title: RCW 43.325.030

text:
The director of the department shall appoint a coordinator that is responsible for:
(1) Managing, directing, inventorying, and coordinating state efforts to promote, develop, and encourage biofuel and energy efficiency, renewable energy, and innovative energy technology markets in Washington;
(2) Developing, coordinating, and overseeing the implementation of a plan, or series of plans, for the production, transport, distribution, and delivery of biofuels produced predominantly from recycled products or Washington feedstocks;
(3) Working with the departments of transportation and enterprise services, and other applicable state and local governmental entities and the private sector, to ensure the development of biofuel fueling stations for use by state and local governmental motor vehicle fleets, and to provide greater availability of public biofuel fueling stations for use by state and local governmental motor vehicle fleets;
(4) Coordinating with the Western Washington University alternative automobile program for opportunities to support new Washington state technology for conversion of fossil fuel fleets to biofuel, hybrid, or alternative fuel propulsion;
(5) Coordinating with the University of Washington's college of forest management and the Olympic natural resources center for the identification of barriers to using the state's forest resources for fuel production, including the economic and transportation barriers of physically bringing forest biomass to the market;
(6) Coordinating with the department of agriculture and Washington State University for the identification of other barriers for future biofuels development and development of strategies for furthering the penetration of the Washington state fossil fuel market with Washington produced biofuels, particularly among public entities.
[ 2015 c 225 s 92; 2009 c 451 s 4; 2007 c 348 s 205.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 451: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 11, 2009]." [ 2009 c 451 s 11.]
Intent—2009 c 451: "The legislature intends to modify the energy freedom program and account in order to receive federal funds and other sources of funding. Also, the legislature intends to expand the mission of the energy freedom program to accelerate energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy improvements, and deployment of innovative energy technologies. Additionally, the legislature intends to support, through the energy freedom program, research, demonstration, and commercialization of energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy improvements, and innovation energy technologies." [ 2009 c 451 s 1.]

catchline: Coordinator—Duties.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 43.325.080

text:
(1) By June 1, 2010, the department shall adopt rules to define practicability and clarify how state agencies will be evaluated in determining whether they have met the goals set out in RCW 43.19.648(1). At a minimum, the rules must address:
(a) Criteria for determining how the goal in RCW 43.19.648(1) will be met by June 1, 2015;
(b) Factors considered to determine compliance with the goal in RCW 43.19.648(1), including but not limited to: The regional availability of fuels; vehicle costs; differences between types of vehicles, vessels, or equipment; the cost of program implementation; and cost differentials in different parts of the state; and
(c) A schedule for phased-in progress towards meeting the goal in RCW 43.19.648(1) that may include different schedules for different fuel applications or different quantities of biofuels.
(2) By June 1, 2015, the department shall adopt rules to define practicability and clarify how local government subdivisions of the state will be evaluated in determining whether they have met the goals set out in RCW 43.19.648(2). At a minimum, the rules must address:
(a) Criteria for determining how the goal in RCW 43.19.648(2) will be met by June 1, 2018;
(b) Factors considered to determine compliance with the goal in RCW 43.19.648(2), including but not limited to: The regional availability of fuels; vehicle costs; differences between types of vehicles, vessels, or equipment; the cost of program implementation; and cost differentials in different parts of the state; and
(c) A schedule for phased-in progress towards meeting the goal in RCW 43.19.648(2) that may include different schedules for different fuel applications or different quantities of biofuels.
[ 2011 c 353 s 5; 2007 c 348 s 204.]
Notes:
Intent—2011 c 353: See note following RCW 36.70A.130.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Electricity and biofuel usage goals—Rules.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 43.325.090

text:
If the total requested dollar amount of funds for refueling projects under *RCW 43.325.020(4) exceeds the amount available for refueling projects in the energy freedom account created in *RCW 43.325.040, the applications must be prioritized based upon the following criteria:
(1) The extent to which the project will help reduce dependence on petroleum fuels and imported energy either directly or indirectly;
(2) The extent to which the project will reduce air and water pollution either directly or indirectly;
(3) The extent to which the project will establish a viable bioenergy production capacity in Washington;
(4) The extent to which the project will make biofuels more accessible to the motoring public;
(5) The benefits to Washington's agricultural producers; and
(6) The number and quality of jobs and economic benefits created by the project.
[ 2007 c 348 s 304.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.325.020 and 43.325.040 expired June 30, 2016.

catchline: Refueling projects.


title: RCW 43.325.100

text:
(1) The department of commerce and the department of ecology shall develop a framework for the state of Washington to participate in emerging regional, national, and to the extent possible, global markets to mitigate climate change, on a multisector basis. This framework must include, but not be limited to, credible, verifiable, replicable inventory and accounting methodologies for each sector involved, along with the completion of the stakeholder process identified in executive order number 07-02 creating the Washington state climate change challenge.
(2) The department of commerce and the department of ecology shall include the forestry sector and work closely with the department of natural resources on those recommendations.
(3) The department must provide a report to the legislature by December 1, 2008. The report may be included within the report produced for executive order number 07-02.
[ 2023 c 470 s 2079; 2007 c 348 s 403.]
Notes:
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.

catchline: Framework to mitigate climate change—Report.


