Washington State Department of Commerce
.svg) | |
 | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Olympia, Washington |
| Employees | 735 (2024)[1] |
| Annual budget | $10.5 billion (2025-26)[1] |
| Agency executive |
|
| Website | Commerce.wa.gov |
The Washington State Department of Commerce is a state agency in Washington. Based in the state's capitol, Olympia, Washington, the agency is responsible for community and economic development. The agency manages several boards and commissions with a focus on businesses, local governments, tribes, and community-based organizations.[2][3][4]
The Washington State Department of Commerce oversees five Commerce Divisions, each with its own units. The Divisions consisting of Housing, Energy, Local Government, Economic Development, and Community Services.[5]
As of 2024[update], the agency had approx. 735 employees and a $10.5 billion budget for the 2025-2026 biennium.[1] The department also offers small business and startup support through programs such as the Small Business Resiliency Network (SBRN), which provides low-cost loans and training to businesses, and the Startup 365 Small Business Training & Education Center, a statewide resource offering courses, startup guides, and assistance in sourcing capital.[6][7]
Divisions
[edit]Housing
- Homeownership
- Homelessness Response
- Multifamily Rental Housing
- Permanent Supportive Housing
- Housing Data and Systems Performance
- Housing Policy and Strategic Initiatives
Energy
- Energy Policy, Standards and Reports
- Energy Programs in Communities (EPIC)
- Energy Resilience and Emergency Management
- Clean Transportation
- Weatherization
- Energy Grants and Incentives for Homes and Buildings
Local Government
- Growth Management
- Public Works Board
- Research and Development Services
- Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO)
- Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB)
- Community Capital Facilities
Economic Development
- Key Industries
- Access to Capital
- Business Development
- Export Assistance
- Small Business Training and Education Center
Community Services
- Community Reinvestment Program (CRP)
- Crime Victims Advocacy
- Community Economic Opportunities
- Community Safety
- Special Initiatives
History
[edit]Mike Fong, the former deputy mayor of Seattle and a regional director of the U.S. Small Business Administration, was appointed as head of the department in April 2023.[8]
In December 2024, Governor-elect Bob Ferguson appointed State Senator Joe Nguyen to succeed Mike Fong as the agency's director.[9]
In June 2025, the agency underwent organizational restructing, terminating 24 employees, dissolving its equity team and extending a pause on hiring due to budget shortfalls.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c McCarthy, Pat (August 11, 2025). "Accountability Audit Report; Washington State Department of Commerce; For the period July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 (Report No. 1037901)". Washington State Auditor. p. 17. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ "The Washington State Department of Commerce - Learn About Us". Washington State Department of Commerce. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
- ^ "About Commerce's Office of Economic Development & Competitiveness". Washington State - Building Business Legends. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
- ^ "Washington State Department of Commerce – CleanTech Alliance". Retrieved August 29, 2020.
- ^ "Homepage". Washington State Department of Commerce. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
- ^ https://www.commerce.wa.gov/sbrn/
- ^ https://www.commerce.wa.gov/small-business-services/
- ^ Cornfield, Jerry (April 12, 2023). "Former Snohomish County official to lead WA Department of Commerce". The Everett Herald. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
- ^ Cornfield, Jerry. "Ferguson taps Seattle state senator to lead WA Department of Commerce". Washington State Standard. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- ^ Carter, Simone (June 11, 2025). "Washington Department of Commerce dissolves standalone equity team". The Olympian. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
