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…

State logs robust 4.3% GDP growth for the third quarter

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…

How competitive is Washington state?

How competitive is Washington state?

Top aerospace industry analyst Richard Aboulafia was interviewed by Seattle Times reporter Dominic Gates on the first day of the 2018 Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance conference. Governor Inslee’s Choose Washington NMA Council recently announced hiring Aboulafia and Teal Group to produce a an independent competitive analysis addressing in detail the state’s benefits and challenges to win design, manufacture and assembly of the Boeing Company’s proposed new middle-of-the-market airplane, sometimes referred…

Washington State partners with DNV GL on a mission for sustainable maritime sector growth

Washington State partners with DNV GL on a mission for sustainable maritime sector growth

Washington State has the vision to be the United States’ most sustainable maritime cluster by 2050. DNV GL will support the state to develop it’s “Washington Maritime Blue” strategy for the sustainable development of the state’s $38 billion maritime industry. Washington State Governor Jay Inslee’s Maritime Innovation Advisory Council launched an effort called “Washington Maritime Blue”  in December 2017 to develop a comprehensive strategy for leading the nation in “blue”…

Millions of dollars in Earned Income Tax Credits go unclaimed each year – is some of it yours?

Millions of dollars in Earned Income Tax Credits go unclaimed each year – is some of it yours?

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a benefit for working people with low to moderate incomes. OLYMPIA, WA – Workers earning up to $53,930 may be eligible to receive the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). A tax return must be filed to get the credit, even if no tax is owed or filing a tax return is not required. Many people are eligible for this tax benefit, but…

Workshops announced for new rural broadband loan program

Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) offers workshops for local governments, tribes on funding for broadband projects in underserved communities OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) announced five workshop dates in June for rural communities interested in funding for infrastructure to bring broadband services to underserved areas around the state. The board approved policies to implement the new Rural Broadband Program at their May…

Connecting small businesses with international customers, partners

Connecting small businesses with international customers, partners

Rounding out the 2017 industry trade show calendar, Commerce organized and led delegations on two final trade missions: Dubai Air Show. The United Arab Emirates is one of the world’s largest markets for civil and military aircraft. Read more about the Washington companies in this year’s Choose Washington booth in Dubai. MEDICA is the world’s largest medical industry trade show. Learn about our innovative entrepreneurs and companies doing business in in Dusseldorf, Germany. Commerce provides services to…