The Commerce WorkFirst team is coming to town, and we need your input to make grant applications easier and build a more equitable Washington. Date: Nov. 13, 2025 Time: 1 – 3:30 p.m. Location: Wenatchee Valley WorkSource, 270 Ninth St. NE, Suite 240, East Wenatchee, WA 98802 RSVP: heyor.ca/txotBc

Evergreen Bioscience Innovation Cluster’s new incubator gives startups shared labs, equipment & a community of innovators solving real-world challenges together. Supported by Commerce, Evergreen Bio is building the next chapter of Washington's bioscience future. youtu.be/yPR9uvjE7qg

🌿 Strengthening partnerships, sharing knowledge. Tribal planners from across Washington gathered earlier this month for the annual Tribal Planners’ Gathering — a day dedicated to collaborating, learning, and advancing shared goals. Watch: youtu.be/-g9-78EqAOM

WA is leading the way in clean energy! Director Joe Nguyễn recently participated in a panel discussion to share how innovation & sustainability work together to create real progress. Hear how clean energy is shaping WA’s leadership in the next generation of global industries. youtu.be/wMkLIgc3nmk

Concerts for Hope bring beauty, humanity & connection into Washington’s prisons. In partnership with the Washington Statewide Reentry Council, this initiative helps create space for reflection, empathy, and healing- making reentry more successful & communities safer. youtu.be/72bboixBuv0

Today, we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day—a time to honor the history, resilience, and ongoing contributions of tribal nations and tribal citizens and descendants across Washington. At Commerce, we’re grateful for our partnerships with tribes and with Native American/Alaskan Native communities.

Commerce hosted the 4th annual COMTAC at the Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino — a day dedicated to strengthening government-to-government relationships & collaboration with Washington’s tribal nations. youtu.be/QKWS3hsP-Yg

A new single-family home in Kelso is bringing independence & community to people with intellectual & developmental disabilities. Developed by Options for Supported Housing with a $1M Commerce investment, the 4-bedroom home features accessible design & individual leases. More info: heyor.ca/krmh10

Our state is a critical hub for the space industry, starting more than a century ago, when a few dreamers in a red barn believed aircraft manufacturing was possible and built an industry that changed the world.

October is national Energy Awareness Month, which includes a focus on Weatherization Month and National Weatherization Day October 30. Learn more about Commerce Weatherization assistance programs: www.commerce.wa.gov/weatherizati...

Global spotlight on Washington agriculture! Washington’s delegation just wrapped up a successful week at Fruit Attraction 2025, the world’s leading exhibition for fruit and vegetable professionals. Learn more about our delegation: choosewashingtonstate.com/fruit-attrac...

We are investing in public health and the environment! Commerce is supporting critical infrastructure upgrades in Tacoma, Bridgeport and Skagit County — improving stormwater systems, replacing aging pipes, and protecting waterways from contamination. Learn more: www.commerce.wa.gov/critical-upg...

A new chapter for affordable housing in Lynnwood! Housing Hope and partners broke ground on Scriber Place, a development that will create 52 affordable homes for families with children, low-income households, and families with special needs. Learn more: commerce.wa.gov/htf

Commerce is prepared to sustain our work despite the federal shutdown that began today. Current funding and contracts remain secure, with no immediate impacts to staffing, programs, or operations. Read the full statement: heyor.ca/MxecfB

The day after our COMTAC meeting, Commerce joined tribal planners from across Washington for the Tribal Planners’ Gathering on Thursday, at Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino. It was a full day of learning, collaboration and meaningful conversation — all focused on strengthening partnerships.

Yesterday, our Office of Tribal Relations gathered with tribal representatives from across Washington for the Commerce Tribal Advisory Committee (COMTAC). COMTAC is a collaborative effort between Commerce and tribal leadership to identify needs, provide feedback, and strengthen partnerships.

A year ago, ten state agencies, including Commerce, joined together to launch the Climate Resilience Strategy, a unified plan led by @ecology.wa.gov to strengthen communities across the state. Today, Ecology released the first progress report. Read the report: apps.ecology.wa.gov/publications...

