The Department of Commerce (Commerce) is responsible for promoting community and economic development within the state by assisting Washington's communities to increase the quality of life of their citizens and their economic vitality and by assisting Washington's businesses to maintain and increase their economic competitiveness.  Commerce's responsibilities include soliciting private and federal grants for economic and community development programs and maximizing the impact of federal funding for economic development through coordination with research facilities to leverage federal funding for research, development, innovation of new technologies, and transfer of technology to the private sector to promote business development and jobs in Washington. 

Federal grant opportunities address multiple aspects of economic development, including broadband, clean and efficient energy, climate change resiliency, disaster mitigation and recovery, housing and homelessness, public infrastructure, semiconductor technology, transportation, and water and waste management.  The majority of the federal grant opportunities require the applicant to provide a percentage of matching funds, also referred to as cost sharing.  State funds may be used to meet federal match requirements in limited circumstances, including the Public Works Assistance Account and the Statewide Broadband Account. 

Training and Technical Assistance to Local Communities.

Commerce provides training and technical assistance to local communities to promote local development and encourage economic growth and opportunity, including developing and implementing strategic development plans, assisting businesses, encouraging investment in public infrastructure, and expanding employment opportunities.  Commerce makes training and technical assistance available through centralized and user-friendly information and referral, and coordinated community and economic development efforts.  Local communities most in need of assistance are prioritized for training. 

Associate Development Organization Grant Program.

By July 1, 2024, Commerce is required to establish a grant program to recruit, hire, and retain grant writers for associate development organizations.  An "associate development organization" is a local economic development nonprofit corporation that is broadly representative of community interests.  After the grant program is established, Commerce is required to award grants annually, and to prioritize grants for distressed areas.

Inventory of Grant Opportunities for Entities Engaged in Economic Development

Activities.

Commerce inventories grant opportunities that are available for entities engaged in economic development activities.  The inventory includes grant and project opportunities in the federal register.  Commerce may consult with federal agencies on prospects for federal funds for Washington's economic development purposes, including the Small Business Administration, the Department of Labor, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Ecology.  Commerce facilitates joint efforts that will increase the likelihood of success in applicants seeking grants.

Technical Assistance for Federal Grant Applications.

The Department of Commerce (Commerce) must provide technical assistance to local communities developing applications for federal funding in Commerce's training and technical assistance that it provides to local communities, community-based nonprofit organizations, regional areas, and businesses.  To the extent funding is made available, Commerce may provide the technical assistance through contracts with external parties.

Prioritized Grants for Federal Funds in Associate Development Organization Grant

Program.

Commerce's grant program supporting associate development organizations must prioritize grants for applications for federal funds, in addition to grants for distressed areas.

Federal Resource Guide Included in Inventory of Grant Opportunities.

Commerce may include a resource guide for applicants for federal grants in its existing inventory of grant opportunities.  The resource guide should include links to federal applications and relevant resources, as well as contact information for Commerce staff for grant applicants in need of assistance.

(In support) Matching dollars provide a critical resource to communities so that the communities can access federal dollars.  Trying to acquire federal funds creates a "chicken and egg dilemma," and matching funds will solve that problem for communities which need a match to access federal funds.  The Spokane region was designated as a tech hub under the CHIPS Act but will need $7 million from all community partners for the 10 percent match required to access the $40-70 million Phase 2 grant application.  Many smaller communities have a hard time coming up with the necessary matching funds, meaning they are not able to bring federal dollars into the community.  Some communities are deferring maintenance work in order to have matching dollars available.  The funds are especially critical for communities in distress. 

There is an unprecedented opportunity to take advantage of federal funding that is available, including the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS Act, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.  Federal funds are used for projects like culvert replacement, broadband, workforce development, decarbonization, aerospace, manufacturing, and transportation, many of which align with state priorities and make Washington competitive with other parts of the country.  Other states have been aggressive in pursuing the federal funding opportunities, but Washington is currently in the lower 25 percent of states obtaining federal funds leaving it at a competitive disadvantage.  Some communities are dedicating time and effort to apply for as many grants as possible, but when there is a high demand for certain grants, and a lack of local or state funding, the communities are not able to tap into the full potential of federal funds available.  Increasing technical assistance and assistance with grant writing will build capacity for future grants and help maximize the resources coming to Washington and create a valuable program for the future. 

(Opposed) None.

(Other) Matching funds provide opportunities that are desperately needed to avoid losing out on the unprecedented amount of federal funding that is available for infrastructure and community development.  There are recent examples of why state matching funds are so impactful, such as the Pacific Northwest hydrogen hub from the Department of Energy; the Legislature's $2 million investment in this opportunity led to $1 billion of federal funds that has catalyzed an additional $8 billion in private investments, primarily in rural communities.  The investments can grow exponentially.  The Department of Commerce has requested $136.5 million in the supplemental capital budget to provide state matching funds to improve competitiveness in green jobs and infrastructure.

(In support) None.

(Opposed) None.

(In support) Representative Stephanie Barnard, prime sponsor; Brandy DeLange, Association of Washington Cities; Suzanne Dale Estey, Washington Economic Development Association; Richa Sigdel, City of Pasco; Gary Ballew, Greater Spokane; and Karl Dye, Tri-City Development Council.