Community-based organization public participation grants

Are you interested in shaping the future of your community? Do you want to add voices to the conversation about how your community looks and functions in the future? Is funding a barrier to your participation? If so, then you might be interested in this new funding opportunity. Recent updates to state law require Commerce to advance participation of vulnerable populations and overburdened communities in comprehensive planning processes. In response,…

FY25 Construction Cycle Opens on April 8, 2024

At its March business meeting, the Public Works Board (PWB) approved $148 million in available funding for local construction projects. The funding cycle will open April 8, 2024 and close June 28, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. The PWB also took action to set aside $7.3 million each for the pre-construction and emergency programs, which are open continuously. All application related materials will be available on the PWB webpage. The PWB…

Public Works Board provides $2.4 million for emergency construction; paves way for more local infrastructure projects this summer

Public Works Board provides $2.4 million for emergency construction; paves way for more local infrastructure projects this summer

Washington Public Works Board emergency construction funds will repair two projects in Okanogan County, one in Grant County OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) took action at its March 15 meeting to award $2.4 million in emergency construction funds to support critical infrastructure replacements in Grant and Okanogan counties. Each local project received funding divided equally in the form of a grant and a 0.86% low-interest…

Recovery Residence Operating Funds program to be discontinued

The Department of Commerce is discontinuing the Recovery Residence Operating Funds program as of June 30, 2024.  Organizations interested in obtaining start-up funding to establish new Level II or Level III recovery residences, as defined by the National Association of Recovery Residences,  should contact the Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR).  WAQRR is administering this program on behalf of the Washington State Health Care Authority. Funding under this program pays for costs…

With billions of federal dollars at stake, state helps communities secure funding for infrastructure, innovation, jobs

With billions of federal dollars at stake, state helps communities secure funding for infrastructure, innovation, jobs

Commerce Director Fong announces first round of grants to assist Washington state applications for millions in federal funds OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington Department of Commerce today announced the first two rounds of grants from a new program designed to assist communities in capturing opportunities to receive a share of billions in federal funding currently available to states. The Securing Federal Funding Initiative, funded by the Washington State Legislature, supports…

Help shape our next RFP: Community Coaching Sessions on March 20 & 27, 2024

The Community Reinvestment Plan is currently redistributing $200 million from the Community Reinvestment Account to invest in communities disproportionately harmed by the historical design and enforcement of state and federal criminal laws and penalties for drug possession (the “War on Drugs”). This funding prioritizes (but is not limited to) Black, Latine, and tribal communities across WA, but all communities of color who have been harmed by the War on Drugs…

Governor’s 2024 Smart Communities Awards nominations now open

Governor’s 2024 Smart Communities Awards nominations now open

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…

Report: Creative economy contributes nearly $120 billion to Washington state GDP

Report: Creative economy contributes nearly $120 billion to Washington state GDP

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…

Commerce awards $240,000 to five regional partnerships planning for low-income housing needs

Commerce awards $240,000 to five regional partnerships planning for low-income housing needs

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…