Range anxiety? Not in Colville. Thanks to the Climate Commitment Act and strong local partnerships, two new fast chargers are here, finishing the Highway 395 corridor and connecting drivers from Spokane to Canada. 🔋 youtu.be/zg7Ed03_dC4?...

From Spokane to Colville and classrooms to community chambers — we're on the ground, listening, learning, & building stronger connections across Washington. Director Joe Nguyễn spent hours on the road recently meeting with tribal leaders, business owners, & changemakers. youtu.be/IeRvoUtr14E

Thanks to the partnership of Commerce, the city of Colville, and Avista Utilities, Colville is now home to a fast-charging electric vehicle site, funded by the Climate Commitment Act. It closes a 20-mile gap along US-395 and expands reliable charging across the region.

Today in Wellpinit, Commerce and the Spokane Tribe of Indians strengthened our government-to-government relationship with the signing of a memorandum of understanding. This is 10th MOU we've signed with tribes across Washington, each one an important step toward shared progress.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the stories, traditions, and resilience of Hispanic and Latino communities across Washington. Their contributions strengthen our neighborhoods, inspire future generations, and remind us that one of our state’s greatest strengths is its diversity.

Tariffs impact Washington families and businesses. At an event last week to discuss the projected impacts in Washington, Director Joe Nguyễn emphasized that it goes beyond trade numbers — higher costs for food, clothing, and utilities will affect households across the state.

The Clean Energy Community Grants program has awarded $41M to 49 projects to support solar, battery storage, EV charging, and other clean energy solutions. This helps improve resilience, reduce emissions, and deliver benefits to tribes, overburdened communities and vulnerable populations.

Koto Jelly Coffee reimagines a Japanese dessert into smooth coffee, matcha & tea drinks. With help from Commerce’s Small Business Resilience Network, they’re now blending creativity and community from pop ups to a storefront near Seattle University. youtu.be/a00-mR4tK9s

The State Broadband Office released its Final Proposal for the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. A public comment period is the end of the process. Public comments are open until Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. Submit online: heyor.ca/1k1Auf

On the Annual Canoe Journey, tribal citizens don’t just paddle, they’re retracing ancestral waterways, connecting with all their relations, & gathering in circles for stories, songs, & protocol, where culture is shared & renewed. Watch the story from Commerce's Bridget Ray: youtu.be/XRuSbtyuxBI

Diamondhands Boxing Gym is giving young people in Adams County a safe place to grow. With support from a small business investment grant through SkillSource and Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Project, the gyms are equipped with essential tools for training the next generation. 📷: SkillSource

Washington’s energy resilience and emergency management office (EREMO) team trains for the worst, so we’re ready when it counts. When a massive offshore earthquake triggered a tsunami alert, EREMO staff put those plans into action. Learn more: www.commerce.wa.gov/behind-the-s...

From $71B in economic impact to more than 33,000 aircraft built, Washington's aerospace industry is driving jobs, innovation, & the future of flight. ✈ These numbers keep us ranked high in aerospace sales, exports & engineering - & why we’ll lead the way for decades to come. youtu.be/5ckS8V76qcI

Too many of our neighbors in Washington don’t know where they’ll sleep at night. The latest homelessness data from the Point in Time survey & Commerce's Snapshot of Homelessness report shows the growth rate has slowed, but the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to rise.

Barbers have long been trusted listeners and many are now trained in peer support. Through training, connection, and culture-centered healing, the Community Reinvestment Project’s Barber and Beauty Shop Peer Support program is reshaping mental health support. youtu.be/ffMIVc8TLrI

Big updates in Airway Heights! From a new fire station to plans for police and courts, the city service campus is bringing essential services together in one place—thanks in part to partnership and funding from Commerce. Together, we're building for the future. youtu.be/LlAfJ0ubC34

Tariffs affect everything from apples to tourism. This morning, Director Joe Nguyễn joined FOX 13 Seattle to talk about how tariffs impact Washington’s economy and how Commerce is helping businesses adapt and stay competitive. Watch: www.fox13seattle.com/video/1692051

