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Washington State Department of Commerce official news and information. Our mission is to strengthen communities in our state. www.commerce.wa.gov
We are investing in public health and the environment!
Commerce is supporting critical infrastructure upgrades in Tacoma, Bridgeport and Skagit County β improving stormwater systems, replacing aging pipes, and protecting waterways from contamination.
Learn more: www.commerce.wa.gov/critical-upg...
A group of nine individuals stands under a tent, all holding shovels in preparation for a groundbreaking ceremony.
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
A broad view of the Washington state capitol building surrounded by trees.
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
Ten people gather together outside, around a banner that reads "Tribal Planning and Coordination."
The day after our COMTAC meeting, Commerce joined tribal planners from across Washington for the Tribal Plannersβ Gathering on Thursday, at Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino.
It was a full day of learning, collaboration and meaningful conversation β all focused on strengthening partnerships.
COMTAC attendees following a presentation inside an office space at the Spokane Tribe and Casino.
Four individuals standing together. From left to right: Commerce Chief of Staff, Nicole Lutomski, Interim Director of Tribal Relations, Alden Andy, Director Joe Nguyen and Tribal Technical Assistance Lead, Mary Miller.
A group of COMTAC attendees, standing outside posing together.
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 view looking up through a dense canopy of vibrant green leaves, with sunlight filtering through the branches. The tall trees create a radial pattern against a clear blue sky.
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. π
youtu.be/zg7Ed03_dC4?...
From Spokane to Colville and classrooms to community chambers β we're on the ground, listening, learning, & building stronger connections across Washington.
Director Joe Nguyα»
n spent hours on the road recently meeting with tribal leaders, business owners, & changemakers.
youtu.be/IeRvoUtr14E
A group of six individuals stands in front of electric vehicle charging stations labeled A1 and A2. They are posing together outdoors, with a clear sky and vehicles in the background.
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.
17.09.2025 22:21 β π 9 π 0 π¬ 0 π 1
Spokane Tribe Chairman Greg Abrahamson signs a Memorandum of Understanding while Commerce Director Joe Nguyen looks on.
This agreement is more than words on paper. Itβs a commitment to partnership, built on trust, respect, and recognition of tribal sovereignty. Together, weβll continue removing barriers and creating opportunities that serve the tribal community today and for generations ahead.
16.09.2025 21:18 β π 1 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
A group of nine individuals stands together in a lobby area, smiling at the camera.
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.
Graphic for Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15, featuring vibrant and colorful traditional patterns with text overlay and the logo of Washington State Department of Commerce.
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 stateβs 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 Nguyα»
n emphasized that it goes beyond trade numbers β higher costs for food, clothing, and utilities will affect households across the state.
These grant awards are more than numbers β theyβre real impacts. In Kittitas County, a new solar array for the Easton School District is projected to cut electricity costs by up to 20%, freeing up funds to invest back into students.
Read more: www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-ene...
Commerce News Release graphic announcing $41.1 million awarded from the Clean Energy Community Grant program awarded to 49 projects across Washington.
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 Commerceβs Small Business Resilience Network, theyβre now blending creativity and community from pop ups to a storefront near Seattle University.
youtu.be/a00-mR4tK9s
BEAD is a blueprint for bringing reliable, affordable high-speed internet to every corner of Washington.
Read the full news release: www.commerce.wa.gov/final-broadb...
A child with curly hair looks at a tablet, engaged with the screen. The background is a soft gray, and text on the image announces the opening of a comment period for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program proposal.
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 donβt just paddle, theyβre 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
A man stands next to a yellow boxing bag in a gym filled with various training equipment. He wears a black hoodie and a cap, smiling confidently. In the background, multiple punching bags and workout gear are visible, indicative of a fitness environment.
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 Commerceβs Community Reinvestment Project, the gyms are equipped with essential tools for training the next generation.
π·: SkillSource
A coastal landscape featuring a rocky shoreline with two prominent rock formations. Text reads, βBehind the Scenes: How Commerceβs emergency management team responds to crises.β
Washingtonβs energy resilience and emergency management office (EREMO) team trains for the worst, so weβre 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. β
These numbers keep us ranked high in aerospace sales, exports & engineering - & why weβll lead the way for decades to come.
youtu.be/5ckS8V76qcI
Behind every number is a person facing uncertainty. With support from the Legislature and Gov. Ferguson, Commerce is investing in programs that prevent homelessness, help people remain stably housed, and offer a path back to security.
Read the full announcement: www.commerce.wa.gov/point-in-tim...
An infographic titled "2025 Snapshot of Homelessness" from the Washington State Department of Commerce features a grid of stylized figures representing individuals. The text highlights a total of 158,791 people experiencing homelessness or housing instability in 2025.
Too many of our neighbors in Washington donβt know where theyβll 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 Projectβs 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 placeβthanks 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 Nguyα»
n joined FOX 13 Seattle to talk about how tariffs impact Washingtonβs 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 itβs shaping policy, and why this is just the beginning.
youtu.be/Mi5dcAY786U
Suquamish Tribal Chairman Leonard Forsman signs a new memorandum of understanding between Commerce and the Tribe, while Commerce Director Joe Nguyen watches.
A group of seven individuals stands together in the Suquamish Tribe's council chamber.
We signed a memorandum of understanding with the Suquamish Tribe, formalizing our government-to-government relationship.
Rooted in respect & trust, weβre removing barriers, improving communication, & honoring tribal sovereignty while working toward shared goals.
www.commerce.wa.gov/the-suquamis...
Group of six individuals wearing hard hats and safety vests participate in a groundbreaking ceremony, digging into a mound of dirt with shovels.
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.
