Washington State Department of Commerce

The State Broadband Office has approximately $1.2 billion in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding available to help close the digital divide in Washington. This significant investment aims to improve internet access for underserved communities, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the digital world. Eligible applicants include: Local governments, federally recognized tribes, nonprofits, nonprofit cooperative organizations, public private partnerships, private companies, and public or private utilities. Projects must serve areas identified and approved through the BEAD process. Applications due Friday, Jan. 31. Get full details: https://lnkd.in/gJjPuN6d

What does environmental justice look like in action? The Electric Vehicle Charging Program is driving progress by ensuring equitable access to clean transportation. With nearly $100 million in funding, this program is expanding EV charging infrastructure across Washington, helping communities transition to a more sustainable future. Curious about the impact? Explore the funding dashboard to see grant recipients, awarded funds, and new EV chargers in your area: https://lnkd.in/g-GW7N5v

Happy New Year, from all of us at Commerce! 🎆

2024 has been another big year at Commerce. As we reflect on the highlights, we are grateful for our many partners across Washington that play a crucial role in helping communities thrive. We’re excited to accomplish even more together in the coming year!

Big news out of City of Everett, WA. Lafarge & Egge just unveiled their brand-new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with a ribbon-cutting celebration! This exciting expansion was made possible, in part, by a 2024 Commerce Evergreen Manufacturing Growth Grant, fueling the growth of Washington’s key industries like aerospace, maritime, clean tech, and beyond. Local partner, Economic Alliance Snohomish County, submitted this project for the grant award. What’s new? • Expanded capabilities to serve aerospace, space, defense, and other industries. • Infrastructure upgrades, including architectural design, permitting, and power enhancements, funded by the grant. • A 38,000-square-foot facility on Hardeson Road that will nearly double staff to around 60 employees as production and demand increase in 2025! In these photos, Owner/CEO Paul Raidna holds the scissors, with President Bryan Lutrell, GM Tyler Haist. Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin cuts the ribbon alongside staff and community leaders. We also get a close-up look at one of Lafarge & Egge’s advanced manufacturing machines—a nod to their roots as a tube bending supplier for Boeing and aerospace companies. Congratulations to Lafarge & Egge on this milestone and for helping drive innovation and opportunity in our state!

ICYMI: We’re looking for a third-party administrator for the Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebate programs. The programs will provide rebates to low- and moderate-income households for whole-home energy efficiency retrofits and electrification. There are two virtual upcoming pre-proposal workshops for interested applicants: • Wednesday, Jan. 8, 9:30 a.m.; Register: https://heyor.ca/dMhfdO • Thursday, Jan. 16, 12 p.m.; Register: https://heyor.ca/BfL5Hr Proposals are due Monday, March 3, 2025 by 4 p.m. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gKeN6MhE

A model in coordinated funding, Sunset Gardens is a four-story mixed-use building providing affordable apartments for veterans, individuals with disabilities, and seniors who earn less than 50% of the area median income. The Renton Housing Authority, city of Renton, JP Morgan Chase Bank, King County, and the Washington State Housing Finance Commission all partnered to complete the project in April 2024. With a project cost of $50 million, not including the land donated by the housing authority, Sunset Gardens fulfills part of Renton’s 2025 comprehensive plan and highlights the city’s use of a 0.1% sales tax increase to help with affordable housing and mental health services.

The City of Bellevue, Washington was awarded not one, but two Governor Smart Communities Awards in 2024! Now we're taking a closer look at these impactful improvements. With a partnership between King County Parks and the City of Bellevue, the Eastrail Wilburton Framework Plan earned the Judges Merit Award! The bold trail-oriented design transforms the Wilburton corridor into a thriving transit-oriented, multi-benefit neighborhood. Bellevue’s innovative 0.1% tax program is driving real impact through the Housing Stability Program (HSP)! In just two years, HSP has funded $16 million in affordable housing projects, supporting residents at 30% or less of AMI. Watch the video to see how Bellevue is paving the way for sustainable, inclusive growth:

CJK Community Homes is transforming lives through financial literacy in Pierce County. The nonprofit organization is using funding from Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Project to create pathways to financial independence for historically marginalized communities. Founder Noemi Cagatin-Porter has personally experienced homelessness, and is now using her journey from poverty to possibility to help others achieve the same transformation. Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/gH38BJc9

Under Washington’s HEAL (Healthy Environment for All) Act, nearly 55% of funding is directed toward creating environmental benefits for overburdened communities, vulnerable populations, and tribes across the state. So far, funding has supported 5,600+ projects and programs aimed at reducing pollution, improving environmental health, and addressing disparities. Explore the HEAL dashboard to see how state agencies are making an impact: https://lnkd.in/gn-GbThB