Washington State Department of Commerce

Commerce today announced a first-of-its-kind planning toolkit and grant funding to support communities planning for low-income and emergency housing. We’ve awarded $220,000 to seven community partnerships as part of the second round of Coordinated Low-Income Housing Planning grants. This funding supports community resource coordination and planning for the lowest income housing needs, including residents experiencing homelessness.

We’re looking for a consultant to collaborate with our team and external stakeholders on a study for calculating Area Median Income in the state. The consultant will evaluate the impact and feasibility of current and alternative methods, and develop recommendations based on analysis and stakeholder engagement. Interested in applying? Join the pre-proposal conference Wednesday, July 13 at 1 p.m., Register: https://bit.ly/4cLiVb9 Proposals are due Tuesday, Aug. 20 by 12 p.m. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4cPVNYX

Commerce this week announced $52 million in Climate Commitment Act funding to tribes within Washington to support climate resilience. Climate change affects tribes differently depending on their unique geography, culture and economy. Tribes and our Office of Tribal Relations and Growth Management Services Team intentionally co-designed a strategy to distribute the funding that gives tribes flexibility to determine the best use to address their resiliency needs. Governor Jay Inslee, Director Mike Fong and members of our team traveled to the Quinault Indian Reservation for the funding announcement on Tuesday. The Quinault Indian Nation is using $13 million for foundational infrastructure as part of their plan to move their two main villages, Taholah and Queets, out of the flooding and tsunami zone. #ClimateChange #TribalResilience

Tune in live at 1:30 p.m. to hear from Gov. Jay Inslee, Commerce Director Mike Fong and Quinault Indian Nation President Guy Capoeman to announce a significant funding award to tribes in Washington from the state’s Climate Commitment Act. The Quinault Indian Nation is already feeling dramatic effects from climate change, and the funding will help them prepare for the ongoing threat. Announcing the funding at this location exemplifies the state’s focus on environmental justice and community engagement in CCA funding. https://lnkd.in/ddDg5R7X

Commerce Director Mike Fong continued his road trip across Washington with a visit to Skagit County last week. His day in Sedro-Woolley and Mount Vernon included learning about the area’s growth, and how its leaders are tackling both big-city and rural challenges. Thank you to the community organizations and leaders who hosted our team during their visit: NW Innovation Resource Center, Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County - EDASC, Triumph Teen Life Center, and Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan. Read more about Director Fong’s Skagit tour: https://bit.ly/4bEz5BK

Michael Fong, Director, Washington State Department of Commerce, and Beto Yarce, SBA Pacific Northwest Regional Administrator, along with other Commerce and SBA leaders met on Wednesday to discuss collaborations and partnerships providing even more support to small businesses. This includes Investing In America programs covering energy, manufacturing and clean tech; government contracting opportunities such as HUBZone and infrastructure; funding via SBA programs as well as the State Small Business Credit Initiative; and entrepreneurial ecosystem and training programs and opportunities. Photo 1: Mike Fong, Director, Washington State Department of Commerce, and Beto Yarce, Regional Administrator, SBA Region 10 serving the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Photo 2: Keith Swenson, Deputy Assistant Director, Office of Economic Development & Competitiveness, Washington State Department of Commerce; Mike Fong, Director, Washington State Department of Commerce; Beto Yarce, SBA Regional Administrator for the Pacific Northwest; Linda Lee Womack, MBA, Managing Director, Small Business Finance & Community Support, Washington State Department of Commerce; Melanie Norton, District Director, SBA Seattle District Office; and Lynn Longan, Manager, Small Business Training & Education Center, Washington State Department of Commerce.

Commerce Director Mike Fong today headed to northwest Washington as part of his mission to visit all 39 counties. He checked Skagit County off his list with stops in Sedro-Woolley and Mount Vernon to see Commerce investments at work and learn about the unique needs and priorities of the local community. After visits with the Northwest Innovation Resource Center, Sedron Technologies, Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County, and the Triumph Teen Life Center, he finished the day connecting with Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan and a tour of the nearly-complete Library Commons project.

Our 2026 Periodic Update Workshop Series kicked off in June, and we’re excited to share insights and guidance to aid planning across Washington. Check out this video featuring Senior Planner Suzanne Austin, where she explains the importance and benefits of these updates. Join us on Thursday, July 18, at 10 a.m. for an in-depth workshop on climate change and resiliency. Register: https://bit.ly/4cwsASR This session will cover: • Climate planning guidance and resources • Greenhouse gas reduction strategies • A climate case study from Yakima Valley This workshop is ideal for planners, consultants, and staff involved in comprehensive planning, but everyone is welcome. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your climate planning efforts! Learn more: https://bit.ly/4eSmj5p