New chair will focus on linking affordable housing systems and homeless services, and coordination of state efforts to meet the state’s demand for affordable housing OLYMPIA, Wash. – Governor Jay Inslee recently appointed M.A. Leonard as chair of the state’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board. Leonard started her term with a special meeting Jan. 26 to set legislative priorities in Olympia. “With housing costs rising far faster than middle and lower incomes, particularly for…
Author Archives: Penny Thomas
Agency proposes to study, make recommendations for action to protect consumers Manufactured homes are an important source of housing and provide homeownership opportunities for people who might otherwise be unable to afford a home, including seniors and low-income households. In stark contrast with conventional homes, however, buyers of manufactured homes do not enjoy equal protections under the law, making them more vulnerable to unfair and sometimes predatory business practices. At…
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a benefit for working people with low to moderate incomes. OLYMPIA, WA – Many people are eligible for a tax benefit that often goes unclaimed. Twenty percent of those eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) either do not claim the benefit on their taxes or do not file a tax return at all. The credit reduces the amount of taxes owed and…
The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $130,000 targeting business growth and job creation for the city of Kalama, Longview Public Development Authority and Quileute Tribal Council. Cowlitz County – $50,000 grant to the city of Kalama for the Kalama Downtown Economic Revitalization Implementation Strategy, a feasibility study to update the city’s economic development plan, evaluate and develop a plan for additional support services and a market analysis to identify target industries…
State launches two pilot centers for entrepreneurial success in Eastern Washington Startup Washington expands with locally-focused centers to help build new businesses Designed to connect entrepreneurs with the resources they need to turn an idea into a viable business, product or service, the Washington State Department of Commerce has launched two new Startup 365 Centers for Entrepreneurial Success in Asotin and Whitman Counties. The pilot programs are part of a…
Funds will support 1,249 units of affordable housing and 120 seasonal farmworker beds for low-income people The Washington State Department of Commerce today awarded $47.5 million in loans and grants from the state Housing Trust Fund and $2.6 million from the federal HOME program for 36 affordable housing projects in 26 counties across the state. These projects will provide a total of 1,249 units of affordable housing for low-income people,…
The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $5.539 million in grants to seven health care providers to develop additional facilities for short-term inpatient psychiatric detention services. The state’s investment is supported with another $93.3 million from other funding sources. The grant recipients are: Jefferson County Public Hospital District No.2 – Port Townsend, $1.509 million Providence Mount Carmel Hospital – Colville, $2.0 million Rainier Springs, LLC – Vancouver, $5,000 Spokane Springs, LLC…
Proposed projects could support food and beverage manufacturing, a business incubator, waterfront redevelopment, a business park and new public infrastructure. OLYMPIA, WA –The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $246,113 in public investments for economic development feasibility studies targeting business growth and job creation in Adams County, Port of Clarkston, Port of Vancouver, Port of Kalama, and the city of Palouse. Adams County – $50,000 grant to Adams County for…
100+ activities across the state synchronize with Global Entrepreneurship Week, Nov. 16-22 Washington’s entrepreneurial spirit will be showcased during the month of November in cities and counties throughout the state. Held in conjunction with Global Entrepreneurship Week, an international celebration of entrepreneurship, more than 100 activities are planned statewide to inspire, encourage and support new business startups. “Startups – ranging from pizza houses to small manufacturers to labs searching for…
New “Weatherization Plus Health” adds assistance for families with asthma Governor Inslee joins community action agencies, housing authorities and local governments across the state and nation in recognizing October 30, 2015 as Weatherization Day in Washington. Washington’s Weatherization Assistance Program helps many households make it through the cold weather season – and the years ahead – by adding insulation, sealing cracks, and making other improvements that reduce heat loss and save…