Guppy predicted that while the state is certain to see tax revenue increase, the oft-cited figure of $500 million “is way at the high end.” Moreover, he added, “The revenue that the state might collect may be offset by increased driving incidents or accidents or health impacts.”
Meanwhile, local business leaders are considering how the legalization will impact communities and commercial zones.
At Vancouver’s Downtown Association, Executive Director Lee Rafferty has a high level of comfort with the way the city is handling the new legal environment for marijuana.
Rafferty said that the city council is carefully considering ways to implement the new law. Meanwhile, her organization will stay focused on its core mission.
“Our job as a nonprofit is to help create that safe and inviting downtown where people feel like they can come and hang out no matter what their interests are,” she said. “If there is a legally-permitted business, then we have responsibilities to them as well as to everyone else.”
Rafferty noted that every enterprise has a responsibility to the community, regardless of its business function.
“I think it all goes back to respect for the business place and for your neighbors, and that you’re here to contribute to the overall health of downtown,” she said.
“Our downtown is re-emerging as a very vibrant, positive place to be, with great new businesses,” Rafferty added. “Buildings are changing hands, and people are bringing their energy, love and passion into downtown Vancouver. So that community is going to expect whoever comes in to perform and to add to the positive mix.”
