2026-31 Strategic Plan

We support high-impact programs with expansive community representation and dismantle systemic barriers that hinder access. We make contracting and funding more available to communities through shared standards, technical assistance and training. We ensure programs are designed with and for communities and tribal nations. We use data to improve and scale successful initiatives.

We are facilitating community-led and equitable impacts through shared design, stronger technical assistance and thoughtful use of data.

Team actions

• Our operational teams are improving service delivery through modern tools and simplifying contracting and application requirements to ensure we are more responsive and accountable to the public.
• Our Communications team values transparency, sharing funding opportunities and delivering information that is accessible and culturally responsive to provide fair opportunities and outcomes for all audiences.
• Our Community Engagement and Outreach, Local Government and Tribal Relations teams engage directly with community partners and tribal nations to expand Commerce’s reach.
• The Community Services team is advancing inclusive data practices and co-creating programs with communities most affected by inequities.
• The Economic Development team is strengthening the competitiveness of key industry sectors and supporting resilient, diverse small businesses.
• Our Energy team is leading implementation of environmental justice laws and advancing a cleaner, more equitable energy future.
• The Housing team is facilitating meeting state-wide housing needs and embedding community input directly into program design and funding decisions.

Agency outcomes

1. Year-over-year improvement on outcomes aligned with legislative, executive and community objectives
2. Increase percentage of funding opportunities accessible and awarded to underserved communities
3. Create, build and promote internal systems that advance equity and transparency and remove barriers to access

We deepen engagement with communities, tribes and government partners through transparent communication, collaboration and co-governance models.

Team actions

• We are expanding community engagement statewide. We are helping underserved organizations build internal capacity.
• Our Economic Development team’s efforts bring the private sector to the table to strengthen Washington’s business environment.
• The Energy team is forging stronger partnerships with governments, tribes, utilities, industry and advocates to advance equitable climate and energy goals.
• The Housing team co-creates programs and procedures with people who have lived experience of homelessness or housing instability.
• The Local Government team supports partnerships with local jurisdictions and community-based organizations.
• Our Government Affairs team leads proactive communication with executive and legislative partners to reinforce transparent and collaborative policy development.
• The Tribal Relations team advances government contracting with tribal nations.
• Operational teams are enhancing operational resilience and ensuring transparent stewardship of public funds.

Agency outcomes

1. Improve user experience by ensuring agency tools are standardized, accessible, easy to find, easy to use and responsive to community needs.
2. Commerce is seen as a trustworthy and equitable partner by both newly developed and established partners, including prospective applicants

We pilot, scale, and invest in efficient, accessible, holistic solutions that address legislative, executive and community objectives, with equity as the foundation.

Team actions

• Our Energy team usesdata and modeling to identify gaps and proposes effective climate and energy solutions.
• Our Housing team continues to develop clear and equitable processes that support the long‑term goal of delivering 1.1 million new homes by 2043.
• The Local Government team helps ensure that innovative solutions are informed by diverse expertise, including participation in task forces and communities of practice.
• All divisions measure progress to refine and scale successful initiatives.
• Internally, operational teams ensure that we innovate on a foundation of accurate, standardized data.
• We are modernizing infrastructure and workforce capabilities to enable more effective digital delivery of information and analytics.
• Collectively, teams provide reliable reporting and deliver data-driven insights that inform decision making agencywide.

Agency outcomes

1. Measurable reductions in disparities or increases in prosperity for rural, historically underserved and/or marginalized communities, aligning state efforts and priorities
2. Align Commerce’s internal cross-program efforts and priorities to address urgent needs efficiently and collaboratively.

We foster a culture of continuous learning and constructive feedback everywhere Commerce operates.

Team actions

We are making it easier to engage with Commerce through training, technical assistance and capacity building. We are improving agencywide job knowledge through targeted training and stronger internal policies. We are centralizing project tracking to support more effective workflows.

• Our Communications team is elevating Commerce’s identity through a refreshed brand campaign and increasing engagement across key platforms.
• Across the agency, we are nurturing high‑performing teams that deliver equitable and community‑focused programs.

Agency outcomes

1. Increase learning opportunities for current and prospective Commerce community partners, offering accessible and standardized information and pathways to engagement
2. More staff have what they need to do their jobs with the provision of technical assistance and training services
3. Increase inclusion of staff through continuous learning and a constructive feedback culture

We are building an impactful, resilient organization by improving communication, aligning and standardizing operations, and forming a workplace where equity, belonging and respect are reflected in our everyday practice and culture.

Team actions

Across the Agency, divisions are coordinating to meet evolving needs.

• Our Contracts and Compliance team is improving consistency in contract management and addressing areas of audit risk through focused support.
• The Communications team is expanding access to information by increasing engagement and accessibility.
• The Financial Services group is strengthening business processes and modernizing our internal systems. 
• The Human Resources team is ensuring policies and systems are fair, consistent and easy to navigate.
• Our Technology team is modernizing digital infrastructure, strengthening data governance, and expanding adoption of new tools.

Together, we are building a workplace where people feel supported, equipped and empowered to do their best work.

Agency outcomes

1. Improve how we work together by practicing our team norms and behavioral expectations
2. Minimize risk through aligning and standardizing internal operations
3. Improve workplace culture, grounded in equity and belonging, to support staff throughout the employee experience and lifecycle