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…
Tag Archives: Mike Fong
Wheeler has nearly 20 years’ experience working with Tribes and underserved communities OLYMPIA, WA — Gov. Jay Inslee appointed Aaron Wheeler to serve as director of the Washington State Broadband Office within the Department of Commerce. Wheeler is an information technology professional with 18 years of experience working with the Suquamish Tribe’s government. “Rural internet access is a priority in Washington, and Aaron’s experience will help everyone get connected no…
The second round of middle housing grants supports communities creating a greater variety of housing types to respond to housing needs at all income levels OLYMPIA, WA – The Department of Commerce today announced an additional $685,000 in grants for 14 jurisdictions to support the adoption of local comprehensive plan policies and zoning codes to allow more middle housing in residential neighborhoods. These awards follow the first funding round that provided…
Emergency funds will repair water, sewer and bridge projects in Pierce, Klickitat and Pend Oreille counties. Pre-construction loans and grants will support planning for six critical water projects across Washington. OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) recently approved $5.1 million in critical infrastructure projects in eight communities. Awards include $2 million in emergency construction projects and approximately $3.1 million in pre-construction funding. The emergency construction projects will fund work…
Funding going to nonprofits, utilities, tribes and public agencies in communities with highest need OLYMPIA, WA – Governor Jay Inslee joined Washington State Department of Commerce Director Mike Fong today to announce over $85 million in grants that will fund nearly 5,000 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in communities throughout the state. All of the funds are going to nonprofits, electric utilities, tribes and public agencies, and half of…
Commerce grants help Washington communities take another step toward meeting projected need for 1.1 million new housing units over next 20 years OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $47 million in funding for infrastructure improvements to support 43 construction projects that will provide more than 3000 units of affordable housing statewide. Washington state is projected to need 1.1 million new units of housing over the…
Historic funding to increase state’s affordable housing stock by 3,913 multifamily/rental units and new homes for low-income homebuyers OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced historic investments totaling $312.6 million to address the urgent need for affordable housing in communities throughout Washington state. Lack of affordable housing and sufficient supportive housing options for vulnerable populations are top contributors to chronic homelessness. It is estimated that over…
Gov. Jay Inslee appointed the former U.S. Small Business Administration Pacific Northwest Regional Administrator and Seattle Deputy Mayor to lead Commerce in April. OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Senate Business, Financial Services, Gaming and Trade Committee today confirmed by unanimous vote the appointment of Mike Fong to lead the Department of Commerce. A final confirmation vote by the full Senate will take place during the 2024 session which convened…
Ballmer Group and the Bezos Family Foundation co-fund state Child Care Partnership planning grants to 18 local organizations serving communities statewide OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced over $2 million in Child Care Partnership Grants to 18 local organizations for local planning and pre-design efforts that will expand child care capacity in communities across the state. Funding for the first year of these two-year awards…
Focus on equity runs throughout significant funding increases serving range of priorities from housing to clean energy, broadband expansion and helping secure federal funding OLYMPIA, WA — Gov. Jay Inslee’s supplemental budget released today proposes a $1.2 billion increase for the Department of Commerce, including $415 million in operating funds and $775 million in new capital dollars. The proposed budget funds all of the agency’s upcoming legislative requests. Commerce is…