Centralia City Council approves $1.5M funding for United Learning Center project

In the heart of Centralia, Washington, the City Council convened on April 9, 2025, to discuss a pivotal project that promises to reshape the community's landscape. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as council members and community leaders gathered to deliberate on the United Learning Center (ULC), a vision that has been in the making since 2019.

Annie Owen, the executive director of United Way of Lewis County, passionately presented the ULC as a beacon of hope for families, emphasizing its role as a hub for early learning and community engagement. "This is a place for families to learn, to thrive, to flourish, and to succeed," she stated, highlighting the center's potential to foster a more compassionate community.

The council faced a crucial decision: whether to allocate $1.5 million from the general fund to address a short-term cash flow issue and keep the ULC project on track. Mayor Kelly Smith Johnson underscored the urgency, noting that the project's national nonprofit partner requires occupancy by winter to fulfill their commitment. Delays could lead to increased costs and jeopardize the project's future.

The discussion revealed the complexities surrounding funding sources. The council clarified that the proposed use of general fund money was not an additional expenditure but a strategic shift from more restricted Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) funds. This move aims to ensure flexibility and meet the immediate needs of the ULC project while preserving REET funds for other community priorities, such as parks and trails.

As the meeting progressed, council members engaged in a thoughtful dialogue about the implications of their decision. Deputy Mayor raised concerns about misconceptions regarding the funding strategy, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the council's actions. The city attorney provided clarity on the legal limitations of REET funds, reinforcing the necessity of the proposed general fund allocation.

Public comments followed, with community members expressing their support for the ULC and its potential impact on local families. The council received 28 written comments, reflecting a strong interest in the project and its benefits.

As the meeting drew to a close, the council was left with a significant choice: to embrace the opportunity to advance the ULC and its vision for a vibrant, engaged community or risk delaying a project that has already weathered numerous challenges. The decision made that night could very well shape the future of Centralia, fostering a legacy of learning and support for generations to come.