Base Realignment and Closure.  Base realignment and closure (BRAC) is a process the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has used to reorganize its base structure to more efficiently and effectively support its forces, increase operational readiness, and facilitate new ways of accomplishing its mission.  More than 350 installations have been closed in five BRAC rounds:  1988, 1991, 1993, 1995, and 2005.  No BRAC commission process is ongoing or authorized.

Defense Community Compatibility Account.  In 2019, the Legislature created the Defense Community Compatibility Account.  Subject to the availability of funding, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) may award grants to local governments for projects to address incompatible development connected to Washington State military installations, including:

• acquiring real property or real property interests to eliminate an existing incompatible use;
• projects to jointly assist in recovering or protecting endangered species dependent on military installation property for habitat;
• local infrastructure or facilities necessary to help a community accommodate an expanded military presence in their community;
• projects or programs to increase the availability of affordable housing to enlisted military personnel; and
• projects to retrofit existing uses to increase their compatibility with existing military operations.

Commerce must produce a report with a prioritized list of projects to address incompatible developments near military installations by January 1, 2020, and every two years thereafter.  Projects must be prioritized with consideration for:

• recommendations of the DOD, BRAC, joint land use studies, or other federally initiated land use processes; and
• whether a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces has identified the project as increasing the viability of military installations.

The deadline for submitting the Defense Community Compatibility Account report is moved to November 1st of each even-numbered year.