Strengthening communities by building infrastructure
Strong communities are those with modern water, sewer and communications infrastructure; reliable, renewable energy systems; and other facilities capable of serving not only the needs but the aspirations of future generations. Commerce works to expand opportunities in rural and underserved communities.
Through our administration of the Washington State Housing Trust Fund, we have helped communities develop and preserve affordable housing for low-income and special needs populations for over 30 years. We have made investments in every community in Washington, including a most recent investment of $33.5 million for affordable housing.
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) fund a wide range of public facilities and service that help low- and middle-income people in rural communities, such as Tieton.
Since 1982, the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) has committed nearly $163 million to local jurisdictions across the state, an investment generating more than 35,000 jobs, and private capital investments of a $5.6 billion ($34 to $1) return on CERB investment.