Join us for a free battery take-back event with Woodsy Owl! Bring your used batteries and help protect your community from preventable battery fires. • June 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Washington State Capitol, Olympia Battery take-back locations are available across WA: locator.batterynetwork.org

Congratulations, Twelve! We're proud to support this revolutionary project that strengthens the state's clean energy economy, creates jobs, and puts Central Washington at the forefront of sustainable aviation fuel.

Washington’s climate plan is an economic strategy. It could save nearly $17 billion by 2050, create jobs, expand clean energy & lower costs across the state. This is about more than climate. It’s about affordability, competitiveness & a stronger economy. deptofcommerce.app.box.com/s/bo1ly7ol0l...

Washington is investing in cleaner transportation, putting $37M toward new EV charging infrastructure across the state. It’s part of the WA Electric Vehicle Charging Program which helps fill critical charging gaps and will add 754 new charging ports by late 2027. www.commerce.wa.gov/washingtons-...

Join us as we wear orange to recognize the lives lost to gun violence every day, along with the many more who are injured, and the communities forever impacted. Together, we can create solutions to keep our communities safe, support survivors, and work to end gun violence in Washington.

In 2024, Commerce helped replace thermal receipt paper with safer, non-toxic alternatives. Traditional thermal receipts often contain chemicals linked to potential health risks. Washington State Ferries led the way ahead of the 2026 ban. Now, Washington State Parks has made the switch, too.

Happy Pride Month! 🌈 June is a time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and recognize the ongoing work toward equality, acceptance, and belonging for all. Pride is a reminder that everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and allowed to be their authentic selves this month and every month.

When a hospital’s boiler system fails, it can quickly impact critical operations. With support from Commerce, Olympic Medical Center replaced two 50-year-old boilers with a modern system to improve reliability and support patient care for decades to come. Read: www.commerce.wa.gov/olympic-medi...

Washington’s Comprehensive Climate Plan means lower costs, cleaner energy, and stronger communities. Learn more: deptofcommerce.app.box.com/s/bo1ly7ol0l... #WAClimatePlan #CleanEnergyWA #ClimateAction

Today, on Women in Aerospace Day, we’re celebrating Trade Specialist Joanna Boatwright and the women helping shape Washington’s aerospace industry. ✈️ Joanna helps Washington companies expand into global markets while building connections across the industry. youtu.be/L2xpcD_MJ24

Invest. Build. Serve. is our Commerce Commitment. It comes to life through strategic directions guiding our work. We’re advancing equity & environmental justice & improving how collaborate with communities, turning strategy into real impact. Learn more: www.commerce.wa.gov/about/strate...

From rural towns to urban neighborhoods, nearly 100 community-led projects are moving forward with support from a $60.4 million investment from Commerce. These projects are helping advance innovative energy systems and strengthen Washington's electric grid. www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-awa...

From behavioral health and affordable housing to broadband access and workforce development, Commerce Director Sarah Clifthorne & Chief of Staff Nicole Lutomski spent two days connecting with communities across the Olympic Peninsula to see local solutions in action.

A new microgrid project in Spokane's East Central neighborhood is more than infrastructure. It’s a resilience hub designed for the community it serves. Commerce, Avista, and the MLK Community Center worked together to create a safe place for residents during power outages. 🎥 heyor.ca/sTjrmv

Commerce’s Homeownership Unit had the opportunity to see the impact of their work come to life! Our partnerships with local Habitat for Humanity organizations ensure that people working to help build their own homes have a place to truly call home. www.commerce.wa.gov/homeownershi...

Commerce welcomed Antoinette Sullivan as our new Community Engagement and Outreach Division assistant director! She will lead the work to expand community capacity and access to resources across Washington. Read the full announcement: www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-sel...

Public service is about being part of something bigger than yourself. We asked a few Commerce team members why they chose public service, and their answers all came back to a shared theme: making a meaningful impact on the things that matter most. youtu.be/3BBLooO0tIc

Public service shows up in the moments you don’t always see but rely on every day. It’s the work of dedicated people across Washington making a difference. This Public Service Recognition Week, we’re grateful to recognize our team, and all the teams who show up, serve, and care - every single day.

May 5 marks National Missing & Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. Washington has one of the highest numbers of missing and murdered Native American women in the nation. Behind every number is a name, a family and a community still searching for answers. Toolkit: heyor.ca/BZvBIX

The American Planning Assn’s Sustainable Communities Division recognized our climate planning toolkit with the 2026 Policy, Law, and Tool Award! It recognizes our Growth Management Services team's work to equip local leaders with tools to plan for climate change. www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-pla...

The Clean Buildings Performance Standard requires buildings over 20,000 sq. ft. to meet specific energy performance and efficiency requirements by a fast-approaching deadline. youtu.be/E3YDQZpLq5g

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! We recognize the contributions of these communities as they enrich Washington with their cultures, fuel economic growth, and promote diversity. Join us in celebration of the immense impact of our AANHPI neighbors.

Washington has a plan to lower energy costs & build a more reliable future. The Comprehensive Climate Action Plan outlines how we will reduce pollution, expand clean energy & support communities. It could also save the state nearly $17B by 2050. deptofcommerce.app.box.com/s/bo1ly7ol0l...

Washington communities are at the heart of everything we do. Commerce released a new strategic plan to guide our work of community-focused investment and service. With input from community members and partners, this plan outlines our guiding principles. Our Commitment: Invest. Build. Serve.

April is Second Chance Month and we’re thrilled to share that Candice, featured in a recent Washington State Department of Corrections story, is now a new member of the Washington Statewide Reentry Council, serving in the Seat of Lived Experience. Read her story: doc.wa.gov/news/2026/sh...

