“Washington demonstrated a deep commitment to meaningful community engagement and centering equity concerns.” Washington is a leader on energy and climate policy with a goal to provide an equitable clean energy economy to benefit everyone in the state — including urban and rural communities, overburdened and low-income households, and Indigenous communities. The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Energy Division received a 2022 State Leadership in Clean Energy Award from the Clean…
Tag Archives: News release
In-person seminars this week and next provide application assistance OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Washington Festivals and Events Association (WFEA) and ArtsWA, today announced a $3.5 million grant program to help established, small-community festivals and events.. The application portal for the grants is open at CommerceGrants.com beginning at 8 a.m., June 8. The application window closes July 1 at 5 p.m. This program…
$120 million in low-interest state loans available for local infrastructure projects OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) is accepting applications for infrastructure construction and pre-construction loans now through midnight, Sept. 9. Cities, counties, special purpose districts and quasi-municipal organizations may apply. Infrastructure systems eligible for these very low-interest state loans – between 0.47 and 1.39% for a 20-year construction loan – include streets and roads, bridges,…
Commerce Director Brown appoints 21-member council to advise on policy, strategies and investment to grow regional manufacturing sectors and jobs statewide. OLYMPIA, WA — Washington Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown today named 21 members to the state’s new Manufacturing Council. Council members are leaders hailing from the private, non-profit and public sectors. The council will advise and consult with the department and its agency partners, including the Office of…
Leading hospitality industry veteran will give voice to Tribal communities and interests OLYMPIA, WA — Sam Askew, Executive Director of Resort Operations at Northern Quest Resort & Casino, has been appointed to the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority Advisory Committee by Commerce Director Lisa Brown. Askew fills a vacant position on the four-person committee reserved for representing the interests and perspectives of Washington’s Tribal communities. “Sam’s energy and extensive background in…
Environmental Protection Agency funding seeks to address economic, social and environmental challenges caused by contaminated land Olympia, Wash. – Washington state’s Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund (BRLF) recently received a $3.9-million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assist clean up and redevelopment projects on “brownfield” sites statewide. A brownfield is property commonly used for industrial purposes, such as former gas stations or dry cleaners, which are polluted and require…
WSU tech transfer center study among projects awarded planning grants at May board meeting OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $200,000 in grants for rural broadband and economic development feasibility studies. Projects awarded funding are located in Clark, Spokane, and Whitman counties and will spur broadband deployment, business growth and job creation. Clark County $50,000 grant to the Port of Camas-Washougal for the…
Funding will support housing strategies to increase urban residential building capacity and streamline development regulation in 28 communities across Washington state. OLYMPIA, WA – Decades of underbuilding homes at all income levels has created a supply and demand imbalance playing out today in the affordable housing and homelessness crisis in communities across Washington state. One study suggests the shortage is more than 225,000 units. To help communities address this growing…
Liz Rocca to lead communications; Stephanie Bowman appointed to lead maritime sector economic development OLYMPIA, WA — Washington Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown recently announced two new appointments to key leadership roles in the growing state agency. Veteran journalist Liz Rocca joins Commerce’s Executive Leadership team as Communications Director. In the department’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness, former Port of Seattle Commissioner Stephanie Bowman is serving as Governor’s…
Free, self-directed learning series tailored for creative occupations teaches essential skills to build a successful small business OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington Department of Commerce has launched its new Creatives Academy, the third in a series of self-directed educational academies for small business owners. Designed to teach the essential skills needed to turn a creative pursuit into a successful small business, the academy contains 11 tracks. Lessons range from developing…