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

Happy International Women’s Day to the incredible women across Washington! This year’s theme, Give to Gain, reminds us that when we invest in women, we create stronger communities through generosity, opportunity, and support. #IWD2026

Congrats to Dave Andersen, managing director of Growth Management Services, for being named to the 2026 Class of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners! This peer recognition for transformational planning work is the AICP's highest honor. www.commerce.wa.gov/commerces-da...

The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe is building climate resilience rooted in culture and community. With support from Commerce, the Tribe has used investments to protect natural resources, strengthen housing and reduce long-term energy costs. Read the story: www.commerce.wa.gov/the-jamestow...

The Young Entrepreneur Academy’s Pitch Unit teaches entrepreneurs how to identify their core values & connect with investors. Read our latest blog from Young Adult Advisory Council Member Lord-Vincent Crutcher to learn how the unit was created & why it matters. mystartup365.com/reclaiming-t...

Washington reached a major milestone in closing the digital divide. The NTIA approved the State Broadband Office's final Broadband Access, Equity, and Deployment Program proposal, clearing the way to award $1B+ to expand high-speed internet across the state. www.commerce.wa.gov/ntia-approve...

Homeownership builds stability. Not just for families, but for entire communities. Through the Community Reinvestment Plan Homeownership Capital Accelerator, we’re investing in financial coaching & housing development. The impact goes far beyond the front door. 🏡 youtu.be/lzHe2ZZ6-P4

Kate Pedersen recently shared insights from workshops with Commerce grantees & communities strengthening local energy resilience. The sessions bring communities together to tackle real-world energy challenges & identify solutions that build stronger, more prepared communities. youtu.be/Qd7GPNJMu2g

The Clean Energy States Alliance recognized Glenn Blackmon with the Lewis M. Milford Clean Energy Champion Award! During his 15 years at Commerce, Glenn helped shape ambitious clean energy & climate policies. His legacy will have a lasting impact on WA communities. www.cesa.org/projects/cle...

Happy Lunar New Year! 🏮 As we welcome the Year of the Horse, we celebrate strength, perseverance, and forward momentum. May the year ahead bring progress, partnership, and new opportunities for communities across Washington.

Branding your business is just as important as your idea. It’s how you stand out, build trust, and connect with your audience. Learn more about why it matters in our latest Young Entrepreneur Academy blog. mystartup365.com/lets-talk-br...

Community Action Agencies are the first call families make when they need help. Our role at Commerce is to make that call easier to answer. Commerce staff recently joined leaders from Washington State Community Action Partnership for an in-person summit focused on strengthening our partnership.

Our WA Families Clean Energy Credits Grant Program, which supported households by providing $200 credits to assist with energy bills in 2024, was officially selected for the 50 States, 50 Breakthroughs list to celebrate people and projects making government better! apolitical.co/list/en/50-s...

Today, Commerce team members are at the 25th PNAA ADVANCE Conference with aerospace leaders from across the country and around the world. Aerospace is part of our DNA — from Boeing’s 100+ year legacy to today’s 1,500+ suppliers powering a $71B industry.

Commerce joined partners to celebrate last week’s ribbon cutting for the Samaki Commons EV charging station project. This new site expands access to electric vehicle charging in Rainier Valley, supporting cleaner transportation, local sustainability goals, and community-focused development.

The Winter Olympics are here! Over the next 2 weeks, we’re going to show our support for all our U.S. Olympians by celebrating the spirit of the Games. No matter the sport, we’re chasing gold for Washington communities. If our divisions were Olympic sports, here’s how they’d shine:

Feeling stuck in the job market? Ready to take ownership of your career? The Young Entrepreneur Academy Young Adult Advisory Council member Mazzy Eckel shares her story and why the Young Entrepreneur Academy is creating new paths forward for young adults. Read: mystartup365.com/creating-you...

In this week’s Commerce in the News: HOMES-HOMES-HOMES! 🏡 Commerce has released millions through two awards that will bring thousands of new homes to the state. Housing Trust Fund awards: heyor.ca/0rdWUh Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP) awards: heyor.ca/GEGFan

Starting a business is hard, and it can be even harder for teens and young adults. That’s why Commerce, @washingtonesd.bsky.social, and the Young Adult Advisory Council partnered to create the Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA). mystartup365.com/introducing-...

We've announced $3M to local and tribal partners to integrate salmon recovery efforts into comprehensive planning. These investments support stronger land management and enforcement strategies that protect habitat and improve water quality. www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-boo...

Gov. Ferguson appointed Sarah Clifthorne interim Commerce Director effective Jan. 20. Sarah has served as Commerce’s deputy director since February 2025. In this role, she'll work closely with agency leadership to help with the transition process. governor.wa.gov/news/2026/go...

Commerce has $32.4M available to assist public and private building owners in complying with the Clean Buildings Performances Standard. This competitive request for applications is open to private, public, and tribal building owners. Full details: www.commerce.wa.gov/funding/clea...

We announced $54.5 million in grants to create nearly 5,000 affordable housing units across WA. These awards are part of the latest round of the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program, which helps cover critical water infrastructure costs. www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-inv...

Commerce announced 47 awards from the state and federal Housing Trust Funds, totaling $208 million, to support affordable housing construction and rehabilitation in 19 counties across Washington. These funds will create 2,461 units. www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-ann...

In this week's Commerce in the News: • A community turns an unexpected gift into child care • Habitat projects help families put down roots in Clark County • AI House is energizing innovation on the waterfront www.youtube.com/shorts/sC6r0...

Beto Yarce joins us to lead Community Engagement & Outreach! He brings experience in community & economic development across nonprofit, government, & business sectors. Most recently, he served as SBA administrator, supporting 1.3M small businesses across the PNW. www.commerce.wa.gov/beto-yarce-j...