The Tulalip Tribes are building a more resilient future powered by clean energy and community vision. With support from Commerce, the tribe is advancing projects to strengthen critical infrastructure, improve energy reliability, and reduce costs over time. Read: www.commerce.wa.gov/clean-energy...

Commerce leadership was in Spokane this week, meeting with partners and listening to feedback. From the Community Reinvestment Program to small business resiliency, these visits help ensure our work stays grounded in community needs. Building trust starts with showing up. 🎥 youtu.be/9PovdUJLevY

Commerce hosted workshops where communities began to define what energy resilience means to them. The workshop supports communities receiving technical assistance grants for feasibility studies, helping them connect clean energy projects to real-world resilience needs. 🎥 youtu.be/lb4lU8ucaYI

Washington just launched its Comprehensive Climate Action Plan, a roadmap to cut emissions, lower costs and build a more sustainable energy future. State leaders gathered at the Pierce County Environmental Services Building at Chambers Bay to mark the milestone and outline the path forward.

Happy 🌎 Day!

Today, access to reliable broadband isn’t a luxury: it’s an essential service. Thanks to Commerce funding through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, Broadlinc is working to bring both fiber and fixed wireless to the communities that need it most. youtu.be/CG25oMXbGKY

Opportunity is being built in White Center. With a $6 million investment from Commerce, the Canopy Apartments project brings 76 new affordable homes to individuals and families, alongside access to healthcare, nutrition, and mentorship. Read the story: www.commerce.wa.gov/white-center...

The Youth Recreational Facilities Program funding round is open! We’re accepting applications for the competitive grants through May 28 to fund 25% of eligible capital costs for non-residential facilities that provide recreational opportunities to K-12 youth. www.commerce.wa.gov/funding/2027...

Director Jordan Arnold visited Spokane County recently to see how public and private partners are working together to close the digital divide. Reliable, high-speed internet isn’t just about connection. It’s critical to public safety, especially in rural communities. youtu.be/3n8edwLeXxM

The Washington Public Works Board awarded $5.1 million to support eight infrastructure projects across the state. These investments will help local communities as they recover from emergencies, protect water quality and maintain public infrastructure. www.commerce.wa.gov/public-works....

Commerce awarded $200,000 to Inventech Marine Solutions through the Evergreen Manufacturing Growth Grant program. The investment supported the shipbuilder doubling its manufacturing space, enabling it to build bigger boats, streamline production, and create manufacturing jobs. youtu.be/DZF1nEyVSJg

Across Washington, Commerce is investing in the things people rely on every day- safe homes, resilient clean energy, and strong communities. Here’s a look at what that investment means for people across the state. youtube.com/shorts/cw6-Y...

The Evergreen Manufacturing Growth Grants funding round is now open. We have $1M in grant funding dedicated to technological advancements or workforce development that align with the state’s key industries. Applications due Thursday, May 14. Get full details: www.commerce.wa.gov/funding/ever...

Our CIO Callie Goldsby has been named a finalist for the 2026 Seattle CIO ORBIE Awards! The ORBIE Awards honor leaders who drive real impact. Callie has strengthened our IT operations, improved efficiency, and helped us better serve WA communities. We’re proud to see her leadership recognized.

It can be dangerous to be visibly transgender or nonbinary in the U.S. WA has some of the strongest protections. We partner with communities to create safer, more affirming spaces. This Trans Day of Visibility, ask how you can support transgender & nonbinary people, so being visible is truly safe.

Every year millions of dollars from the Earned Income Tax Credit go unclaimed. Could some of that be yours? If you earned less than $68,675 in 2025, check your eligibility before you file your federal income tax return. Use the EITC Assistant to see if you qualify: heyor.ca/xdW3EQ

Gov. Ferguson signed the Community Reinvestment Program into WA State law. This marks a major milestone for the CRP after years of work by communities. The work continues. Commerce will keep partnering with communities across the state to guide investments this biennium. commerce.wa.gov/crp

Commerce staff attended the 2026 Aerospace & Defense Supplier Summit last week. The event connects WA businesses with potential customers from around the globe. It was a great opportunity to reflect on our state's aviation legacy while looking toward a bright future, at The Museum of Flight.

If you have dependents, check out the Earned Income Tax Credit assistant before you submit your taxes. You could receive up to $8,046 in federal tax credits. That means more money in your pocket to take care of those you love. Learn more at: heyor.ca/LDXReN

We’re throwing it back with the new white-and-green Keep WA Evergreen specialty license plate! We teamed up with the State Dept. of Licensing to renew the design with proceeds supporting EV charging projects. Want a plate number between 1-25? Enter by April 3: app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b10d2...

🍀 In this week’s Commerce in the News, Washington communities are gaining new tools to stay connected, supported, and resilient with high-speed internet, rural housing and survivor services, thanks to major investments from Commerce. youtube.com/shorts/fM8nv...

We announced $16.8M in clean energy grants to support projects in tribal communities across WA as part of the effort to invest in tribal energy sovereignty. The investments reflect commitments to cultural preservation, economic resilience & energy independence. www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-awa...

We need your feedback on housing in Washington. Commerce opened a survey to gather input to help shape recommendations for a potential state Department of Housing. The anonymous survey is open to anyone who is interested. Take the survey by April 26: www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026StateD...

The Digital Equity Forum is looking for new members who are passionate about expanding access to high-speed broadband across Washington. If you care about digital connectivity and uplifting community voices, we’d love to hear from you. Deadline: March 29 Learn more & apply: heyor.ca/UruDE3

Krista Perez (she/her), Strategic Partnerships Manager for Commerce's Community Reinvestment Program, works closely with the Washington Employment Security Department & 12 Workforce Development Councils to distribute millions of dollars to communities statewide. Watch: youtu.be/7g5Y94E4v1o