Washington State Department of Commerce
LightNews LightNews
banner
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
Washington State Department of Commerce
@wastatecommerce.bsky.social
4.7K followers 110 following 170 posts
Washington State Department of Commerce official news and information. Our mission is to strengthen communities in our state.
www.commerce.wa.gov
Posts Replies Media Videos
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
Gov. Ferguson is directing $350,000 from the Strategic Reserve Fund to support the manufacturing expansion of Portal Space Systems, builder of the first commercial next-gen spacecraft, Supernova. 700+ tech, manufacturing & engineering jobs are expected by 2030.

www.commerce.wa.gov/governor-fer...
Illustration of the Portal Supernova. A spacecraft with large, reflective sails orbits Earth.
December 10, 2025 at 10:05 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
Thousands of rural residents and businesses in Okanogan and Ferry counties are getting connected. 🌐

With a $3.96 million grant from the Washington State Broadband Office and a $1.3 million match from Ziply, over 2,000 locations are getting connected.

Read more: www.commerce.wa.gov/state-broadb...
Three people are standing in a grassy area near a utility pole. One person, wearing a white hard hat, points toward an equipment box mounted on the pole. The other two individuals wear safety vests and observe the equipment. Trees and power lines are visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
December 8, 2025 at 8:55 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
Access to child care remains a challenge in WA. We've announced $680,000 in Child Care Partnership Grants funding to 13 organizations to help close the gap. Funding will support planning and strategies to increase availability and meet each community’s needs.

www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-awa...
A graphic featuring a news release from the Washington State Department of Commerce. The document highlights that Commerce has awarded over $680,000 to support communities in addressing child care shortages.
December 4, 2025 at 11:40 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
Gov. Ferguson appointed Jordan Arnold to lead the State Broadband Office to develop and implement high-speed internet across Washington. She's a public policy professional with experience working in the Biden White House.

Her first day is Jan. 2, 2026.

Read: www.commerce.wa.gov/governor-app...
Announcement from the Washington State Department of Commerce announcing the Governor appointed Jordan Arnold to lead the Washington State Broadband Office.
December 4, 2025 at 12:04 AM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
Big news for northern Hood Canal communities! 💻

With support from the State Broadband Office’s Broadband Infrastructure Program, Hood Canal Communications is expanding fiber internet along Highway 101.

Read more about the projects we're spotlighting: www.commerce.wa.gov/state-broadb...
A group of people stands outdoors in front of a building, gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Two individuals at the center are holding scissors and preparing to cut a blue ribbon, surrounded by others who are smiling. A tent is set up displaying a banner promoting high-speed internet services.
December 3, 2025 at 9:05 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
We’ve awarded $5.6M to 11 Community Development Financial Institutions through the Equitable Access to Credit Program, helping them provide training, technical assistance, and loans to borrowers who may not be eligible for traditional bank loans.

Read more: www.commerce.wa.gov/underserved-...
Image features a split design: on the left, text highlights a Commerce News Release about increased credit access for underserved communities in Washington. On the right, a photograph shows a bin of cranberries under a blue sky.
December 2, 2025 at 11:38 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
The State Broadband Office visited infrastructure projects bringing high-speed internet to rural communities in Ferry, Jefferson, Kittitas, Okanogan & Stevens counties. These stories show how investments connect communities to opportunity, services, & each other.

www.commerce.wa.gov/state-broadb...
A row of large red spools is lined up behind a stack of rectangular, gray storage boxes. The scene is set outdoors with hills and a partly cloudy sky in the background. A piece of machinery is visible near the base of the spools.
December 2, 2025 at 8:44 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
What started in a Richland garage is now shaping the future of clean energy. OCOchem is transforming CO₂ into a valuable fuel that can power vehicles, support clean manufacturing and create new jobs.

Innovation built in Washington. Impact felt everywhere.

Read: www.commerce.wa.gov/turning-carb...
Industrial machinery setup in a spacious facility, featuring a metal framework with pipes and tanks.
December 1, 2025 at 9:44 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
The Commerce WorkFirst team is coming to town, and we need your input to make grant applications easier and build a more equitable Washington.

Date: Nov. 13, 2025
Time: 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Wenatchee Valley WorkSource, 270 Ninth St. NE, Suite 240, East Wenatchee, WA 98802

RSVP: heyor.ca/txotBc
November 7, 2025 at 9:20 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
Evergreen Bioscience Innovation Cluster’s new incubator gives startups shared labs, equipment & a community of innovators solving real-world challenges together.

Supported by Commerce, Evergreen Bio is building the next chapter of Washington's bioscience future.

youtu.be/yPR9uvjE7qg
Commerce supports the Evergreen Bioscience Innovation Cluster
YouTube video by Washington State Department of Commerce
youtu.be
November 3, 2025 at 9:34 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
🌿 Strengthening partnerships, sharing knowledge.

Tribal planners from across Washington gathered earlier this month for the annual Tribal Planners’ Gathering — a day dedicated to collaborating, learning, and advancing shared goals.

Watch: youtu.be/-g9-78EqAOM
Tribal Planners' Meeting 2025
YouTube video by Washington State Department of Commerce
youtu.be
October 27, 2025 at 4:21 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
WA is leading the way in clean energy!

Director Joe Nguyễn recently participated in a panel discussion to share how innovation & sustainability work together to create real progress.