title: RCW 43.325.110

text:
(1) The vehicle electrification demonstration grant program is established within the department of commerce. The director may establish policies and procedures necessary for processing, reviewing, and approving applications made under this chapter.
(2) The director may approve an application for a vehicle electrification demonstration project only if the director finds:
(a) The applicant is a state agency, public school district, public utility district, or a political subdivision of the state, including port districts, counties, cities, towns, special purpose districts, and other municipal corporations or quasi-municipal corporations or a state institution of higher education;
(b) The project partially funds the purchase of or conversion of existing vehicles to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles or battery electric vehicles for use in the applicant's fleet or operations;
(c) The project partners with an electric utility and demonstrates technologies to allow controlled vehicle charging, including the use of power electronics or wireless technologies, to regulate time-of-day and duration of charging;
(d) The project provides matching resources; and
(e) The project provides evaluation of fuel savings, greenhouse gas reductions, battery capabilities, energy management system, charge controlling technologies, and other relevant information determined on the advice of the vehicle electrification work group.
(3) The director may approve an application for a vehicle electrification demonstration project if the project, in addition to meeting the requirements of subsection (2) of this section, also demonstrates charging using on-site renewable resources or vehicle-to-grid capabilities that enable the vehicle to discharge electricity into the grid.
[ 2023 c 470 s 2080; 2007 c 348 s 408.]
Notes:
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.

catchline: Vehicle electrification demonstration grant program.


title: RCW 43.325.902

text:
(1) Energy freedom program projects funded pursuant to *RCW 43.325.040 or by the legislature pursuant to sections 191 and 192, chapter 371, Laws of 2006 for which the department of agriculture has signed loan agreements and disbursed funds prior to June 30, 2007, shall continue to be serviced by the department of agriculture.
(2) Energy freedom program projects funded pursuant to *RCW 43.325.040 or by the legislature pursuant to sections 191 and 192, chapter 371, Laws of 2006 for which moneys have been appropriated but loan agreements or disbursements have not been completed must be transferred to the department for project management on July 1, 2007, subject to the ongoing requirements of the energy freedom program.
[ 2007 c 348 s 307.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.325.040 expired June 30, 2016.

catchline: Servicing and management of projects in effect before July 1, 2007.


title: RCW 43.325.904

text:
Sections 205 and 301 through 307 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect July 1, 2007.
[ 2007 c 348 s 503.]

catchline: Effective date—2007 c 348 ss 205 and 301-307.


title: RCW 43.33.010

text:
The state treasurer, the lieutenant governor, and the governor, ex officio, shall constitute the state finance committee.
[ 1965 c 8 s 43.33.010. Prior: 1961 c 300 s 2; 1921 c 7 s 6, part; RRS s 10764, part.]

catchline: Composition of committee.


title: RCW 43.33.022

text: See chapter 39.58 RCW.

catchline: Washington public deposit protection commission, state finance committee constitutes, powers, duties and functions.


title: RCW 43.33.030

text:
The state finance committee shall keep a full and complete public record of its proceedings in appropriate books of record.
The state treasurer shall provide administrative and clerical assistance for the state finance committee.
[ 1981 c 3 s 24; 1965 c 8 s 43.33.030. Prior: 1961 c 300 s 4; 1907 c 12 s 2; RRS s 5537.]
Notes:
Effective dates—Severability—1981 c 3: See notes following RCW 43.33A.010.

catchline: Records—Administrative and clerical assistance.


title: RCW 43.33.040

text:
The state finance committee may make appropriate rules and regulations for the performance of its duties. The state treasurer shall act as chair of the committee.
[ 2009 c 549 s 5112; 1965 c 8 s 43.33.040. Prior: 1907 c 12 s 3; RRS s 5538.]

catchline: Rules and regulations—Chair.


title: RCW 43.33.130

text:
The state finance committee must publish a summary of debt management activities at least annually and must also publish the results of each debt issuance in a timely manner upon conclusion of each debt issuance. The state finance committee, in its discretion, may publish these materials exclusively by electronic means on the office of the state treasurer's website if it is determined that public access to these materials is not substantially diminished.
[ 2010 1st sp.s. c 18 s 2; 1998 c 245 s 63; 1981 c 3 s 25; 1977 ex.s. c 251 s 10.]
Notes:
Effective dates—Severability—1981 c 3: See notes following RCW 43.33A.010.

catchline: Summary of debt management activities and debt issuances.


