Annual awards recognize outstanding work in community planning and development Olympia, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Commerce has opened nominations for the 18th annual Governor’s Smart Communities Awards, a program that recognizes outstanding work by local governments and their partners on long-term community planning and development. Nominations feature the best our state has to offer in collaborative community development and local comprehensive planning. Community leaders look to this…
Commerce study outlines priorities, strategies to grow creative sector which represents nearly 20% of total state economic production OLYMPIA, WA – The creative sector accounts for nearly 20% of Washington state’s economy, contributing nearly $120 billion annually to the state GDP, according to a report released today from the Washington State Department of Commerce. The report, produced with the assistance of the Creative Economy Strategic Work Group and lead contractor…
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…
Funding is through Continuum of Care program, which is part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development OLYMPIA, WA — Washington communities have another $110 million for new and existing housing projects thanks to funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care (CoC) Program Competition. Providers across Washington are working on 205 new and existing projects that provide temporary or permanent housing assistance and/or supportive…
Grants will fund acquisition, renovation, and construction of 42 early learning facilities to serve nearly 2,500 children in 15 counties OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce, in partnership with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), has awarded $30.4 million in grants to 42 early learning providers across the state. Early Learning Facilities grants provide financial assistance to Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) contractors…
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…
Funded projects include battery storage systems, microgrids for more resilient clean energy OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced 14 grants awarded through the Clean Energy Fund (CEF) that will expand the use of renewable energy in the state’s electrical grid. These projects are for numerous innovative clean energy technologies, including battery energy storage systems and microgrids. “Commerce is dedicated to the state’s climate commitment goals,…
Updated data shows roles of green hydrogen and hydrogen-derived fuels in net-zero economy; recommends most strategic uses and phases for state support OLYMPIA, WA — Green electrolytic hydrogen and renewable fuels made with hydrogen are expected to play an important role in Washington’s economy as it transforms to eliminate fossil fuels from the energy system, according to a recent report from the Washington Department of Commerce. The report finds that…
Only eight states and D.C. were selected for the new program OLYMPIA, WA — Washington state was recently selected for technical assistance resources from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator (Accelerator) program. According to a press release from HHS, the Accelerator will help unlock resources to reduce homelessness by addressing health-related social needs, such…
Wheeler has nearly 20 years’ experience working with Tribes and underserved communities OLYMPIA, WA — Gov. Jay Inslee appointed Aaron Wheeler to serve as director of the Washington State Broadband Office within the Department of Commerce. Wheeler is an information technology professional with 18 years of experience working with the Suquamish Tribe’s government. “Rural internet access is a priority in Washington, and Aaron’s experience will help everyone get connected no…