The definitions in this section apply throughout RCW 43.63A.125, this section, and RCW 43.63A.766 and 43.63A.768 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Department" means the department of commerce.

(2) "Distressed community" means: (a) A county that has an unemployment rate that is twenty percent above the state average for the immediately previous three years; (b) an area within a county that the department determines to be a low-income community, using as guidance the low-income community designations under the community development financial institutions fund's new markets tax credit program of the United States department of the treasury; or (c) a school district in which at least fifty percent of local elementary students receive free and reduced-price meals.

(3) "Nonprofit organization" means an organization that is tax exempt, or not required to apply for an exemption, under section 501(c)(3) of the federal internal revenue code of 1986, as amended.

(4) "Technical assistance" means professional services provided under contract to nonprofit organizations for feasibility studies, planning, and project management related to acquiring, constructing, or rehabilitating nonresidential community services facilities.

Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.