It seems so long ago and yet just like yesterday when countries around the world began initiating shutdowns in response to a deadly virus we knew almost nothing about. Companies shifted millions of employees to telework. Schools closed. Offices and storefronts were shuttered. In-person events were canceled. For a while we wondered if these changes would be temporary. They were not. One year later, in this historic economic downturn, we’re…
While the 2020-2021 school year looks really different, sexual violence primary prevention in K-12 schools must remain a priority for school staff, advocates, parents, caregivers, and all community members. Over the past couple of years, the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy has supported the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) as they implement Erin’s Law (House Bill 1539). Erin’s Law was passed unanimously in both the House and…
I am proud of the way our Commerce team is embracing the immense challenges of COVID-19. The pandemic forced our staff into a new world of remote work, but each team member prioritized their work, and we continue to advance important projects that are strengthening communities throughout the state because of their dedication to helping others. For example, in our Housing Finance Unit, the pandemic hit at a time when…
Othello, Stevenson and Cowlitz County will use grant funds to develop housing action plans and adopt municipal code changes to make it easier for rural residents to find housing they can afford. OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce has awarded growth management grants of $25,000 each to Othello, Stevenson and Cowlitz County to help the communities address housing affordability. “These grants support and strengthen communities in their…
By Dr. Lisa Brown, Director, Washington State Department of Commerce What makes a strong community? Good jobs. Affordable housing. Reliable infrastructure. Innovation for a clean, healthy future. These are some of the key attributes that give Washington state its unique sense of place and quality of life. Read the full op-ed in the Spokesman-Review…
$6 million in pre-construction loans awarded to 12 Washington communities OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Public Works Board approved 12 cities and counties for approximately $6 million in pre-construction loans for 2018. This is the first time in five years the board has had funding from the state Legislature to issue loans. The Board selected 12 out of 15 projects from applications requesting over $7.5 million. These projects will…
2002, 2018
National study shows local gains, but still insufficient affordable housing construction
A 2017 study by the National Low Income Housing Coalition that looked at affordable housing in the 50 largest metro areas in the country showed Seattle has 29 units of affordable housing for every 100 households with extremely low income. While we are building more than other regions of the country, Puget Sound population growth still outpaces the rate of construction. Willingness to explore new housing ideas and build homes more quickly is…
Washington’s state GDP increased 4.3 percent in the third quarter of 2017, the most recent reported by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). That’s fourth best nationwide, behind only Delaware (5.7), Texas (5.0) and New Hampshire (4.4). Once again, the information sector far outpaced other sectors, contributing 1.29 of Washington’s percentage point change. Other strong sectors were retail trade at .61 percent and finance and insurance at .50 percent. Durable…
Our state will be home to the nation’s most sustainable maritime industry by 2050.
Two of largest projects include private partner investments of $120 million by Sunnyside Community Hospital Association for new hospital construction and $10 million by KW Partners/FedEx at Port of Everett. OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $4,956,250 in grants and low-interest loans for public infrastructure development and economic feasibility studies in nine counties across the state. The projects target business growth and job…