$10.6 million available to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Washington state OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce is now accepting applications for a new grant through the Electrification of Transportation Systems (ETS) program. Potential applicants must be part of Washington state local government, a retail electric utility serving Washington state, or any organization partnering with qualified entities. All modes of transportation qualify, and Commerce is prioritizing…
Tag Archives: Washington State Department of Commerce
On Thursday night, January 23, I joined in the annual one-night Point-in-Time count of people living in homeless shelters, in cars, on the streets and other places not fit for human habitation. I was not prepared for how many people I saw in my hometown of Spokane, even though I visited only two places. The first person I interviewed that evening at Union Gospel Mission Spokane had the same birthday…
“Thrive!” program offers expertise to help high-growth businesses with up to $25 million in annual revenues expand OLYMPIA, WA – Expanding on the success of its original economic gardening program, the Washington Department of Commerce has developed Thrive!, a new program to help second-stage companies increase revenues and position for growth. Based on the Edward Lowe Foundation’s System for Integrated Growth (SiG) framework, Thrive! connects chief executive officers to subject…
Keep Washington Working group to research, develop strategies and recommended approaches to ensure state economy continues to benefit from diverse workforce and immigrant-owned businesses OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced a 17-member statewide work group formed in response to the 2019 Keep Washington Working Act addressing statewide policy on supporting Washington’s economy and immigrants’ role in the workplace. Members include representatives of geographically diverse immigrant…
Grants strengthen bold initiatives serving vulnerable young people in local communities across the state, including 23 rural counties OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Office of Homeless Youth has awarded $11 million to enable communities across the state to respond to more young people in need of stable housing and support. The grants boost services and resources in 30 counties, 23 of which are rural. Funding was…
Competitive process identifies 39 proposed projects at school district, higher education, local and state government facilities that will reduce operational costs and CO2 emissions. OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $8.7 million in grants to local governments, schools and state agencies for 39 proposed projects all over the state that will increase energy efficiency and solar energy use and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. “Because…
1403, 2019
First impressions, crucial conversations
By Lisa Brown, Director It’s hard to believe that a month has passed since I accepted Gov. Inslee’s appointment to lead the Department of Commerce. I knew this was going to be an exciting opportunity for me to apply my experience in government, health science and economics to advance the agency’s mission of strengthening communities all over the state. If these first weeks are any indication, I’m in for a…
Robin Toth, former vice president at Greater Spokane, Inc., will head the state’s public-private collaborative efforts to grow aerospace in Washington; Julia Terlinchamp leaves Gov. Inslee staff to lead life sciences/global health sector development. OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Commerce announced today that Robin Toth and Julia Terlinchamp are the newest members of the state’s team leading strategic economic development in eight key industry sectors. Based in Commerce,…
Survey now open to gather input on resources to guide communities in planning for development around Department of Defense and other military installations OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce is drafting a Washington State Guidebook on Military and Community Compatibility as a technical resource for local governments to use in planning for development near military installations. An online survey is now available to capture opinions and comments…
Grants and loans fund work on 23 multifamily rental properties and shelter projects statewide OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $9.9 million in grants and loans from the state’s Housing Trust Fund (HTF) for 23 housing preservation projects in communities throughout Washington. See the complete list. The funds will preserve 1,179 multifamily rental and shelter units, 790 of which will be occupied by households earning…