State support advances First Mode Proving Grounds for hybrid hydrogen fuel cell and battery-powered mining trucks at former coal mine in Centralia

State support advances First Mode Proving Grounds for hybrid hydrogen fuel cell and battery-powered mining trucks at former coal mine in Centralia

$250K grant solidifies development of new facility with potential for long-term local, regional economic impact OLYMPIA, WA — Lewis County could well become a symbol of Washington state’s robust and growing clean energy economy when zero-emission trucks the height of three-story buildings are seen rolling around the First Mode Proving Grounds later this year. First Mode, a global carbon reduction company that developed the world’s first integrated battery and hydrogen…

Adequate Provisions Guidance 30-day comment period ends February 24, 2023

Adequate Provisions Guidance 30-day comment period ends February 24, 2023

Commerce has developed draft guidance for how local governments should show they have made “adequate provisions” for existing and projected needs of all economic segments (RCW 36.70A.070(2)(d)). This portion of the guidance details how to show consideration for all economic segments in housing planning and how to document programs and actions needed to achieve housing availability including gaps in local funding, development regulations and other limitations. We want to remind…

Commerce is getting the word out on comprehensive planning

Commerce is getting the word out on comprehensive planning

In late January, Clark County invited the managing director of Growth Management Services, Dave Andersen, to their comprehensive plan update kick-off meeting. Check out Dave’s 40-minute presentation on what to expect, and what to focus on as Clark County takes a look at the next 20 years of community development. Some of the topics covered in the video are: Changes in law concerning housing The updated comprehensive planning schedule How…

Janel McFeat named Executive Director of Washington Statewide Reentry Council

Janel McFeat named Executive Director of Washington Statewide Reentry Council

OLYMPIA, WA — Human rights champion Janel McFeat will lead Washington’s Statewide Reentry Council beginning January 3. McFeat started her social work career in Tacoma and currently serves as a strategic planner/program manager for the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, where she created a nationally-recognized reentry program using evidence-based practices and a people-first human dignity model. She is a White House Champion for Change nominee and recipient of the Linda Gabriel…

Commerce makes final Right of Way Safety Initiative funding awards to city and nonprofit proposals in latest step toward closing Camp Hope

Commerce makes final Right of Way Safety Initiative funding awards to city and nonprofit proposals in latest step toward closing Camp Hope

New investments bring total to 376 beds for temporary and permanent housing now funded in Spokane. OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce will fund multiple proposals from the final portion of state’s Right of Way Safety Initiative funding available for work to close the homeless encampment on Washington State Department of Transportation property in Spokane, known as Camp Hope. These newest investments of more than $4 million…