Public Works Board provides $2.4 million for emergency construction; paves way for more local infrastructure projects this summer

Public Works Board provides $2.4 million for emergency construction; paves way for more local infrastructure projects this summer

Washington Public Works Board emergency construction funds will repair two projects in Okanogan County, one in Grant County OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) took action at its March 15 meeting to award $2.4 million in emergency construction funds to support critical infrastructure replacements in Grant and Okanogan counties. Each local project received funding divided equally in the form of a grant and a 0.86% low-interest…

Commerce awards $240,000 to five regional partnerships planning for low-income housing needs

Commerce awards $240,000 to five regional partnerships planning for low-income housing needs

Additional grant funding is available through March to support regional planning for vulnerable residents at the lowest income levels OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded $240,000 to five community partnerships across the state to support coordination of land use planning and homeless services planning. Each city or county-led partnership will use the funds to coordinate resources and plan for their lowest income housing needs, including residents…

Commerce invests $1.2 million in homelessness diversion programs statewide

Commerce invests $1.2 million in homelessness diversion programs statewide

Targeted investments address BIPOC and historically marginalized communities, look to reduce inflow, waitlists in homeless crisis response system OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced more than $1.2 million in grants to provide homelessness diversion services throughout Washington state. The program is intended to help families and individuals identify practical solutions for resolving a housing crisis quickly and safely, and may include short-term services and financial…

$47 million infrastructure investment helps pave the way for more than 3,000 new affordable housing units

$47 million infrastructure investment helps pave the way for more than 3,000 new affordable housing units

Commerce grants help Washington communities take another step toward meeting projected need for 1.1 million new housing units over next 20 years OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $47 million in funding for infrastructure improvements to support 43 construction projects that will provide more than 3000 units of affordable housing statewide. Washington state is projected to need 1.1 million new units of housing over the…

Commerce invests $312.6 million in affordable housing and homeownership opportunities for Washington residents with low incomes

Commerce invests $312.6 million in affordable housing and homeownership opportunities for Washington residents with low incomes

Historic funding to increase state’s affordable housing stock by 3,913 multifamily/rental units and new homes for low-income homebuyers OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced historic investments totaling $312.6 million to address the urgent need for affordable housing in communities throughout Washington state. Lack of affordable housing and sufficient supportive housing options for vulnerable populations are top contributors to chronic homelessness. It is estimated that over…

Commerce awards over $2 million to help address highest priority child care shortages

Commerce awards over $2 million to help address highest priority child care shortages

Ballmer Group and the Bezos Family Foundation co-fund state Child Care Partnership planning grants to 18 local organizations serving communities statewide OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced over $2 million in Child Care Partnership Grants to 18 local organizations for local planning and pre-design efforts that will expand child care capacity in communities across the state.  Funding for the first year of these two-year awards…

State Equitable Access to Credit program accepting 2023 contributions through December 31

State Equitable Access to Credit program accepting 2023 contributions through December 31

New tax credit program will award grants to qualified lending institutions to provide businesses in historically underserved communities with access to credit. OLYMPIA, WA – Businesses and individuals with state Business and Occupation Tax (B&O) liabilities can earn tax credits by contributing to the state’s new Equitable Access to Credit program, launched in August. Cash contributions to the program can receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit from the Department of Revenue…

Commerce awards nearly $3 million to help cities plan for increasing middle housing options

Commerce awards nearly $3 million to help cities plan for increasing middle housing options

Grants will support adoption of local actions that aim to accommodate projected housing needs at all income levels through different types of units, providing more affordable housing options OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Department of Commerce today announced nearly $3 million for 54 cities across 16 Washington counties to support the adoption of local comprehensive plan policies and zoning codes to allow more middle housing in residential neighborhoods. Increasing the availability…

Community Economic Revitalization Board invests $3.3 million in three counties

Community Economic Revitalization Board invests $3.3 million in three counties

NOTE: These projects are subject to approval by CERB at the regularly scheduled business meeting on Thursday, Nov. 16. State funds leverage over $2.1 million in private and local resources expected to create and retain 81 high-wage jobs. OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $3.2 million in low interest loans and $100,000 in grants for economic development and public infrastructure improvements intended to…