The WA Statewide Reentry Council hosted a reentry simulation to help participants experience the real challenges of navigating life after incarceration. Executive Director Janel McFeat shares why this work matters, how it’s shaping policy, and why this is just the beginning. youtu.be/Mi5dcAY786U

We signed a memorandum of understanding with the Suquamish Tribe, formalizing our government-to-government relationship. Rooted in respect & trust, we’re removing barriers, improving communication, & honoring tribal sovereignty while working toward shared goals. www.commerce.wa.gov/the-suquamis...

Congrats to the South Fork community on the groundbreaking on the renovation of the Van Zandt Community Hall, just in time for its centennial celebration in 2026! We're proud to support this project that will expand its capacity, add a new entrance, storage, and space for the local radio station.

Downtown Arlington came alive on the last Friday of July for the first Night Market & Art Walk. The Innovation Center served as the hub for the evening. Funding from the Community Capital Facilities program helped the city renovate the 1940s service station, where small businesses can now grow.

Understanding WA's diverse zoning landscape just got easier! The WA State Zoning Atlas is a first-of-its-kind tool that translates complex local zoning codes into standardized, comparable categories. It offers the first statewide picture of how zoning shapes our communities. commerce.wa.gov/waza

@governorferguson.bsky.social and Commerce announced $212M in funding to build and preserve affordable rental housing. This investment will help close the housing gap and create more stable homes for people in communities across Washington. www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-gov...

From fire stations to homes, broadband is finally reaching some of Washington’s most rural communities. In Stevens County, connection is more than a signal. It’s safety, resilience and community. Thanks to the State Broadband Office, this area will soon be online! 📺 youtu.be/RYKuHq3AN5g

Being prepared for wildfires is important, including having a plan for power outages. To increase safety during fire weather, some WA utilities may shut off power as a last resort. These planned outages help reduce wildfire risk. Learn more: www.commerce.wa.gov/eremo/wa-public-safety-power-shutoffs

We asked. You answered. Thousands of people across Washington—through surveys, listening sessions, and real talk—shared what Commerce is doing well, and what needs to change. We're making changes to better serve you, because these programs belong to the people. 📺 youtu.be/OMfagmTqy94

Congrats to the Quinault Indian Nation on the opening of its new Queets Generations Building! It's part of the effort to move the community to higher ground due to floods & tsunami risks from rising sea levels and storm surges. We administered $8M in Climate Commitment Act funding for the project.

Rolling back support for clean energy has real impacts. Director Joe Nguyễn joined U.S. Senator Murray for a roundtable discussion and explains what the federal clean energy cuts will mean for WA. After years of progress, losing key tax credits puts jobs, investments, and affordability at risk.

Today, Director Nguyễn joined @murray.senate.gov and energy leaders to discuss how the elimination of federal tax credits for clean energy projects will impact WA. Without these credits, costs will rise, thousands of jobs could be lost, and investments may disappear from the state’s economy.

We have $212.4M in capital financing available for multifamily rental housing projects from state & federal sources. Want to learn more? • Watch recorded webinars • Join biweekly office hours • Get predevelopment technical assistance Find full details & links: www.commerce.wa.gov/funding/appl...

South Seattle College is cooking up a cleaner, more sustainable future - one electric appliance at a time. With support from a Building Electrification grant, it has transformed its culinary training facilities to meet sustainability, safety, & workforce needs. www.commerce.wa.gov/a-recipe-for...

🔋 We plan to invest $19.4M in EV charging projects across WA & want to hear from you about the program design. The draft design is available for public feedback through Aug. 8. Complete a short survey or attend the listening session on Aug. 7. Find links & more: www.commerce.wa.gov/clean-transp...

Applications are open for the 2025 affordable homeownership funding cycle. $70 million is available to community-based organizations, housing authorities, tribes, and local governments to help expand homeownership in WA. Applications due Sept. 26. www.commerce.wa.gov/funding/appl...