Kyla Shkerich Blair appointed Chief of Staff for Washington Commerce Director

Kyla Shkerich Blair appointed Chief of Staff for Washington Commerce Director

Commerce Director Mike Fong names former Patty Murray aide to agency executive leadership post OLYMPIA, WA — Washington State Department of Commerce Director Mike Fong today announced Kyla Shkerich Blair will join the agency as Chief of Staff. Shkerich Blair has over a decade of experience serving in city, state and federal government roles, where she spent much of her time listening and engaging with communities across the state. Prior…

Washington Broadband Office to host monthly meetings on $1.2 billion federal funding rollout

Washington Broadband Office to host monthly meetings on $1.2 billion federal funding rollout

Stay up to date on Washington’s Internet for All initiative, bringing affordable and reliable internet access to every community Olympia, WA– The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) this week announced state allocations for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. Washington received $1.23 billion to bring affordable and reliable Internet for All. These new federal funds pair with ongoing work on the state’s BEAD five-year action plan and a Statewide Digital Equity Plan…

Commerce to make historic investments in affordable housing projects statewide

Commerce to make historic investments in affordable housing projects statewide

Applications open now for over $300 million in capital to develop multifamily rental housing projects OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce today opened applications for projects seeking capital to develop affordable housing across the state. At more than $302 million, it is the state’s largest single funding round to date. Funds are available to eligible non-profits, local governments, community housing development agencies, tribal governments and housing authorities.…

Twelve announces plans to scale production of sustainable aviation fuel made from CO2 in Washington State

Twelve announces plans to scale production of sustainable aviation fuel made from CO2 in Washington State

Commercial-scale E-Jet fuel production facility in Moses Lake, WA, to supply deals with Shopify, Alaska Airlines, and Microsoft. PARIS AIR SHOW, LE BOURGET, FRANCE; June 19, 2023 — Carbon transformation company Twelve and Washington Governor Jay Inslee today announced plans to scale the production of E-Jet® fuel, Twelve’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made from CO2 and renewable energy, with a commercial-scale production facility in Moses Lake, WA. The announcement was…

ZeroAvia announces expansion of electric propulsion R&D facility at Paine Field

ZeroAvia announces expansion of electric propulsion R&D facility at Paine Field

Washington Governor Inslee, ZeroAvia CEO Val Miftakhov announce state support for tech systems development and retrofit center leading up to flight test of world’s largest hydrogen-electric aircraft Paris Air Show, Le Bourget, France — Washington State Governor Jay Inslee today joined ZeroAvia CEO and Founder Val Miftakhov at the Paris Air Show to announce an additional investment by the state to support the company’s expansion at Paine Field in Everett,…

Spokane’s Camp Hope permanently closing as final individuals transition into new housing options

Spokane’s Camp Hope permanently closing as final individuals transition into new housing options

State’s largest homeless encampment now transitions to site restoration SPOKANE – The state’s largest homeless encampment is closing today as state agencies and community partners have moved the last individual living at the encampment into housing. This is the culmination of 18 months of work by three state agencies – and several dedicated outreach group partners – under the state’s Right of Way Safety Initiative. An estimated 600 people were…

Statement on the passing of Sen. John McCoy from Commerce Director Mike Fong

Statement on the passing of Sen. John McCoy from Commerce Director Mike Fong

“It is with heavy hearts that the Department of Commerce sends condolences to the Tulalip Tribes and the family of Senator John McCoy. We credit the late Senator John McCoy with being the first tribal leader that recognized the value of a strong partnership between the tribes and the Department of Commerce. He was described as being incredibly patient and caring while working with Commerce staff and carefully leading them…

Gov. Jay Inslee to lead 100-member delegation representing $70-billion aerospace and aviation sector in Washington state – “Where the Next Big Thing Begins”

Gov. Jay Inslee to lead 100-member delegation representing $70-billion aerospace and aviation sector in Washington state – “Where the Next Big Thing Begins”

Sustainable aviation, space flight and air mobility among innovations showcased by Washington state companies at Paris Air Show OLYMPIA, Wash. – Sustainable fuels. Industry 4.0. Automation. Uncrewed systems. Super/Hypersonic capacity. Advanced air mobility. Commercial space. More than buzzwords, these are some of the strengths found in Washington state that will be the focus of a 100-member delegation at the Paris Air Show this month. Led by Washington Governor Jay Inslee…

Community Economic revitalization Board invests more than $10 million in three counties

Community Economic revitalization Board invests more than $10 million in three counties

State funds leverage over $127 million in private and local resources expected to create and retain 185 high-wage jobs. OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $8.75 million in low-interest loans and $1.35 million in grants for economic development and public infrastructure improvements intended to spur business growth and job creation in Adams, Snohomish and Spokane counties. Adams County – $3.75 million loan and…

Broadband infrastructure investments promise access to high-speed internet connections for nearly 15,000 Washington households

Broadband infrastructure investments promise access to high-speed internet connections for nearly 15,000 Washington households

The Washington State Broadband Office awarded $121 million in grants that will provide connections to unserved and underserved communities statewide. OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Broadband Office today announced over $121 million in grants for 19 broadband construction projects that will deliver reliable, high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved communities across the state. “Broadband access is essential infrastructure, providing a critical gateway to education, health care, social and…