Media Center
Commerce News
Washington Department of Commerce names Lisa Heaton to lead digital equity work
New Managing Director of Broadband Equity will focus on community-led solutions to provide broadband access, affordability and digital literacy for all Washington residents OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce has hired Lisa Heaton (she/her) to serve as Managing Director of Broadband Equity working in partnership with the Washington State Broadband Office. Heaton, a past recipient of the Governor’s Leadership in Management Award, brings a wealth of public
Maximizing energy efficiency and electrification of large buildings are key to meeting state clean energy and environmental justice goals. OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $9.7 million in Clean Energy Fund grants to support decarbonization of buildings throughout the state. The Building Electrification grant program funds deployment of grid-interactive buildings and installation of high-efficiency electric equipment. Eligible grant applicants included state and local governments, federally
Commerce commits $83.5 million to address homelessness through affordable housing construction
First-ever Apple Health and Homes Capital plus additional funding advance new projects to serve people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in communities across Washington state Olympia, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce announced new funding awards totaling $83.5 million to provide affordable housing opportunities in communities across the state. The new Office of Apple Health and Homes and Commerce’s Multifamily Housing Unit awarded $43.7 million to create
Inslee appoints Michael Fong as director of the Washington State Department of Commerce
Gov. Jay Inslee today named Michael Fong to serve as director of the Washington State Department of Commerce. He replaces Lisa Brown, who left Commerce earlier this year after leading the agency for four years. Kendrick Stewart, Commerce’s deputy director and current acting director, will continue leading the agency until Fong begins on May 8. Fong currently serves as the regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s operations in the
Commerce awards $2 million to encourage innovative business and manufacturing growth statewide
Evergreen Manufacturing Grants designed to create new jobs in manufacturing, research and development OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington Department of Commerce today announced $2 million in grants to accelerate manufacturing job growth and economic opportunity across the state with a particular focus on rural communities. Six businesses and four innovation cluster organizations were awarded $200,000 each through the Evergreen Manufacturing Grant program. These grants support the Building Economic Strength Through
PNWH2 Hub concept envisions dynamic Pacific Northwest network of clean, renewable hydrogen suppliers and end-users to decarbonize some of the hardest-to-abate sectors OLYMPIA, WA – The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association (PNWH2) submitted its full Funding Opportunity Application to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today in a bid to become one of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Up to approximately $1 billion in
Commerce invests $24.2 million to create more than 240 new homeownership opportunities
Grants leverage $66 million in local and private funds to expand homeownership access across Washington state. OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce has invested $24.2 million to create and support homeownership opportunities throughout the state. Twenty-one new proposals were awarded grants and three existing projects will receive additional funding to cover gaps created by increased costs for materials. These projects will create approximately 242 new homeownership opportunities
Building owners are encouraged to provide input on shaping energy efficiency requirements, financial incentives and assistance under Washington’s expanded Clean Buildings Standard OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce is asking building owners to participate in the rulemaking process for the state’s expanded Clean Buildings Performance Standard, beginning with an introductory webinar at 10:30 a.m. on April 13. Energy-efficient buildings are essential to meeting our state’s climate goals
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Email: Penny.Thomas@Commerce.wa.gov
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