title: RCW 43.330.005

text:
The legislature finds that the long-term economic health of the state and its citizens depends upon the strength and vitality of its communities and businesses. It is the intent of this chapter to create a department of commerce that fosters new partnerships for strong and sustainable communities. The mission of the department is to grow and improve jobs in Washington and facilitate innovation. To carry out its mission, the department will bring together focused efforts to: Streamline access to business assistance and economic development services by providing them through sector-based, cluster-based, and regional partners; provide focused and flexible responses to changing economic conditions; generate greater local capacity to respond to both economic growth and environmental challenges; increase accountability to the public, the executive branch, and the legislature; manage growth and achieve sustainable development; diversify the state's economy and export goods and services; provide greater access to economic opportunity; stimulate private sector investment and entrepreneurship; provide stable family-wage jobs and meet the diverse needs of families; provide affordable housing and housing services; and construct public infrastructure.
The legislature further finds that as a result of the rapid pace of global social and economic change, the state and local communities will require coordinated and creative responses by every segment of the community. The state can play a role in assisting such local efforts by reorganizing state assistance efforts to promote such partnerships. The department has a primary responsibility to provide financial and technical assistance to the communities of the state, to assist in improving the delivery of federal, state, and local programs, and to provide communities with opportunities for productive and coordinated development beneficial to the well-being of communities and their residents. It is the intent of the legislature in creating the department to maximize the use of local expertise and resources in the delivery of community and economic development services.
[ 2010 c 271 s 2; 1993 c 280 s 1.]
Notes:
Purpose—2010 c 271: "In 2009, the legislature changed the name of the department of community, trade, and economic development to the department of commerce and directed the agency to, among other things, develop a report with recommendations on statutory changes to ensure that the department's efforts: Are organized around a concise core mission and aligned with the state's comprehensive plan for economic development; generate greater local capacity; maximize results through partnerships and the use of intermediaries; and provide transparency and increased accountability. Recommendations for creating or consolidating programs deemed important to meeting the department's core mission and recommendations for terminating or transferring specific programs if they are not consistent with the department's core mission were to be included in the report.
In accordance with that legislation, chapter 565, Laws of 2009, in November 2009 the department of commerce submitted a plan that establishes a mission of growing and improving jobs in the state and recognizes the need for an innovation-driven economy. The plan also outlines agency priorities, efficiencies, and program transfers that will help to advance the new mission.
The primary purpose of this act is to implement portions of the department of commerce plan by transferring certain programs from the department of commerce to other state agencies whose missions are more closely aligned with the core functions of those programs. This act also directs additional efficiencies in state government and directs development of a statewide clean energy strategy, which will better enable the department of commerce to focus on its new mission." [ 2010 c 271 s 1.]
Effective date—2010 c 271: "This act takes effect July 1, 2010." [ 2010 c 271 s 803.]

catchline: Findings.


title: RCW 43.330.007

text:
(1) The purpose of this chapter is to establish the broad outline of the structure of the department of commerce, leaving specific details of its internal organization and management to those charged with its administration. This chapter identifies the broad functions and responsibilities of the department and is intended to provide flexibility to the director to reorganize these functions to more closely reflect its customers, its mission, and its priorities, and to make recommendations for changes.
(2) In order to generate greater local capacity, maximize results through partnerships and the use of intermediaries, and leverage the use of state resources, the department shall, in carrying out its business assistance and economic development functions, provide business and economic development services primarily through sector-based, cluster-based, and regionally based organizations rather than providing assistance directly to individual firms.
[ 2010 c 271 s 3; 2009 c 565 s 1; 1993 c 280 s 2.]
Notes:
Purpose—Effective date—2010 c 271: See notes following RCW 43.330.005.
Implementation plan—1994 c 5; 1993 c 280: "(1) The director of the department of trade and economic development and the director of the department of community development shall, by November 15, 1993, jointly submit a plan to the governor for the consolidation and smooth transition of the department of trade and economic development and the department of community development into the *department of community, trade, and economic development so that the department will operate as a single entity on March 1, 1994.
(2) The plan shall include, but is not limited to, the following elements:
(a) Strategies for combining the existing functions and responsibilities of both agencies into a coordinated and unified department including a strategic plan for each major program area that includes implementation steps, evaluation measures, and methods for collaboration among programs;
(b) Recommendations for any changes in existing programs and functions of both agencies, including new initiatives and possible transfer of programs and functions to and from other departments;
(c) Implementation steps necessary to bring about operation of the combined department as a single entity;
(d) Benchmarks by which to measure progress and to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the department's efforts; and
(e) Strategies for coordinating and maximizing federal, state, local, international, and private sector support for community and economic development efforts within the state.
(3) In developing this plan, the directors shall establish an advisory committee of representatives of groups using services and programs of both departments. The advisory committee shall include representatives of cities, counties, port districts, small and large businesses, labor unions, associate development organizations, low-income housing interests, housing industry, Indian tribes, community action programs, public safety groups, nonprofit community and development organizations, international trade organizations, minority and women business organizations, and any other organizations the directors determine should have input to the plan." [ 1994 c 5 s 1; 1993 c 280 s 8.]
*Reviser's note: The "department of community, trade, and economic development" was renamed the "department of commerce" by 2009 c 565.

catchline: Management responsibility.


