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*Fall 2025*

*Director's Newsletter*

Commerce: Built to serve, ready to build

*Commerce is ready to support communities in uncertain times*

I’ll be blunt: We don’t know what’s going to come out of Washington, D.C., on any given day.

We’re on day six of a government shutdown with no end in sight. Commerce is well-prepared to withstand the shutdown, but the longer it lasts, the more significant the impact could be. Commerce relies on both state and federal funds, with current operations supported by federal appropriations from fiscal years 2021-25.

Director Nguyen joins Sen. Patty Murray and others at a roundtable.

Of Commerce’s $9.2 billion budget, $1.8 billion — 19% — comes from federal dollars. The agency manages more than 2,800 active federal contracts, potentially affecting services across its entire portfolio, from housing funding to community development.

In September, the president announced a shocking increase in the cost of an H-1B visa [ [link removed] ], which could massively disrupt Washington’s knowledge economy. The president’s ongoing back-and-forth on tariffs is another concern. New tariffs are introduced and previous proposals are walked back regularly, making it difficult for businesses to predict costs. A report from Washington’s Office of Financial Management [ [link removed] ] confirms these changes could be destructive. Stable tariffs would allow us to plan for damages, but constant changes make planning nearly impossible.

Despite federal uncertainties, Commerce promises transparency and support. We stand by Washington state laws that protect the rights of historically marginalized people, ensure access to health care, support clean energy initiatives, and more.

Federal uncertainties affect both the state’s budget and our communities. We know our partners are concerned, and we’re here to help however we can.

"Photo: Commerce Director Nguyen joined Sen. Patty Marray and others for a roundtable discussion about federal clean energy cuts and what they will mean for Washington. The roundtable was in Seattle in July."



Your feedback will guide Commerce’s future
Poulsbo Community Engagement Listening Session

Commerce employees lead a listening session in Poulsbo in May.

Thanks to the insights gathered from over 4,000 people through surveys, listening sessions, and focus groups, Commerce is prepared to chart a course for the future.

We received nearly 3,900 survey responses, hosted 41 in-person sessions with close to 300 participants, and conducted seven online focus groups with 160 attendees. From these engagements, several key themes emerged:


* Awareness and access: A centralized platform for funding opportunities, complete with filters, deadlines, and updates, is highly desired.
* Applications: Simplified application processes with clear instructions and eligibility checks are crucial.
* Contracting and payments: Faster reimbursement, standard contracts, and greater flexibility for smaller communities are needed.
* Reporting: Flexible reporting requirements, user-friendly tools, and additional training are essential.
* Rural and small-organization support: Tailored assistance for rural partners to enhance their competitiveness and success.

Voices from rural communities emphasized the importance of upfront funding, consistent staffing, and transparent expectations.

One of the first steps is addressing how communities learn about opportunities at Commerce. Contracting with Commerce [ [link removed] ] is a centralized site where open opportunities and application deadlines are clearly listed.

Commerce remains committed to continuous improvement and fostering trust with Washington's communities. We will host conversations this fall [ [link removed] ] to report back on what we’ve learned and discuss our next steps to develop solutions. We hope you can join us. 


*Community stewardship*

Commerce employees are busy every day with projects that strengthen communities. Here are a handful of our agency highlights.

Spokane Tribe of Indians is 10th tribe to sign MOU with Commerce

In September, I traveled to Wellpinit, roughly 90 minutes northeast of Spokane, to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Spokane Tribe of Indians. This marks the 10th MOU Commerce has signed with a tribe.

These MOUs are not just formalities; they are essential frameworks that foster stronger, more collaborative future relationships. They simplify contract language, honor tribal sovereignty, and help us meet our legal obligations. By removing administrative barriers, improving communication and tribal consultation practices, and ensuring culturally appropriate data privacy and security, these agreements pave the way for enhanced cooperation.

Group photo at the Spokane Tribe of Indians MOU signing.

Group from left to right: Francis SiJohn, Spokane Tribe Executive Director; Bridget Ray, Commerce Growth Management Services Tribal Coordination Manager; Annica Eagle, Commerce Community Engagement Specialist; Al Andy, Commerce Interim Director of the Office of Tribal Relations; Greg Abrahamson, Spokane Tribe Chairman; Joe Nguyen, Commerce Director; Monica Tonasket, Spokane Tribe Secretary Councilmember; Danny Kieffer, Spokane Tribe Councilmember; Luc Jasmin, Governor’s Office Eastern Washington Outreach Representative.

My visit to Wellpinit was my fourth invitation to a tribal community as Commerce’s Director. I am deeply committed to strengthening our collaborations with tribes, addressing their needs, and fulfilling our role in the Centennial Accord. I am eager to listen, learn, and improve how Commerce can support these vital partnerships.

For more information on how Commerce and the tribes of Washington are working together for a stronger future, visit the Office of Tribal Relations webpage [ [link removed] ].

Koto Coffee image [ [link removed] ]

Koto Coffee keeps caffeinating Seattle with help from SBRN

Most of us need a little caffeine to get through our days. In Washington, we have an abundance of excellent local brews, and now there's a novel option in Seattle.

