In a sea of bills treading familiar territory, HB 2313 stands out as offering a unique idea: publicly owned grocery stores. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Darya Farivar (D–Seattle) and intends to address what are commonly referred to as “food deserts”—areas with limited access to fresh, nutritious, or affordable food for the people who live there.

HB 2313 provides optional authority to cities to establish a publicly owned grocery store in underserved areas with food access gaps. In establishing a grocery store, a city may:

• Acquire land and buildings;
• Construct or rehabilitate an existing building;
• Lease buildings to private or nonprofit operators;
• Transfer property to a community redevelopment authority for management and operation;
• Take private property for public use through eminent domain;
• Apply for state grants for capital projects; and
• Designate a tax increment financing area.

Dates to remember

HB 2313 will be heard in the House Local Government Committee on Tuesday, January 27, at 10:30 am and is scheduled for a committee vote on Friday, January 30, at 10:30 am.