The Roundtable works to effect positive change on public policy issues that are most important to supporting state economic vitality and fostering opportunity for all Washingtonians. That work includes sharing news and analyzing policy developments affecting our state.

Around the Table: Alaska Airlines, Kaiser Permanente, Fred Hutch, Amazon, and Microsoft

January 12th, 2021



Responding to COVID-19

In mid-December, Alaska Airlines delivered the first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine to Juneau. Kaiser Permanente provided $1,050,000 to five nonprofits to help community members experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness during COVID-19. Microsoft announced an additional commitment of more than $110 million for nonprofits, workers, and schools in Washington state. As part of its research, Fred Hutch is currently seeking volunteers with COVID-19 to join tests of therapies.

Helping communities

Amazon announced its new Housing Equity Fund, a more than $2 billion commitment that will create or preserve 20,000 affordable homes in the Puget Sound region, Arlington, and Nashville. Starbucks’ new Community Resilience Fund will invest $100 million to support small businesses and community development projects in BIPOC communities across the country, including in the Seattle area.

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