Koto Coffee [ [link removed] ], Seattle’s first café dedicated to drinkable coffee jelly, was founded by architects-turned-entrepreneurs Ree Hamai and Heywood Chan. They have reimagined a Japanese dessert into smooth drinks made with coffee, matcha, tea and milk jellies.

With the support of the Small Business Resiliency Network (SBRN) [ [link removed] ], Ree and Heywood transitioned from pop-ups to a storefront near Seattle University. The SBRN connects entrepreneurs across the state, providing expertise in various languages to help their businesses flourish.

Koto Coffee can provide the caffeine kick that we need to power through long days.

Homelessness growth rate is slowing, but it’s still too high

Recent Commerce studies indicate that the growth rate of homelessness in Washington is slowing [ [link removed] ]. 

Although a slowing growth rate is a positive sign, it is not enough. The federal Point In Time Count (PIT) [ [link removed] ] identified 22,173 people experiencing homelessness as of Jan. 30, 2025, excluding King County’s unsheltered count. Meanwhile, Commerce’s Snapshot Report [ [link removed] ] found 158,791 people in emergency shelters or unhoused statewide. 

Behind each statistic is a person facing uncertainty. With the support of the Legislature and Governor Ferguson, Commerce is investing in programs to prevent homelessness, help people remain stably housed, and provide a path back to security.

Several Commerce programs continue to work hard on this, including the Multifamily Housing Unit, which is currently accepting applications for $212 million in affordable multifamily rental housing funding [ [link removed] ]. This investment aims to close the gap in needed housing units across communities statewide. Applications for federal and state funding close on Oct. 16.

Commerce is committed to investing in affordable housing, strengthening communities, and creating a better future for all.

 

New tool helps support smarter planning

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Smart growth is impossible without a deep understanding of our communities. Thanks to the combined efforts of Commerce’s Growth Management Services unit, MAKERS architecture and urban design, BHC Consultants, and students from the state’s accredited planning programs, acquiring this knowledge has become significantly more attainable.

Commerce recently introduced the Washington State Zoning Atlas (WAZA) [ [link removed] ], a new tool designed to standardize and display zoning data from across the state in a single interactive platform. The WAZA is accessible as an interactive web-based map and a downloadable database.

The WAZA owes its success to diverse perspectives involved in its creation. Students from accredited planning programs at UW Seattle, Western Washington University, and Eastern Washington University, along with students from UW Tacoma, participated in a groundbreaking joint course that allowed them to learn about zoning in Washington and to test data collection methods essential for the WAZA's development.

Their combined efforts have created a vital resource for understanding and planning our communities' futures.

 



Drivers charge up thanks to the Climate Commitment Act
Commerce Director Joe Nguyen, Electric Era’s Kyler Schmitz, and Clean & Prosperous Institute Board Member Paula Sardinas.

Commerce Director Joe Nguyen (center) joins Electric Era’s Kyler Schmitz and Clean & Prosperous Institute Board Member Paula Sardinas at the opening of the new fast EV charging station in Arlington.

Commerce’s Washington Electric Vehicle Charging Program (WAEVCP) [ [link removed] ] opened two new rapid electric vehicle charging stations in Arlington and Colville this summer. These are the first of 136 planned sites, funded with $101 million from the Climate Commitment Act.

These initial stations will serve commuters and adventurers on the I-5 corridor and heading into the North Cascades or north-central Washington forests. They are the result of collaboration among the state, private industry, and local leaders. Increasing the number of chargers reduces range anxiety and helps us all move towards a cleaner future.

Fast charging, which can recharge an EV in 15 to 45 minutes, is crucial for accelerating EV adoption. It saves drivers on fuel costs and reduces air pollution in near-highway communities.

*Open funding opportunities*

Commerce currently has more than $375 million in funding available, in addition to open requests for proposals for a variety of other funding types with different cost limits.

Explore Contracting with Commerce [ [link removed] ] to view more opportunities.

Here are some highlights:


* State [ [link removed] ] and federal [ [link removed] ] funding for affordable multifamily rental projects, applications due by Oct. 16
* Early Learning Facilities Expansion and Maintenance Competitive Grant, [ [link removed] ] applications due Oct. 31
* Modernize the electric grid [ [link removed] ], applications due by Nov. 4

Find more opportunities [ [link removed] ]

*Resources for you*

Commerce website [ [link removed] ]

Jobs at Commerce [ [link removed] ]

Community Engagement and Outreach [ [link removed] ]

Public Records Request [ [link removed] ]

Access the Contract Portal [ [link removed] ]

Legislative resources [ [link removed] ]

Agency contact information [ [link removed] ]








About Commerce

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Commerce works with local governments, businesses, community-based organizations and tribes to strengthen communities. The department’s diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and effective public and private partnerships promote sustainable community and economic development to help all Washingtonians thrive. For more information, visit [link removed]. For information on locating or expanding a business in Washington, visit choosewashingtonstate.com [ [link removed] ].

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