Ready, set, drive electric: State instant rebate program to help more consumers choose electric vehicles

Ready, set, drive electric: State instant rebate program to help more consumers choose electric vehicles

Combined with federal and dealer incentives, $45 million in state rebates aim to make EVs accessible to lower income drivers OLYMPIA, WA – The choice and benefits of driving electric vehicles (EVs) is about to become more affordable to many more Washingtonians, thanks to a new state program announced today. Flanked by a showcase of affordably priced EV models at a Seattle City Light public charging station in Tukwila, Gov.…

Report: Washington’s Priority Climate Action Plan lays the groundwork for cleaner, more equitable future

Report: Washington’s Priority Climate Action Plan lays the groundwork for cleaner, more equitable future

Plan offers collaborative vision for reducing climate pollution, aids communities in securing potentially millions in federal funding OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington communities now have a guide to secure some of $4.6 billion in federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) implementation funding for greenhouse gas reduction measures. Washington’s Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP), released by the Department of Commerce, lays the groundwork for propelling the state toward connected, effective, and equitable…

Commerce awards $2 million to encourage innovative business and manufacturing expansion statewide

Commerce awards $2 million to encourage innovative business and manufacturing expansion statewide

Second round of Evergreen Manufacturing grants anticipate creating up to 526 new jobs over three years 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 focus on rural communities. Ten projects were awarded $200,000 each through the Evergreen Manufacturing grant program. Together, the projects anticipate supporting up to an estimated 526 jobs…

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…

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…

Commerce invests $30.4 million to add high-quality early learning spaces

Commerce invests $30.4 million to add high-quality early learning spaces

Grants will fund acquisition, renovation, and construction of 42 early learning facilities to serve nearly 2,500 children in 15 counties OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce, in partnership with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), has awarded $30.4 million in grants to 42 early learning providers across the state. Early Learning Facilities grants provide financial assistance to Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) contractors…

Commerce invests $1.2 million in homelessness diversion programs statewide

Commerce invests $1.2 million in homelessness diversion programs statewide

Targeted investments address BIPOC and historically marginalized communities, look to reduce inflow, waitlists in homeless crisis response system OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced more than $1.2 million in grants to provide homelessness diversion services throughout Washington state. The program is intended to help families and individuals identify practical solutions for resolving a housing crisis quickly and safely, and may include short-term services and financial…

Commerce invests $8.1 million to expand renewable energy use, strengthen Washington’s electric grid

Commerce invests $8.1 million to expand renewable energy use, strengthen Washington’s electric grid

Funded projects include battery storage systems, microgrids for more resilient clean energy OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced 14 grants awarded through the Clean Energy Fund (CEF) that will expand the use of renewable energy in the state’s electrical grid. These projects are for numerous innovative clean energy technologies, including battery energy storage systems and microgrids. “Commerce is dedicated to the state’s climate commitment goals,…

Washington selected to participate in new HUD, HHS Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator program

Washington selected to participate in new HUD, HHS Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator program

Only eight states and D.C. were selected for the new program OLYMPIA, WA — Washington state was recently selected for technical assistance resources from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator (Accelerator) program. According to a press release from HHS, the Accelerator will help unlock resources to reduce homelessness by addressing health-related social needs, such…