title: RCW 43.330.010

text:
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Associate development organization" means a local economic development nonprofit corporation that is broadly representative of community interests.
(2) "Department" means the department of commerce.
(3) "Director" means the director of the department of commerce.
(4) "Family resource center" means a unified single point of entry where families, individuals, children, and youth in communities can obtain information, an assessment of needs, referral to, or direct delivery of family services in a manner that is welcoming and strength-based.
(a) A family resource center is designed to meet the needs, cultures, and interests of the communities that the family resource center serves.
(b) Family services may be delivered directly to a family at the family resource center by family resource center staff or by providers who contract with or have provider agreements with the family resource center. Any family resource center that provides family services shall comply with applicable state and federal laws and regulations regarding the delivery of such family services, unless required waivers or exemptions have been granted by the appropriate governing body.
(c) Each family resource center shall have one or more family advocates who screen and assess a family's needs and strengths. If requested by the family, the family advocate shall assist the family with setting its own goals and, together with the family, develop a written plan to pursue the family's goals in working towards a greater level of self-reliance or in attaining self-sufficiency.
(5) "Financial institution" means a bank, trust company, mutual savings bank, savings and loan association, or credit union authorized to do business in this state under state or federal law.
(6) "Frontier county" means a county with a population density of fewer than 50 persons per square mile as determined by the office of financial management and published each year by the department. A county with a population density of 21 or fewer persons per square mile is a "frontier one" county. A county with a population density of more than 21 but fewer than 50 persons per square mile is a "frontier two" county. Every frontier county is also a rural county under this chapter and eligible for all benefits, services, and programs of a rural county unless a frontier county is specifically excluded in the authorizing statute.
(7) "Small business" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 39.26.010.
[ 2024 c 47 s 2; 2021 c 39 s 3; 2014 c 112 s 401; 2011 c 286 s 4; 2009 c 565 s 2; 2007 c 322 s 2; 1993 c 280 s 3.]
Notes:
Intent—Findings—2021 c 39: See note following RCW 74.14C.010.
Findings—Purpose—Intent—2007 c 322: "(1) The legislature finds that:
(a) Microenterprises are an important portion of Washington's economy, providing approximately twenty percent of the employment in Washington and playing a vital role in job creation.
(b) While community-based microenterprise development organizations have expanded their assistance to their microentrepreneur customers in recent years, there remains a lack of access to capital, training, and technical assistance for low-income microentrepreneurs.
(c) Support for microenterprise development offers a means to expand business and job creation in low-income communities in both rural and urban areas of the state.
(d) Local and state charitable foundation support, federal program funding, and private sector support can be leveraged by a statewide program for development of microenterprises.
(2) It is the purpose of this act to assist microenterprises in job creation by increasing the training, technical assistance, and financial resources available to microenterprises. It is the intention of the legislature to carry out this purpose by enabling the *department of community, trade, and economic development to contract with a statewide microenterprise association with the potential to provide organizational support and administer grants to local microenterprise development organizations, subject to the requirements of this act, and to leverage additional funds from sources other than moneys appropriated from the general fund." [ 2007 c 322 s 1.]
*Reviser's note: The "department of community, trade, and economic development" was renamed the "department of commerce" by 2009 c 565.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 43.330.020

text:
A department of commerce is created. The department shall be vested with all powers and duties established or transferred to it under this chapter and such other powers and duties as may be authorized by law. Unless otherwise specifically provided, the existing responsibilities and functions of the agency programs will continue to be administered in accordance with their implementing legislation.
[ 2009 c 565 s 3; 1993 c 280 s 4.]

catchline: Department created.


title: RCW 43.330.030

text:
The executive head of the department shall be the director. The director shall be appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. The director shall be paid a salary to be fixed by the governor in accordance with RCW 43.03.040.
[ 1993 c 280 s 5.]

catchline: Director—Appointment—Salary.


title: RCW 43.330.040

text:
(1) The director shall supervise and administer the activities of the department and shall advise the governor and the legislature with respect to community and economic development matters affecting the state.
(2) In addition to other powers and duties granted to the director, the director shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) Enter into contracts on behalf of the state to carry out the purposes of this chapter;
(b) Act for the state in the initiation of or participation in any multigovernmental program relative to the purpose of this chapter;
(c) Accept and expend gifts and grants, whether such grants be of federal or other funds;
(d) Appoint such deputy directors, assistant directors, and up to seven special assistants as may be needed to administer the department. These employees are exempt from the provisions of chapter 41.06 RCW;
(e) Prepare and submit budgets for the department for executive and legislative action;
(f) Submit recommendations for legislative actions as are deemed necessary to further the purposes of this chapter;
(g) Adopt rules in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW and perform all other functions necessary and proper to carry out the purposes of this chapter;
(h) Delegate powers, duties, and functions as the director deems necessary for efficient administration, but the director shall be responsible for the official acts of the officers and employees of the department; and
(i) Perform other duties as are necessary and consistent with law.
(3) When federal or other funds are received by the department, they shall be promptly transferred to the state treasurer and thereafter expended only upon the approval of the director. The department must track the amount of federal economic development funding received and disbursed along with any required state, local, or other matching requirements and annually provide the information to the economic development committees of the house of representatives and the senate.
(4) The director may request information and assistance from all other agencies, departments, and officials of the state, and may reimburse such agencies, departments, or officials if such a request imposes any additional expenses upon any such agency, department, or official.
(5) The director shall, in carrying out the responsibilities of office, consult with governmental officials, private groups, and individuals and with officials of other states. All state agencies and their officials and the officials of any political subdivision of the state shall cooperate with and give such assistance to the department, including the submission of requested information, to allow the department to carry out its purposes under this chapter.
(6) The director may establish additional advisory or coordinating groups with the legislature, within state government, with state and other governmental units, with the private sector and nonprofit entities or in specialized subject areas as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
(7) The internal affairs of the department shall be under the control of the director in order that the director may manage the department in a flexible and intelligent manner as dictated by changing contemporary circumstances. Unless specifically limited by law, the director shall have complete charge and supervisory powers over the department. The director may create such administrative structures as the director deems appropriate, except as otherwise specified by law, and the director may employ such personnel as may be necessary in accordance with chapter 41.06 RCW, except as otherwise provided by law.
[ 2016 sp.s. c 12 s 1; 1993 c 280 s 6.]

catchline: Director powers and duties.


