Washington State Department of Commerce

Our team was excited to attend and present last week at the American Planning Association of Washington’s 2024 conference in Bellevue! Commerce planners provided updates on affordable housing, streamlined permitting, reductions in Vehicle Miles Traveled, climate planning, and transportation, while also attending sessions on equity, ethics, legal training, and more. It was a fast-paced and action-packed conference! The event included a lineup of empowering speakers, including opening speaker John Paget who shared how good stories can change how a community sees itself from the ground up. Travel writer and TV host Rick Steves closed the event with a bit of history and why public spaces are such a hallmark of European cities. Thank you to APA for a great conference, and all you do to strengthen communities in Washington. We’re already looking forward to next year!

ICYMI: Commerce announced $5.4 million in grants to assist 30 community organizations in the early stages of construction projects. The investments focus on affordable housing and facilities for community services, including child care, early learning, and recreation. These grants can be used for preliminary project phases, such as architectural design and feasibility studies. “The momentum needed to create new buildings starts long before permits are filed and ground is broken,” Commerce Director Mike Fong said. “We seek to be partners from the beginning, helping organizations succeed in bringing projects to fruition that address critical needs for more housing and community service spaces.” Read the full news release: https://lnkd.in/gA9gUdYw

Join our team! We're hiring an Administrative Assistant 3 in our Community Services Division. From managing records and scheduling to coordinating public records and travel logistics, this role is essential in keeping our initiatives running smoothly. Apply now to make a difference in communities statewide: https://heyor.ca/EPuMAS

Commerce and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation this week strengthened their collaborative relationship with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. 📺 Hear Director Mike Fong reflect on the importance of Commerce’s partnerships with the Colville Tribes and tribes across Washington.

Nearly 1.3 million low-income individuals nationwide have benefitted from improved energy efficiency and reduced energy burdens in their homes, thanks to weatherization services and the dedicated work of community action agencies. Since 1978, Washington has administered the Weatherization Assistance Program, providing a variety of state and federal resources through 25 community action agencies, housing authorities, local government, and two tribal entities that serve people in every county across the state. Common #WAP services include air sealing, wall and attic insulation, duct sealing and furnace repair or replacement. Interested in learning more? Find your local agency for weatherization, energy assistance, and more: https://lnkd.in/ggf45DQV #WxDayOct2024 #WxPlusHealth #HealthyHomes #Weatherization #EnergyEfficiency

Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Jarred-Michael Erickson and Commerce Director Mike Fong today signed a memorandum of understanding between the Tribe and the department in a ceremony in Nespelem. This is the second signing ceremony of four such agreements between Commerce and a tribe within Washington state. It includes commitments to remove administrative barriers, improve communications, and implement culturally appropriate data privacy and security measures. Commerce anticipates similar MOUs with other tribes within Washington in the future. “These agreements reflect our values as an agency,” said Director Fong. “We take a holistic approach to working with all communities to access the continuum of resources available through Commerce, from capital funding for affordable housing, community facilities and energy infrastructure to support for community services, public safety, and economic development and job creation.” Read the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/g2t2ujG5

Improving our homes through energy efficiency is within reach. Visit FundHub.WA.gov to explore funding opportunities designed to support residents and improve residential buildings, making energy efficiency and sustainable living accessible to all. #FundHubWA #FundingWA

The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy is hiring a Program Coordinator! OCVA funds victim services across the state, working with nonprofits, tribal governments, and local governments. This position will work in all three of OCVA’s programmatic areas: sexual assault, domestic violence, and victims of crime. The coordinator will work with each team when there's a need for additional supports, especially when launching new funding or new program implementation strategies. Apply by October 29, 11:59 p.m. Learn More: https://heyor.ca/c9135g

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Commerce $83 million for the Whole Home Efficiency Program! This brings Washington’s total Inflation Reduction Act Home Rebate Awards to just over $165 million. We’re also pleased to announce the Whole Home Efficiency Program has received approval to increase the maximum rebate amount for low-income households, allowing Washington to offer the highest rebates in the country. We expect to launch both IRA rebate programs in 2025 after submitting the remaining required implementation plans. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gfY8V6wc

More than 6,000 Washington residents drove away in a new EV thanks to Commerce’s Electric Vehicle Instant Rebate Program, which provided on-the-spot rebates at the point of sale or lease. The successful statewide program concluded today after maxing out $45 million in funding. Low-income drivers benefitted significantly, receiving an average rebate of $7,400. “The program’s higher-than-expected participation shows many Washington residents are eager to make the switch to EVs,” said Commerce Director Mike Fong. “By removing the up-front cost barrier for those who can least afford it, we leveled the playing field. Now thousands of people and their families all across the state will have access to the many benefits of driving electric.” Read the full news release: https://lnkd.in/gQ2feXRC