The Washington State Department of Commerce has released its final guidance to address racially disparate impacts in comprehensive plans. The new guidance provides a recommended methodology and checklists to help jurisdictions demonstrate that they have taken the steps to satisfy the new Growth Mangement Act (GMA) requirements in RCW 36.70A.070(2)(e-h). In 2021, the Washington State Legislature changed the planning requirements for housing through House Bill 1220 (HB 1220) (PDF). These…
The Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) was created June 2023 and consists of Michelle Gladstone-Wade (Suquamish), Tribal Liaison and Alden (AL) Andy (Yakama), Deputy Tribal Liaison. To demonstrate our agency’s dedication to tribal relations, Director Fong has separated the Tribal Liaison from the Government Affairs and Policy team and created the Office of Tribal Relations. The first addition to the Office of Tribal Relation is a Deputy Tribal Liaison who…
Maximizing energy efficiency and electrification of large buildings are key to meeting state clean energy and environmental justice goals. OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $9.7 million in Clean Energy Fund grants to support decarbonization of buildings throughout the state. The Building Electrification grant program funds deployment of grid-interactive buildings and installation of high-efficiency electric equipment. Eligible grant applicants included state and local governments, federally…
First-ever Apple Health and Homes Capital plus additional funding advance new projects to serve people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in communities across Washington state Olympia, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce announced new funding awards totaling $83.5 million to provide affordable housing opportunities in communities across the state. The new Office of Apple Health and Homes and Commerce’s Multifamily Housing Unit awarded $43.7 million to create…
The Washington State Department of Commerce will conduct a virtual public hearing to receive comments on the Draft 2023 United States Department of Energy/Washington State Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Plan. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. The hearing will be held Tuesday, May 2, 2023, 9:00am – 10:00am Pacific Standard Time (PST). Join the May 2, 2023 Virtual Public Hearing (on Microsoft Teams) Please take a moment to review the…
Grant applications for the 2023 Solar plus Storage for Resilient Communities program with up to $35.4 million available were due March 23, 2023. The opportunity includes two tracks: Track 1: Planning and Predevelopment grants will be awarded to projects that identify sites, complete community outreach and engagement to identify community needs, complete feasibility studies, or develop cost estimates, specifications, or other early design work. Track 2: Installation grants will be…
Commerce is asking building owners to participate in the rulemaking process for the state’s expanded Clean Buildings Performance Standard. The expansion applies to buildings between 20,000 and 50,000 square feet, adding a new second tier that includes multi-family buildings. We are hosting a series of workshops to establish rules, reporting requirements and the financial incentive program for Tier 2 buildings. Dates and topics may be subject to change and are…
Join us! Let’s talk about the upcoming Public Works Board Traditional Programs funding cycle at our virtual Lunch and Learn, Wednesday 4/19 from 12 PM – 1 PM. The Public Works Board Traditional Team will talk about the PWB Loan Application process and take questions from our partners in cities, counties, and special purpose districts about our upcoming funding cycle opening on May 8th. We hope to see you there!…
The Clean Transportation program has issued an RFP and is now reviewing consultants to assist in launching the Electric Vehicle Community Charging Infrastructure grant program. Washington is a top EV market, ranking second in the nation with electric vehicle adoption and universal access to charging infrastructure is crucial for accelerating the pace of consumer adoption. Through this RFP, Commerce seeks to create an equitable, community-engaged process that produces environmentally just…
The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) is an infrastructure funder, and we’re opening for business for the 2023-2025 biennium! The PWB acts to open a cycle at its May 5, 2023 meeting. If you are an infrastructure manager for roads and bridges, domestic water, wastewater, stormwater, or solid waste, recycling and organics, it’s time to get ready for a funding cycle! How to prepare for the upcoming funding cycle:…