title: RCW 43.330.050

text:
The department shall be responsible for promoting community and economic development within the state by assisting the state's communities to increase the quality of life of their citizens and their economic vitality, and by assisting the state's businesses to maintain and increase their economic competitiveness, while maintaining a healthy environment. Community and economic development efforts shall include: Efforts to increase economic opportunity; local planning to manage growth; the promotion and provision of affordable housing and housing-related services; providing public infrastructure; business and trade development; assisting firms and industrial sectors to increase their competitiveness; fostering the development of minority and women-owned businesses; facilitating technology development, transfer, and diffusion; community services and advocacy for low-income persons; and public safety efforts. The department shall have the following general functions and responsibilities:
(1) Provide advisory assistance to the governor, other state agencies, and the legislature on community and economic development matters and issues;
(2) Assist the governor in coordinating the activities of state agencies that have an impact on local government and communities;
(3) Cooperate with the legislature and the governor in the development and implementation of strategic plans for the state's community and economic development efforts;
(4) Solicit private and federal grants for economic and community development programs and administer such programs in conjunction with other programs assigned to the department by the governor or the legislature. To maximize the impact of federal funding for economic development, the department must coordinate with federal and state public research facilities to leverage other federal funding coming to the state for research, development, innovation of new technologies, and transfer of technology to the private sector to promote business development and jobs in Washington;
(5) Cooperate with and provide technical and financial assistance to local governments, businesses, and community-based organizations serving the communities of the state for the purpose of aiding and encouraging orderly, productive, and coordinated development of the state, and, unless stipulated otherwise, give additional consideration to local communities and individuals with the greatest relative need and the fewest resources;
(6) Participate with other states or subdivisions thereof in interstate programs and assist cities, counties, municipal corporations, governmental conferences or councils, and regional planning commissions to participate with other states and provinces or their subdivisions;
(7) Hold public hearings and meetings to carry out the purposes of this chapter;
(8) Conduct research and analysis in furtherance of the state's economic and community development efforts including maintenance of current information on market, demographic, and economic trends as they affect different industrial sectors, geographic regions, and communities with special economic and social problems in the state; and
(9) Develop a schedule of fees for services where appropriate.
[ 2016 sp.s. c 12 s 2; 2014 c 112 s 110; 2005 c 136 s 12; 1993 c 280 s 7.]
Notes:
Savings—Effective date—2005 c 136: See notes following RCW 43.168.020.

catchline: Community and economic development responsibilities.


title: RCW 43.330.060

text:
(1) The department shall (a) assist in expanding the state's role as an international center of trade, culture, and finance; (b) promote and market the state's products and services both nationally and internationally; (c) work in close cooperation with other private and public international trade efforts; (d) act as a centralized location for the assimilation and distribution of trade information; and (e) establish and operate foreign offices promoting overseas trade and commerce.
(2) The department shall identify and work with Washington businesses that can use local, state, and federal assistance to increase domestic and foreign exports of goods and services.
(3) The department shall work generally with small businesses and other employers to facilitate resolution of siting, regulatory, expansion, and retention problems. This assistance shall include but not be limited to assisting in workforce training and infrastructure needs, identifying and locating suitable business sites, and resolving problems with government licensing and regulatory requirements. The department shall identify gaps in needed services and develop steps to address them including private sector support and purchase of these services.
(4) The department shall work to increase the availability of capital to small businesses by developing new and flexible investment tools; by assisting in targeting and improving the efficiency of existing investment mechanisms; and by assisting in the procurement of managerial and technical assistance necessary to attract potential investors.
(5) The department shall assist women and minority-owned businesses in overcoming barriers to entrepreneurial success. The department shall contract with public and private agencies, institutions, and organizations to conduct entrepreneurial training courses for minority and women-owned businesses. The instruction shall be intensive, practical training courses in financing, marketing, managing, accounting, and recordkeeping for a small business, with an emphasis on federal, state, local, or private programs available to assist small businesses. Instruction shall be offered in major population centers throughout the state at times and locations that are convenient for minority and women small business owners.
(6)(a) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, by December 1, 2010, the department, in conjunction with the small business development center, must prepare and present to the governor and appropriate legislative committees a specific, actionable plan to increase access to capital and technical assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs beginning with the 2011-2013 biennium. In developing the plan, the department and the center may consult with the Washington state microenterprise association, and with other government, nonprofit, and private organizations as necessary. The plan must identify:
(i) Existing sources of capital and technical assistance for small businesses and entrepreneurs;
(ii) Critical gaps and barriers to availability of capital and delivery of technical assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs;
(iii) Workable solutions to filling the gaps and removing barriers identified in (a)(ii) of this subsection; and
(iv) The financial resources and statutory changes necessary to put the plan into effect beginning with the 2011-2013 biennium.
(b) With respect to increasing access to capital, the plan must identify specific, feasible sources of capital and practical mechanisms for expanding access to it.
(c) The department and the center must include, within the analysis and recommendations in (a) of this subsection, any specific gaps, barriers, and solutions related to rural and low-income communities and small manufacturers interested in exporting.
[ 2010 c 165 s 2; 2005 c 136 s 13; 1993 c 280 s 9.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2010 c 165: "The legislature finds that small businesses and entrepreneurs are a fundamental source of economic and community vitality for our state. They employ state residents, pay state taxes, purchase goods and services from local and regional companies, and contribute to our communities in many other ways. The legislature finds that small businesses and entrepreneurs need increased access to capital and technical assistance in order to maximize their potential. The legislature intends that the department of commerce and the small business development center each build upon their existing relevant statutory missions and authorities by collaborating on a specific plan to expand services to small businesses and entrepreneurs beginning in the 2011-2013 biennium." [ 2010 c 165 s 1.]
Savings—Effective date—2005 c 136: See notes following RCW 43.168.020.
Tacoma world trade center—1993 c 134: "The legislature recognizes that export opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses stimulates economic growth. Within current resources, the department of trade and economic development shall work with the Tacoma world trade center, to assist small and medium-sized businesses with export opportunities." [ 1993 c 134 s 1.]

