“Trade need not be a zero-sum proposition.”

“Trade need not be a zero-sum proposition.”

I had the honor of speaking to several hundred Chinese and local businesses, government officials, investors and entrepreneurs about trade policy issues and our state’s long and strong commitment to international cooperation. The Shenzhen China-USA investment Forum, Aug. 28 in Seattle, showcased strong ties, opportunities in technology and innovation. These were my remarks (as drafted).

“Complete Streets” grant nominations close Sept. 24

“Complete Streets” grant nominations close Sept. 24

Commerce will be nominating up to 11 cities or counties for the Transportation Improvement Board’s “Complete Streets Award,” with grants between $100,000 and $1 million to be awarded in January 2019. Complete Streets is a program to encourage communities to design streets and roads for all users. Applications are due to Commerce by Sept. 24. Cities and counties with a population of 10,000 or less encouraged to apply.

Washington Leads Nation in State GDP Growth; Unemployment at Lowest Level Since 2007

Washington Leads Nation in State GDP Growth; Unemployment at Lowest Level Since 2007

Once again, Washington posted top GDP numbers of all U.S. states:  3.6% for the first quarter of 2018 against 1.8% nationwide. This comes after our leading annual GDP growth in both 2016 and 2017. A soaring information communication tech (ICT) sector contributed more than half of our overall growth at 1.9 percentage points. Washington’s tech industry is still hiring as fast as companies can find qualified workers, according to Dr.…

Snohomish PUD Breaks Ground on Microgrid and Clean Energy Technology Center

Snohomish PUD Breaks Ground on Microgrid and Clean Energy Technology Center

This project represents new technology and an approach that offers grid resiliency and renewable energy integration. The project will include a 500-kilowatt solar array with smart inverters, a 1,000 kW/1,000 kWh lithium-ion battery storage system and several vehicle-to-grid charging stations for use with the PUD’s electric fleet vehicles. Grants from the Washington Clean Energy Fund Grid Modernization Program helped deliver the energy storage elements that enable these and other exciting…

Convention Center Addition Brings $93 million in Community Improvements, including $30 million for Affordable Housing

Convention Center Addition Brings $93 million in Community Improvements, including $30 million for Affordable Housing

I was honored to speak on behalf of Gov. Inslee at last week’s groundbreaking ceremony for the $180 million Summit Addition to the Washington State Convention Center in downtown Seattle. We need this addition to handle all the potential events that choose Washington state as a destination. As I tweeted that day, it’s time the size of our convention center caught up with our economy – the fastest growing in…

Washington State ABLE Program Helps Individuals with Disabilities Save for the Future

Washington State ABLE Program Helps Individuals with Disabilities Save for the Future

When Congress passed and President Obama signed the Stephen Beck Jr. ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Act in 2014, people with eligible disabilities could finally save for their everyday needs, invest in a tax-free account, and prepare for the future without losing their state or federal benefits. Last month, after years of hard work with advocates and stakeholders across the state, Commerce hosted a celebration of the new Washington…

UPDATE: Trade Wars and Tariffs

UPDATE: Trade Wars and Tariffs

In recent weeks, trade policies, tariffs and retaliatory actions are in the news almost daily. Washington state’s economy is more focused on international trade than any other U.S. state – nearly 40 percent of jobs here are tied to trade. That has drawn the attention of local, national and international media seeking to understand what the Trump Administration’s policies and actions mean for American businesses and workers. The latest round…

New loan program launches rural broadband initiative

New loan program launches rural broadband initiative

“Broadband internet is an important tool for economic development, it has the power to unite us as a state, and we should make it available in all Washington communities.” — Gov. Jay Inslee Access to quality and affordable broadband internet helps create jobs, improves public safety and health services, and increases education opportunities. Gov. Inslee finished a 3-day trip across the state to talk about increasing access in rural communities.…

New Emerald Coast Opportunity Zone is highlight of Peninsula Tour

New Emerald Coast Opportunity Zone is highlight of Peninsula Tour

Gov. Inslee recently toured the Olympic Peninsula, helping launch the new Emerald Coast Opportunity Zone (#ECOZ). According to Joshua Berger, the governor’s Director of Economic Development for the Maritime Industry, “The Emerald Coast Opportunity Zone represents a powerful public-private collaboration forged to bring new investment to the Olympic Peninsula. The Governor’s visit is especially important in that his Washington Maritime BLUE initiative is a first-of-its-kind effort to promote innovation and…