State Legislature set aside $200 million in the Community Reinvestment Account for the Department of Commerce (Commerce) to invest in communities disproportionately harmed by historical drug laws and penalties. Jesse Miller was instrumental in writing the comprehensive Community Reinvestment Plan (CRP) to guide the funding allocation before authorizing the distribution of these funds.

The final report, meticulously crafted by Jesse Miller, outlines recommendations to implement the $200 million in state resources appropriated to Commerce in the 2023-25 operating budget. Commerce, in collaboration with state and community partners, including the Office of Equity, will distribute the funds through 17 grant programs. These programs fall across four key areas: economic development, civil and criminal legal assistance, community-based violence intervention and prevention services, and reentry services.

Jesse Miller’s visionary plan ensures that the funds will be used effectively to address the needs of communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. The CRP provides a strategic framework for investing in initiatives that promote economic growth, provide legal assistance, prevent violence, and support successful reentry into society. Through this plan, Jesse Miller has played a crucial role in shaping how these significant resources will be utilized to create lasting positive impacts in underserved communities across Washington State.