catchline: Trade and business responsibilities.


title: RCW 43.330.062

text:
In carrying out its responsibilities under RCW 43.330.060 and 43.330.080, the department must establish protocols to be followed by associate development organizations and department staff for the recruitment and retention of businesses. The protocols must specify the circumstances under which an associate development organization is required to notify the department of its business recruitment and retention efforts and when the department must notify the associate development organization of its business recruitment and retention efforts. The protocols established may not require the release of proprietary information or the disclosure of information that a client company has requested remain confidential. The department must require compliance with the protocols in its contracts with associate development organizations.
[ 2011 c 286 s 1.]

catchline: Recruitment and retention of business—Protocols for associate development organizations and department staff.


title: RCW 43.330.068

text:
An international company investing in Washington is included within the definition of person in RCW 82.04.030 and is eligible for excise tax incentives provided in Title 82 RCW in the same manner as any domestic company.
[ 2005 c 135 s 2.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2005 c 135: "The legislature finds that many international companies with an interest in operating in Washington are not aware of the various tax incentives that are available. It is the intent of the legislature to ensure that these international companies understand that they are eligible for these business and occupation tax and sales and use tax deferrals when investing in Washington. It is the further intent of the legislature that the *department of community, trade, and economic development and associate development organizations make clear to international companies that they are eligible for the state's various tax incentives." [ 2005 c 135 s 1.]
*Reviser's note: The "department of community, trade, and economic development" was renamed the "department of commerce" by 2009 c 565.

catchline: International companies investing in Washington—Eligibility for excise tax incentives.


title: RCW 43.330.070

text:
(1) The department shall work closely with local communities to increase their capacity to respond to economic, environmental, and social problems and challenges. The department shall coordinate the delivery of development services and technical assistance to local communities or regional areas. It shall promote partnerships between the public and private sectors and between state and local officials to encourage appropriate economic growth and opportunity in communities throughout the state. The department shall promote appropriate local development by: Supporting the ability of communities to develop and implement strategic development plans; assisting businesses to start up, maintain, or expand their operations; encouraging public infrastructure investment and private and public capital investment in local communities; supporting efforts to manage growth and provide affordable housing and housing services; providing for the identification and preservation of the state's historical and cultural resources; and expanding employment opportunities.
(2) The department shall define a set of services including training and technical assistance that it will make available to local communities, community-based nonprofit organizations, regional areas, or businesses. The department shall simplify access to these programs by providing more centralized and user-friendly information and referral. The department shall coordinate community and economic development efforts to minimize program redundancy and maximize accessibility. The department shall develop a set of criteria for targeting services to local communities. To the extent funding is made available for this purpose, the department shall provide technical assistance or enter into contracts to provide technical assistance to assist local communities in developing competitive applications for federal funding.
(3) The department shall develop a coordinated and systematic approach to providing training to community-based nonprofit organizations, local communities, and businesses. The approach shall be designed to increase the economic and community development skills available in local communities by providing training and funding for training for local citizens, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. The department shall emphasize providing training in those communities most in need of state assistance.
[ 2024 c 223 s 2; 1993 c 280 s 10.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2024 c 223: "The legislature finds that Washington ranks poorly among all states in the amount of federal grants received relative to income taxes collected from its residents.
The legislature also finds that many of Washington's communities, particularly in slow-growing rural areas, face an economic development "chicken and egg" dilemma in which they need to secure matching dollars in order to obtain federal economic development dollars that would increase the local tax base, local revenue, and local employment and incomes.
The legislature further finds that recent federal legislation provides funding for economic development clusters that Washington state has invested in as part of its economic development strategy, including broadband and clean energy, buildings, and transportation. The federal legislation includes the infrastructure investment and jobs act, P.L. 117-58, the creating helpful incentives to produce semiconductors and science act, P.L. 117-167, and the inflation reduction act, P.L. 117-169.
The legislature further finds that increasing the availability of federal grant dollars in local communities provides a benefit of a reasonably general character to a significant part of the public.
Therefore, the legislature intends to continue and expand its efforts to increase the capacity of the department of commerce to assist local communities in successfully applying for federal grant dollars including through providing local communities with state matching funds for securing federal grants." [ 2024 c 223 s 1.]

catchline: Local development capacity—Training and technical assistance.


title: RCW 43.330.075

text:
The department shall provide technical assistance in the compilation of and support in the production of the handouts to be published and kept current by counties and cities under RCW 36.70B.220.
[ 1996 c 206 s 11.]
Notes:
Findings—1996 c 206: See note following RCW 43.05.030.

catchline: Local government regulation and policy handouts—Technical assistance.


