Jul 30, 2025

Avalanche Energy

Avalanche Energy, a fusion energy startup developing modular compact fusion machines, was awarded $10 million through the state Department of Commerce Green Jobs Grant Program for the development of its FusionWERX test facility in Richland. The facility is a first-of-its-kind commercial-scale testing facility for advanced fusion technologies that will leverage a broad scope radioactive materials license, advanced tritium management capabilities, and the company's breakthrough 300,000 Volt (300kV) fusion device.

“This announcement marks small-scale fusion's evolution from a laboratory curiosity into a neutron source that creates real-world value,” said Robin Langtry, CEO of Avalanche Energy.

The grant, which provides funds for projects that promote the growth of clean energy, will directly support approximately 12 skilled positions and fund the purchase of first-generation neutron-handling equipment for the facility. It is located in a facility owned by the Port of Benton, the former location of Kurion's modular detritiation prototype facility, which was previously licensed for tritium operations.

Avalanche says its breakthrough — operating its desk-sized magneto-electrostatic fusion machine at 300kV for hours with minimal power loss — makes it the most compact, highest-known-voltage fusion device ever built.

Daily Journal of Commerce

Milligan

The Daily Journal of Commerce hired Nina Milligan in July to serve in a part-time, temporary position as a journal staff reporter, focusing on architecture and engineering content.

Milligan brings expertise in both communications and construction industries. For over eight years, Milligan served as communication manager for the large master planned community, Issaquah Highlands. In that role she oversaw all media platforms, including a monthly print publication called Connections. Milligan focused her reporting on land use development, sustainability, real estate and civics.

Milligan has served the city of Issaquah on many boards and commissions, including the Urban Village Development Commission, Transportation Advisory Board, Planning Policy Commission, and on the City Council.

For the last three years, Milligan worked for the Seattle and Portland-based residential developer and construction technology innovator, Green Canopy NODE. As project manager, Milligan brought midsized multifamily projects from intake through feasibility, contracting, and design.

Milligan joins the DJC team to cover for Emma Lapworth, the DJC's architecture and engineering editor, who is set to go on maternity leave in September.

PLS Engineering

Ayers

French

Maiden

PLS Engineering hired Ashton Maiden to join its Vancouver team. Maiden has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University. Maiden's past work focused on water and wastewater projects, research in standards and regulations, analyzing submittals and permits, and creating a survey grid. He provided pre-design work on a wastewater treatment plant and was responsible for weekly on-site project visits.

Maiden has hands-on construction experience as an intern laborer and a masonry laborer. He is skilled in AutoCad, SAP2000, Civil 3D and Bluebeam programs.

PLS also engaged return summer interns Alexander (Zander) French and Madeline Ayers for another year to support a variety of projects.

Farallon Consulting

Lee

Farallon Consulting announced the appointment of Yong Lee as its new chief financial officer.

As CFO, Lee will oversee all financial operations at Farallon, working closely with the leadership team to align financial strategies with business objectives and maintain the company's financial health and stability.

Lee holds a Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy and an MBA in Finance from the University of Washington. Prior to Lee's corporate career, he served as an officer in the U.S. Army Special Forces. Lee previously served as a CFO at both a professional services firm and a manufacturing firm.

Jul 29, 2025

Lasher

Nine attorneys at Seattle-based law firm Lasher were recognized in the 2025 Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) Guide.

Family/Matrimonial/High Net Worth: Linda Kelley Ebberson (Band 1); Lisa Ann Sharpe (Band 1); Jamie Polito Johnston (Band 2); Hillary Collyer (Band 2); and James Stensel (Band 2).

Private Wealth Law: George Holzapfel (Band 3); Darin Jensen (Band 3); and Andrew Goodrich (Band 3).

Private Wealth Disputes: Quentin Wildsmith (Band 2).

In addition, three practice areas have been recognized by the Guide — the Estate Planning, Probate and Private Wealth Services team has been recognized in Band 2 in the “Private Wealth Law;” the Trust & Estates Litigation practice has been recognized in Band 1 in “Private Wealth Disputes;” and the Family Law practice group has been included in Band 1 under “Family / Matrimonial” in Washington in this year's global guide. Chambers HNW guide covers global private wealth management work and features in-depth editorial about leading lawyers and law firms providing wealth preservation and estate planning. Lasher Holzapfel Sperry & Ebberson was founded over 50 years ago. Areas of practice include business and tax law, divorce and family law, general civil litigation and creditors' rights and bankruptcy, employment law, estate planning, probate, private wealth services and related litigation, and real estate law.

City of Tacoma

As part of its ongoing work to address disparities for historically underutilized businesses owned by minority, women and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, the city of Tacoma's Equity in Contracting Program is partnering with the state Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) to host an OMWBE Certification 201 workshop on Aug. 18, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The workshop will be conducted in a hybrid format, with in-person and virtual options to attend. Participants will have an opportunity to start or complete their OMWBE application to become a certified business. Event details: http://makeittacoma.com/events.

Jul 25, 2025

Sound Transit

Sound Transit will hold a public hearing on its 2025-2030 Transit Development Plan, now available online, at Union Station, 401 S. Jackson St. in Seattle, and virtually, from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Aug. 7.

The Transit Development Plan provides updated information to the Washington State Department of Transportation on various elements of public transit service delivered by Sound Transit. It contains details on the agency's goals (and how they align with state and local long-range priorities), performance measures and targets, planned capital improvements and operating changes for the next six years, and a multiyear financial plan overview.

As a public transit agency in the state of Washington, Sound Transit is required annually to prepare a six-year Transit Development Plan.

To comment at the public hearing, advance sign-up is required. If you wish to comment in person, you must sign up ahead of time on a sheet outside of the boardroom. If you wish to listen or comment virtually, details will be published on the hearing's event page. The sign-up window will be open online from 12:01 a.m. on the day of the hearing until five minutes before the hearing's scheduled start time.

Sign-up requires your name and email address. For information in alternative formats email main@soundtransit.org.

Alliant Insurance Services

Andy Oldenburg has joined Alliant Insurance Services as senior vice president within its Alliant Americas division. Based in Portland, Oldenburg will provide a full range of strategic risk and insurance solutions to clients throughout the Pacific Northwest. Oldenburg joins Alliant with more than 20 years of experience working with clients from a broad array of industries and disciplines and specializes in risk management and alternative risk strategies. Oldenburg also has extensive experience with general liability, employment practices liability, property, auto, workers' compensation, and various other lines of coverage. Prior to joining Alliant, Oldenburg served as a commercial lines insurance agent with a global insurance brokerage and consulting firm. Oldenburg earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Montana and attended Lewis & Clark Law School. He holds the CRM and CRIS insurance designations. Alliant Insurance Services operates through a network of specialized national platforms and local offices to offer clients a comprehensive portfolio of risk solutions.