Washington State Department of Commerce

Commerce today announced $39.8 million in grants to 19 organizations and institutions that provide financial support to communities through the Community Reinvestment Project. Director Mike Fong joined HomeSight Executive Director Darryl Smith at Othello Square in south Seattle to celebrate the announcement. HomeSight is one of the nonprofits awarded a grant. The CRP is a community-designed plan to uplift those disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs. The aim is to advance equitable economic development by helping target communities acquire and secure assets and work together to achieve goals. This latest investment funds two CRP programs: the Loan Guarantee Program and Blended Capital Investments. “Access to capital opens doors to economic opportunity and generational wealth-building, but many communities face historic and systemic barriers,” said Director Fong. “We are proud to stand with community partners throughout the state who are promoting equitable access to financial resources that help individuals, families and businesses get ahead and grow.” Read the full news release: https://lnkd.in/gfAs5PzY

Domestic Violence Action Month draws to a close, but our commitment to ending domestic violence and supporting survivors is year-round. Commerce partners with YWCA SPOKANE in advocating for safer communities and accessible resources for those impacted. Together, we can make a difference every day of the year.

Electric Vehicle Instant Rebate recipient Ronald Hyde from Oroville says he conducted a lot of research before purchasing his new Chevrolet Blazer EV. He added, “The Chevrolet EV Blazer I was able to lease is a new transportation experience that I am enjoying.” The statewide program closed last week, as it maxed out $45 million in funding after an overwhelming response. When Commerce asked customers, how likely they were to recommend the Washington EV Rebates Program to a friend or colleague, on a scale of 0 - 10, zero being not at all likely and 10 being extremely likely, the average response was 9.69 out of 10. Are you or someone you know a Washington EV Rebate recipient? We want to hear your story! Snap a photo with you and your new electric vehicle, and tag us so we can celebrate with you.

Cowlitz Indian Tribe Chairman William Iyall and Commerce Director Mike Fong yesterday signed a historic memorandum of understanding establishing government-to-government relations at a ceremony at Cowlitz Transportation building in Longview. “I am honored to join Chairman Iyall in signing this sovereignty affirming agreement,” said Director Fong. “Strong, vibrant tribal nations and tribal communities strengthen all Washington communities in many ways. This MOU formalizes a three-tiered approach to relations that advances our partnerships, encompassing tribal coordination, informal consultation and formal government-to-government consultation.” We were joined by Gov. Jay Inslee at the event, which also highlighted and celebrated the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s progress in transitioning to clean resilient energy. They’re advancing multiple clean energy projects with support from state funding. Read the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/ggJraECA 📷 Courtesy of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe

Empowering communities for lasting change! With the support of $1.9 million in grant funding from Commerce, the Community Foundation is tackling disparities in Clark County, focusing on areas hardest hit by the war on drugs. These partnerships build pathways to equity and opportunity for those impacted by social, racial, and economic disparities within communities of color. Read more about this impactful partnership: https://heyor.ca/WU6TxK

Join our Growth Management Team from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14 for a Short Course on Local Planning. You'll get an introduction to comprehensive planning and plan implementation under the Growth Management Act, and more.

The Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) is hosting a webinar on the lessons learned updating Housing Elements under the Growth Management Act at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14. Commerce’s Housing Planning and Data Manager, Laura Hodgson, will help present on the following topics: • Lessons from the experience of local governments’ updates of GMA housing elements • Examples of data and policy development techniques and processes • Challenges and opportunities in planning for housing • Resources and guidance available to assist counties and cities updating their housing elements Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g-rM7FdR

It’s Weatherization Day! Commerce manages Washington’s weatherization program, providing assistance through local community action agencies to make improvements to low-income homes across the state. Weatherization services have a positive impact, keeping families comfortable and healthy, including this success story from Yakima: Upon arriving at the home, the weatherization auditor discovered that the family was heating the house with a propane camp stove. Their solution to the home heating problem was not only inadequate, but highly dangerous. We were able to install a ductless heat pump system to replace the broken heating system while also air sealing and adding insulation to the home. The home owner was thrilled with having a comfortable and safe home after our work was completed. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ggf45DQV #WxDayOct2024 #WxPlusHealth #WAP #HealthyHomes #Weatherization #EnergyEfficiency

EV Rebate recipient Genavieve Heywood drove away in a new Subaru Solterra after she received an on-the-spot rebate from Commerce’s statewide Electric Vehicle Instant Rebate Program. “The EV Rebate program made the impossible possible! I am leasing a Subaru Solterra and charging it at night on just a normal household outlet… The performance of this electric vehicle is beyond expectations. Thank you for the rebates and incentives. I could never have reached this without the help.” The statewide program closed last week, as it maxed out $45 million in funding after an overwhelming response.

From salmon recovery to tribal climate resilience, Washington’s Climate Commitment Act is making it possible every single day to drive impactful projects across the state. Discover local success stories and explore your own funding opportunities at FundHub.WA.gov. #FundHubWA