title: RCW 43.330.080

text:
(1)(a) The department must contract with county-designated associate development organizations to increase the support for and coordination of community and economic development services in communities or regional areas. The contracting organizations in each community or regional area must:
(i) Be broadly representative of community and economic interests;
(ii) Be capable of identifying key economic and community development problems, developing appropriate solutions, and mobilizing broad support for recommended initiatives;
(iii) Work closely with the department to carry out state-identified economic development priorities;
(iv) Work with and include local governments, local chambers of commerce, workforce development councils, port districts, labor groups, institutions of higher education, community action programs, and other appropriate private, public, or nonprofit community and economic development groups; and
(v) Meet and share best practices with other associate development organizations at least two times each year.
(b) The scope of services delivered under the contracts required in (a) of this subsection must include two broad areas of work:
(i) Direct assistance, including business planning, to companies throughout the county who need support to stay in business, expand, or relocate to Washington from out of state or other countries. Assistance must comply with business recruitment and retention protocols established in RCW 43.330.062, and includes:
(A) Working with the appropriate partners throughout the county including, but not limited to, local governments, workforce development councils, port districts, community and technical colleges and higher education institutions, export assistance providers, impact Washington, the Washington state quality award council, small business assistance programs, innovation partnership zones, and other federal, state, and local programs to facilitate the alignment of planning efforts and the seamless delivery of business support services within the entire county;
(B) Providing information on state and local permitting processes, tax issues, export assistance, and other essential information for operating, expanding, or locating a business in Washington;
(C) Marketing Washington and local areas as excellent locations to expand or relocate a business and positioning Washington as a globally competitive place to grow business, which may include developing and executing regional plans to attract companies from out of state;
(D) Working with businesses on-site location and selection assistance;
(E) Providing business retention and expansion services throughout the county. Such services must include, but are not limited to, business outreach and monitoring efforts to identify and address challenges and opportunities faced by businesses, assistance to trade impacted businesses in applying for grants from the federal trade adjustment assistance for firms program, and the provision of information to businesses on:
(I) Resources available for microenterprise development;
(II) Resources available on the revitalization of commercial districts; and
(III) The opportunity to maintain jobs through shared work programs authorized under chapter 50.60 RCW;
(F) Participating in economic development systemwide discussions regarding gaps in business start-up assistance in Washington;
(G) Providing or facilitating the provision of export assistance through workshops or one-on-one assistance; and
(H) Using a web-based information system to track data on business recruitment, retention, expansion, and trade; and
(ii) Support for regional economic research and regional planning efforts to implement target industry sector strategies and other economic development strategies, including cluster-based strategies. Research and planning efforts should support increased living standards and increased foreign direct investment, and be aligned with the statewide economic development strategy. Regional associate development organizations retain their independence to address local concerns and goals. Activities include:
(A) Participating in regional planning efforts with workforce development councils involving coordinated strategies around workforce development and economic development policies and programs. Coordinated planning efforts must include, but not be limited to, assistance to industry clusters in the region;
(B) Participating with the state board for community and technical colleges as created in RCW 28B.50.050, and any community and technical colleges in the coordination of the job skills training program and the customized training program within its region;
(C) Collecting and reporting data as specified by the contract with the department for statewide systemic analysis. In cooperation with other local, regional, and state planning efforts, contracting organizations may provide insight into the needs of target industry clusters, business expansion plans, early detection of potential relocations or layoffs, training needs, and other appropriate economic information;
(D) In conjunction with other governmental jurisdictions and institutions, participating in the development of a countywide economic development plan.
(2) The department must provide business services training to the contracting organizations, including but not limited to:
(a) Training in the fundamentals of export assistance and the services available from private and public export assistance providers in the state; and
(b) Training in the provision of business retention and expansion services as required by subsection (1)(b)(i)(E) of this section.
[ 2014 c 112 s 111; 2012 c 195 s 1; 2011 c 286 s 2; 2009 c 151 s 10; 2007 c 249 s 2; 1997 c 60 s 1; 1993 c 280 s 11.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2007 c 249: "The legislature finds that economic development success requires coordinated state and local efforts. The legislature further finds that economic development happens at the local level. County-designated associate development organizations serve as a networking tool and resource hub for business retention, expansion, and relocation in Washington. Economic development success requires an adequately funded and coordinated state effort and an adequately funded and coordinated local effort. The legislature intends to bolster the partnership between state and local economic development efforts, provide increased funding for local economic development services, and increase local economic development service effectiveness, efficiency, and outcomes." [ 2007 c 249 s 1.]

catchline: Coordination of community and economic development services—Contracts with county-designated associate development organizations—Scope of services—Business services training.


title: RCW 43.330.082

text:
(1) Contracting associate development organizations must provide the department with measures of their performance and a summary of best practices shared and implemented by the contracting organizations. Annual reports must include the following information to show the contracting organization's impact on employment and overall changes in employment: Current employment and economic information for the community or regional area produced by the employment security department; the net change from the previous year's employment and economic information using data produced by the employment security department; other relevant information on the community or regional area; the amount of funds received by the contracting organization through its contract with the department; the amount of funds received by the contracting organization through all sources; and the contracting organization's impact on employment through all funding sources. Annual reports may include the impact of the contracting organization on wages, exports, tax revenue, small business creation, foreign direct investment, business relocations, expansions, terminations, and capital investment. Data must be input into a common web-based business information system managed by the department. Specific measures, data standards, and data definitions must be developed in the contracting process between the department and the contracting organization every two years. Performance measures should be consistent across regions to allow for statewide evaluation.
(2)(a) The department and contracting associate development organizations must agree upon specific target levels for the performance measures in subsection (1) of this section. Comparison of agreed thresholds and actual performance must occur annually.
(b) Contracting organizations that fail to achieve the agreed performance targets in more than one-half of the agreed measures must develop remediation plans to address performance gaps. The remediation plans must include revised performance thresholds specifically chosen to provide evidence of progress in making the identified service changes.
(c) Contracts and state funding must be terminated for one year for organizations that fail to achieve the agreed upon progress toward improved performance defined under (b) of this subsection. During the year in which termination for nonperformance is in effect, organizations must review alternative delivery strategies to include reorganization of the contracting organization, merging of previous efforts with existing regional partners, and other specific steps toward improved performance. At the end of the period of termination, the department may contract with the associate development organization or its successor as it deems appropriate.
(3) The department must submit a final report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 31st of each even-numbered year on the performance results of the contracts with associate development organizations.
[ 2025 c 392 s 1; 2014 c 112 s 112; 2012 c 195 s 2; 2011 c 286 s 3; 2009 c 518 s 15; 2007 c 249 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2007 c 249: See note following RCW 43.330.080.

