Associate Development Organizations. 
Associate development organizations (ADOs) are local organizations designated by each county to serve as the primary partner of the Department of Commerce (Department) in local economic development activities.
 
The Department contracts with the ADOs to increase the support for and coordination of community and economic development services in communities or regional areas.  The scope of services delivered under the contracts must include direct assistance, including business planning, to companies throughout the county who need support to stay in business, expand, or relocate to Washington.  Services must also include support for regional economic research and regional planning efforts to implement target industry sector strategies and other economic development strategies.
 
As part of their contracts, the ADOs are required to submit annual performance reports to the Department.
 
The Department must also submit a final report to the Legislature by December 31 of each even-numbered year on the performance results of the contracts with the ADOs.

Grant Program.
By July 1, 2024, the Department is required to establish a grant program to support the ADOs in the recruiting, hiring, and retention of grant writers.  The Department is required to award grants on an annual basis and must prioritize grants for distressed areas of the state.
 
The ADOs that receive awards are required to provide information in their annual reports to the Department on the use of the funds, including a description of the ADO's recruiting and hiring efforts and, if applicable, the number and types of grants applied for by the grant writers funded by the state.  Beginning December 31, 2026, the Department is required to include information on grant award funding and use in its reports to the Legislature on the ADO contracts.