Strengthening Communities and Growing Washington's Economy
The Department of Commerce is the one agency in state government that touches every aspect of community and economic development: planning, infrastructure, energy, public facilities, housing, public safety and crime victims, international trade, business services and more. We work with local governments, tribes, businesses and civic leaders throughout the state to strengthen communities so all residents may thrive and prosper.
Housing Trust Funds
Applications are now being accepted affordable housing projects seeking funding in the 2019-20 funding cycles. We estimate having $75 million in Housing Trust Funds for the 2019-21 biennium.
Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance
If you’re struggling to keep the heat on this winter, you should know about the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program helps households avoid utility shutoffs in the winter.
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ABLE savings plan changes lives for people with disabilities
State launches campaign to raise awareness among 130,000-180,000 Washington citizens who may be eligible for the first-time savings program OLYMPIA, WA —Emma Patterson has her sights on a promising future. “When I am an adult, I want to teach art in the Child Life program at Seattle Children’s Hospital,” said the 16-year-old from Lake Stevens. “I will need to go to college and have an apartment in Seattle to do
Commerce awards five-year contract to Washington Tourism Alliance
The Washington Tourism Alliance issued this press release on Jan. 31. Commerce announced today that the Washington Tourism Alliance (WTA) has been awarded a five-year contract to provide tourism marketing services for the Washington state, effective immediately. The WTA, a private, 501[c]6 organization led by the state tourism industry, will assume the role of official statewide destination marketing organization with the goal of enhancing economic prosperity through visitor volume, expenditures,
Gov. Inslee announces appointment of Lisa Brown as director of Washington State Department of Commerce
Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Lisa Brown as director of the Washington State Department of Commerce today. Brown takes over from Brian Bonlender who served in that role for the past six years.