Cities may be on the hook for relocation assistance payments of up to $200,000 for projects that displace farms or small businesses.

HB 1733, from Rep. Brianna Thomas (D–Seattle), increases the statutory cap on the payments public project owners must make to assist displaced farms or small business owners to reestablish themselves elsewhere. Currently the cap is $50,000. The bill also requires that the cap be adjusted for inflation annually beginning August 2025.

The cap was last increased in 2003. Proponents of the bill argue another increase is needed to reflect the current costs incurred by small business owners when a public agency acquires the land upon which they are located.

AWC seeks to understand the scope of the bill’s impact for cities. If your city or town has a project planned that would be affected by the legislation, please contact AWC staff.

Date to remember

HB 1733 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Transportation Committee on Monday, February 24, at 1:30 pm.