Media Center

Commerce Director Mike Fong issued the following statement on the recent passing of Karen Lane Rahm: On behalf of all of our current and former Department of Commerce team members, I share condolences to the family, and many friends and colleagues of Karen Lane Rahm on her recent passing. Karen…

Affordable Housing Advisory Board releases 2023-2028 Housing Advisory Plan: Affordable Housing Needs in Washington State Olympia, Washington – The lack of affordable housing options has reached critical levels in communities throughout Washington, according to the recently released Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB) Five-Year Housing Advisory Plan. The AHAB report highlights…

OLYMPIA, WA –  Washington state’s initial proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is one of three approved today by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The BEAD program is a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s  “Internet for All” initiative. This approval…

New Commerce grants fund organizations taking action to help communities disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs build a stable financial future OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $9.8 million in grants to 28 organizations and institutions providing financial coaching for communities disproportionally impacted by…

Awards will fund 10 projects in eight counties, and connect nearly 6,000 unserved broadband locations OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) recently approved $21 million in critical infrastructure projects in 10 communities for broadband construction, pre-construction, and emergency funding. Taking action at its May 3, 2024 business meeting,…

Combined with federal and dealer incentives, $45 million in state rebates aim to make EVs accessible to lower income drivers OLYMPIA, WA – The choice and benefits of driving electric vehicles (EVs) is about to become more affordable to many more Washingtonians, thanks to a new state program announced today.…