Washington State Department of Commerce’s Post

REMINDER: Our Clean Buildings team is hosting an informational webinar for owners of multifamily or nonprofit buildings to discuss compliance with the Clean Buildings Performance Standards. Join us for the one-hour webinar tomorrow, Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will also share information about their free energy and water benchmarking services for HUD-assisted properties. Register on Zoom: https://heyor.ca/7bbEzc Learn more about the Clean Buildings Performance Standard: https://lnkd.in/gRXVkTi9

On this World Food Day, we’re celebrating the Washington farmers and food businesses ensuring nourishment to local communities and the world. Get involved in #WorldFoodDay at https://lnkd.in/gXd-FPH2. Learn more about Washington’s agriculture industry: https://lnkd.in/g_AwkkGP

Washington's Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) State Plan is facing a severe funding cut that could impact over 52,000 survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other crimes. Federal funding has declined drastically in recent years, and the future of critical victim services programs hangs in the balance. Commerce is working to address these funding gaps. To start, we've requested $51 million for the 2025-2027 biennium and are recommending legislation that would stabilize funding for these essential services. Without stable funding support, more than 140 organizations statewide, including nonprofits, tribal governments, and local agencies, could face severe cutbacks or closure, leaving survivors without access to the help they desperately need. 📢 Learn more about the funding challenges and current efforts to meet community needs: https://heyor.ca/2ywbam

Congratulations to the residents of Union Gap and the Yakima Valley Libraries on the new Union Gap Library and Community Center! The recent ribbon cutting is a major community milestone that marked nearly 12 years since the previous library closed. Funded in part by Commerce’s Library Capital Improvement Program and Community Development Block Grant, the project offers community gathering spaces, senior services, and state-of-the art systems for self-checkout and automated return. Read more about the project: https://heyor.ca/d2GjfC

The Digital Navigator Program has an open funding opportunity for federally recognized tribes in Washington that are interested in helping eliminate barriers and provide a path forward in equitable digital inclusion through increased access to supporting services. Services must include, but are not limited to: One-on-one assistance for people with limited access to services, including individuals seeking work, students, seeking digital tech support, families support students, English language learners, Medicaid clients, people experiencing poverty, and seniors. Join the pre-proposal conference at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17. Register to join on Zoom: https://heyor.ca/OG4EbA Proposals due: Friday, Dec. 6 by 5 p.m. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gpWeM5JF

Homelessness is on the rise, and communities across Washington feel the impact. Commerce recently released a new five-year Homeless Housing Strategy Plan, with input from people who have experienced homelessness and housing instability, tribal representatives, local governments, and service providers. The plan gives specific actions to strengthen the homeless crisis response system by pursuing resources necessary for immediate assistance, temporary housing, and the 1.1 million permanent housing units needed over the next 20 years. “Meaningful, long-term reductions in homelessness and housing instability demand broad collaboration and data-driven solutions coming at this from every angle,” said Commerce Director Mike Fong.

The causes you champion in your community require support, and the FundHubWA portal connects you to the funding opportunities to make that possible. From urban forestry to hands-on learning opportunities for students, explore 14 ways your program can receive funding by visiting FundHub.WA.gov. #FundHubWA #FundingWA

The third annual COMTAC is in the books! Last week, our Office of Tribal Relations gathered with tribal representatives from across Washington for the Commerce Tribal Advisory Committee conference in Shelton. COMTAC is a collaborative effort between Commerce and tribal leadership to identify needs, provide feedback, and discuss strategies while strengthening our government-to-government relationships. The event included an update from our Legislation and Policy team, including legislative requests for the coming session, and discussions with representatives from our various divisions and programs. Thank you to the Squaxin Island Tribe for hosting the two-day event!