Applications open for two new loan programs: Owner-Occupied Commercial Real-Estate and Small Business Flex Fund 2 OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce has launched the first of five planned small business loan and investment programs aimed at increasing access to capital for small businesses in Washington state, particularly those that have been historically underserved or underbanked. A total of $163 million in funding comes from the U.S.…
Grants support innovative solar and wave energy projects, advance state goals on environmental justice and equity OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Commerce this week announced $7.5 million in grants to five tribes in Washington to plan, design and build clean energy projects. Funded by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, these clean energy grants through Commerce are part of an $83 million opportunity that includes $16 million for a…
Commerce Director Mike Fong issued the following statement on the recent passing of Karen Lane Rahm: On behalf of all of our current and former Department of Commerce team members, I share condolences to the family, and many friends and colleagues of Karen Lane Rahm on her recent passing. Karen led our precursor agency, known as the State Planning and Community Development Agency, prior to being appointed Secretary of the…
Affordable Housing Advisory Board releases 2023-2028 Housing Advisory Plan: Affordable Housing Needs in Washington Olympia, Washington – The lack of affordable housing options has reached critical levels in communities throughout Washington, according to the recently released Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB) Five-Year Housing Advisory Plan. The AHAB report highlights the need for action, detailing that the state must add over a million new homes within the next 20 years to…
OLYMPIA, WA – Washington state’s initial proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is one of three approved today by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The BEAD program is a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. This approval will enable the state to request access to over $1.2 billion allocated to begin implementation of its BEAD program —…
New Commerce grants fund organizations taking action to help communities disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs build a stable financial future OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $9.8 million in grants to 28 organizations and institutions providing financial coaching for communities disproportionally impacted by the historical design and enforcement of state criminal laws and penalties for drug possession, commonly referred to as the war…
Awards will fund 10 projects in eight counties, and connect nearly 6,000 unserved broadband locations OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) recently approved $21 million in critical infrastructure projects in 10 communities for broadband construction, pre-construction, and emergency funding. Taking action at its May 3, 2024 business meeting, the PWB approved $20 million to expand broadband access in unserved communities, $550,000 for two pre-construction projects, and two emergency…
Combined with federal and dealer incentives, $45 million in state rebates aim to make EVs accessible to lower income drivers OLYMPIA, WA – The choice and benefits of driving electric vehicles (EVs) is about to become more affordable to many more Washingtonians, thanks to a new state program announced today. Flanked by a showcase of affordably priced EV models at a Seattle City Light public charging station in Tukwila, Gov.…
Funding will help make repairs to keep 873 units in service for vulnerable populations in 14 counties OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Department of Commerce this week announced $19.8 million in awards to 31 applicants to preserve 873 affordable housing units through the Housing Preservation Program. These projects provide critically needed housing to some of Washington’s most vulnerable populations. Nine of the awarded projects are in King County, and the other…
Washington’s share of $2.75 billion in federal funding will unlock opportunities to connect communities, support access to computers and digital skills programs OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington’s Digital Equity Plan has been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), bringing with it approximately $15.9 million in available federal funding from the Biden Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The plan addresses disparities and identifies barriers to digital access, skills and affordability…