Commerce is the one agency involved with every aspect of community and economic development: planning, infrastructure, energy, housing, business services and more. Our divisions work with local governments, tribes, businesses and civic leaders throughout the state to strengthen communities so all residents may thrive and prosper.
Community Services
Commerce’s Community Services Division (CSD) partners with local governments, tribes, community action agencies, community-based organizations and nonprofits to provide community assistance and services. Our primary goal is to promote individual and family self-sufficiency, reduce poverty, and address the causes and effects of systemic violence. We are committed to equity and anti-racism by centering the voices of underserved communities and building a safer Washington for everyone.
Economic Development
Creating a prosperous, sustainable economy goes hand in hand with building world-class communities. One cannot exist without the other. As the state’s economic development agency, Commerce focuses on strengthening our key industries, expanding international trade, helping small businesses grow, providing training to a new generation of workers, providing access to funding, and supporting the work of our local economic development partners in all 39 Washington counties.
Energy Division
People in Washington spend more than $20 billion per year on energy. Most of this money leaves the state to pay for oil and natural gas. Our state energy priorities get the most out of our state’s exceptional mix of innovation, free enterprise and green stewardship. The Washington State Energy Office reviews energy issues, works on the benefits of energy and moves us toward our state energy goals. We provide energy policy support, analysis and information to the state and provide energy grants to Washington state entities.
Housing Division
Working to make housing accessible to all, Commerce is committed to safe and affordable housing solutions. Commerce provides tools to local governments, nonprofits and community action agencies to ensure that everyone is housed in their communities. Our support ranges from capital funding to build and preserve affordable housing stock to programs that prevent families from becoming homeless.
Local Government
Counties, cities and towns all over Washington connect with Commerce for resources, funding and services to help them grow. At Commerce, we understand and support leadership needs across all levels of local government. From public infrastructure systems to planning for sustainable growth and economic development, our people and programs are at your side.