Funding available for transit-oriented development of affordable housing $12.5 million available to eligible applicants The Washington State Department of Commerce is committed to building communities by supporting the construction of affordable housing near transit in our state. Commerce is making $12.5 million in state funds available to eligible applicants via a newly posted Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) by the Multifamily Housing Unit (MHU). Learn more & apply Applications are…
Commerce Director Mike Fong issued the following statement on the recent passing of Karen Lane Rahm: On behalf of all of our current and former Department of Commerce team members, I share condolences to the family, and many friends and colleagues of Karen Lane Rahm on her recent passing. Karen led our precursor agency, known as the State Planning and Community Development Agency, prior to being appointed Secretary of the…
This Request for Applications (RFA) seeks to provide funding for training youth sports coaches, parents, and volunteers in important areas like social emotional learning and trauma sensitive practices. The funding can also help remove financial barriers for youth by covering costs like registration fees and equipment expenses. What organizations and programs can apply for: Small Team or Program (12 to 20 youth) can apply for up to $25,000 Medium Team…
The Washington State Department of Commerce is soliciting proposals from firms interested in completing a study on the potential incorporation of two currently unincorporated communities, Dash Point and Browns Point, in Pierce County. The study must include, but is not limited to, the impacts of incorporation on the local tax base, crime, homelessness, infrastructure, public services, and behavioral health services. The contract will not exceed $190,000, and Commerce expects to…
Affordable Housing Advisory Board releases 2023-2028 Housing Advisory Plan: Affordable Housing Needs in Washington State Olympia, Washington – The lack of affordable housing options has reached critical levels in communities throughout Washington, according to the recently released Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB) Five-Year Housing Advisory Plan. The AHAB report highlights the need for action, detailing that the state must add over a million new homes within the next 20 years…
The Washington State Department of Commerce is initiating this Request for Applications (RFA) to solicit proposals from those qualified and interested in grants for nonprofit organizations including, but not limited to, religious nonprofits by-and-for organizations or cultural community centers to fund renovation or other security investments. All applications must demonstrate that their sites have been subject to, or at risk of physical attacks, threats, or other damages because of the…
OLYMPIA, WA – Washington state’s initial proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is one of three approved today by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The BEAD program is a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. This approval will enable the state to request access to over $1.2 billion allocated to begin implementation of its BEAD program —…
The Washington Department of Commerce, is initiating this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit Proposals from those qualified to offer technical assistance in legal, accounting, and financial advisory services to support Very Small Businesses (VSBs) and Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI)-owned businesses across the state to prepare them to apply for loans or investment opportunities available through Washington’s Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Capital Programs. Proposals are due Sunday,…
New Commerce grants fund organizations taking action to help communities disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs build a stable financial future OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $9.8 million in grants to 28 organizations and institutions providing financial coaching for communities disproportionally impacted by the historical design and enforcement of state criminal laws and penalties for drug possession, commonly referred to as the war…
Awards will fund 10 projects in eight counties, and connect nearly 6,000 unserved broadband locations OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) recently approved $21 million in critical infrastructure projects in 10 communities for broadband construction, pre-construction, and emergency funding. Taking action at its May 3, 2024 business meeting, the PWB approved $20 million to expand broadband access in unserved communities, $550,000 for two pre-construction projects, and two emergency…