Hear how clean energy is shaping WA’s leadership in the next generation of global industries.

youtu.be/wMkLIgc3nmk
youtu.be
October 17, 2025 at 4:57 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
Concerts for Hope bring beauty, humanity & connection into Washington’s prisons.

In partnership with the Washington Statewide Reentry Council, this initiative helps create space for reflection, empathy, and healing- making reentry more successful & communities safer.

youtu.be/72bboixBuv0
Concerts for Hope bring beauty, humanity, and connection into Washington’s prisons.
YouTube video by Washington State Department of Commerce
youtu.be
October 15, 2025 at 8:00 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
Today, we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day—a time to honor the history, resilience, and ongoing contributions of tribal nations and tribal citizens and descendants across Washington.

At Commerce, we’re grateful for our partnerships with tribes and with Native American/Alaskan Native communities.
A graphic design featuring two stylized fish illustrations in a circular arrangement. The background is teal, with the text "Indigenous Peoples’ Day" prominently displayed above the date "October 13."
October 13, 2025 at 5:54 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
Commerce hosted the 4th annual COMTAC at the Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino — a day dedicated to strengthening government-to-government relationships & collaboration with Washington’s tribal nations.

youtu.be/QKWS3hsP-Yg
Fourth Annual COMTAC
YouTube video by Washington State Department of Commerce
youtu.be
October 10, 2025 at 6:02 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
A new single-family home in Kelso is bringing independence & community to people with intellectual & developmental disabilities.

Developed by Options for Supported Housing with a $1M Commerce investment, the 4-bedroom home features accessible design & individual leases.

More info: heyor.ca/krmh10
A group of people stands in a line holding a red ribbon stretched across a newly renovated room.
October 9, 2025 at 7:22 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
Our state is a critical hub for the space industry, starting more than a century ago, when a few dreamers in a red barn believed aircraft manufacturing was possible and built an industry that changed the world.
A Group of people stand in a well-lit event space, receiving recognition. A panel discussion takes place in a well-lit room with large windows. Director Joe Nguyễn stands at a podium in front of an audience during a presentation about the space industry.
October 8, 2025 at 10:21 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
October is national Energy Awareness Month, which includes a focus on Weatherization Month and National Weatherization Day October 30.

Learn more about Commerce Weatherization assistance programs: www.commerce.wa.gov/weatherizati...
A technician beside an outdoor air conditioning unit, with a tool bag filled with various tools.
October 8, 2025 at 9:26 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
Global spotlight on Washington agriculture!

Washington’s delegation just wrapped up a successful week at Fruit Attraction 2025, the world’s leading exhibition for fruit and vegetable professionals.

Learn more about our delegation: choosewashingtonstate.com/fruit-attrac...
A group of professionals poses in front of a "Choose Washington" exhibit at a conference.
October 7, 2025 at 8:37 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
We are investing in public health and the environment!

Commerce is supporting critical infrastructure upgrades in Tacoma, Bridgeport and Skagit County — improving stormwater systems, replacing aging pipes, and protecting waterways from contamination.

Learn more: www.commerce.wa.gov/critical-upg...
October 6, 2025 at 11:13 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
A new chapter for affordable housing in Lynnwood!

Housing Hope and partners broke ground on Scriber Place, a development that will create 52 affordable homes for families with children, low-income households, and families with special needs.

Learn more: commerce.wa.gov/htf
A group of nine individuals stands under a tent, all holding shovels in preparation for a groundbreaking ceremony.
October 6, 2025 at 5:00 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
Commerce is prepared to sustain our work despite the federal shutdown that began today. Current funding and contracts remain secure, with no immediate impacts to staffing, programs, or operations.

Read the full statement: heyor.ca/MxecfB
A broad view of the Washington state capitol building surrounded by trees.
October 3, 2025 at 6:59 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
The day after our COMTAC meeting, Commerce joined tribal planners from across Washington for the Tribal Planners’ Gathering on Thursday, at Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino.

It was a full day of learning, collaboration and meaningful conversation — all focused on strengthening partnerships.
Ten people gather together outside, around a banner that reads "Tribal Planning and Coordination."
October 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
Yesterday, our Office of Tribal Relations gathered with tribal representatives from across Washington for the Commerce Tribal Advisory Committee (COMTAC).

COMTAC is a collaborative effort between Commerce and tribal leadership to identify needs, provide feedback, and strengthen partnerships.
COMTAC attendees following a presentation inside an office space at the Spokane Tribe and Casino. Four individuals standing together. From left to right: Commerce Chief of Staff, Nicole Lutomski, Interim Director of Tribal Relations, Alden Andy, Director Joe Nguyen and Tribal Technical Assistance Lead, Mary Miller. A group of COMTAC attendees, standing outside posing together.
October 2, 2025 at 7:10 PM
wastatecommerce.bsky.social
A year ago, ten state agencies, including Commerce, joined together to launch the Climate Resilience Strategy, a unified plan led by @ecology.wa.gov to strengthen communities across the state.

Today, Ecology released the first progress report.

Read the report:
apps.ecology.wa.gov/publications...
A view looking up through a dense canopy of vibrant green leaves, with sunlight filtering through the branches. The tall trees create a radial pattern against a clear blue sky.
September 30, 2025 at 10:54 PM