catchline: Contracting associate development organizations—Performance measures and summary of best practices—Remediation plans—Report.


title: RCW 43.330.084

text:
Up to five associate development organizations per year contracting with the department under chapter 249, Laws of 2007 that apply for the Washington state quality award or its equivalent shall receive reimbursement for the award application fee, but may not be reimbursed more than once every three years.
[ 2007 c 249 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2007 c 249: See note following RCW 43.330.080.

catchline: Washington state quality award—Reimbursement of application fee.


title: RCW 43.330.086

text:
To the extent that funds are specifically appropriated therefor, contracts with associate development organizations for the provision of services under RCW 43.330.080(1)(b)(i) shall be awarded according to the following annual schedule:
(1) For associate development organizations serving urban counties, which are counties other than rural counties as defined in RCW 82.14.370, a locally matched allocation of up to 90 cents per capita, totaling no more than $300,000 per organization; and
(2) For associate development organizations in rural counties, as defined in RCW 82.14.370, a per county base allocation of $40,000 and a locally matched allocation of up to 90 cents per capita.
(3) The locally matched allocation shall not include general fund state, but may include a combination of nonstate funds, cash, or in-kind contributions.
[ 2025 c 392 s 2; 2008 c 131 s 3; 2007 c 249 s 5.]
Notes:
Effective date—2008 c 131: See note following RCW 43.160.020.
Findings—Intent—2007 c 249: See note following RCW 43.330.080.

catchline: Contracts with associate development organizations—Schedule of awards.


title: RCW 43.330.088

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, by July 1, 2024, the department shall establish a grant program to support associate development organizations in the recruiting, hiring, and retention of grant writers. The department must award grants on an annual basis and must prioritize grants for distressed areas as defined under RCW 43.168.020 and grants for applications for federal funds.
(2) Associate development organizations must apply for the grant program in a manner to be determined by the department.
(3) Associate development organizations that receive awards under this section must provide information on the use of the funds, including a description of the associate development organization's recruiting and hiring efforts and, if applicable, the number and types of grants applied for by the grant writers funded by the state, in their annual reports to the department required under RCW 43.330.082.
(4) Beginning December 31, 2026, the department must include information on grant award funding and use in its reports to the legislature on associate development organizations contracts required under RCW 43.330.082.
(5) The department shall adopt rules to implement this section.
[ 2024 c 223 s 3; 2023 c 311 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2024 c 223: See note following RCW 43.330.070.
Findings—Intent—2023 c 311: "The legislature finds that access to economic development assistance from government and philanthropic sources typically requires careful and skilled writing of grant applications. The legislature finds that trained and skilled grant writers are scarce, and particularly difficult to find in distressed areas with higher rates of unemployment that need economic development assistance. Therefore, the legislature intends to provide the department of commerce with the authority and resources necessary to ensure each county associate development organization can recruit and retain a grant writer." [ 2023 c 311 s 1.]

catchline: Associate development organizations—Grant program for grant writers.


title: RCW 43.330.090

text:
(1) The department shall work with private sector organizations, industry and sector associations, federal agencies, state agencies that use a sector-based approach to service delivery, local governments, local associate development organizations, and higher education and training institutions in the development of industry sector-based strategies to diversify the economy, facilitate technology transfer and diffusion, and increase value-added production. The industry sectors targeted by the department may include, but are not limited to, aerospace, agriculture, food processing, forest products, marine services, health and biomedical, software, digital and interactive media, transportation and distribution, and microelectronics. The department shall, on a continuing basis, evaluate the potential return to the state from devoting additional resources to an industry sector-based approach to economic development and identifying and assisting additional sectors.
(2) The department's sector-based strategies shall include, but not be limited to, cluster-based strategies that focus on assisting regional industry sectors and related firms and institutions that meet the definition of an industry cluster in this section and based on criteria identified by the working group established in this chapter.
(3)(a) The department shall promote, market, and encourage growth in the production of films and videos, as well as television commercials within the state; to this end the department is directed to assist in the location of a film and video production studio within the state.
(b) The department may, in carrying out its efforts to encourage film and video production in the state, solicit and receive gifts, grants, funds, fees, and endowments, in trust or otherwise, from tribal, local, or other governmental entities, as well as private sources, and may expend the same or any income therefrom for the encouragement of film and video production. All revenue received for such purposes shall be deposited into the general fund.
(4) In assisting in the development of regional and statewide industry cluster-based strategies, the department's activities shall include, but are not limited to:
(a) Facilitating regional focus group discussions and conducting studies to identify industry clusters, appraise the current information linkages within a cluster, and identify issues of common concern within a cluster;
(b) Supporting industry and cluster associations, publications of association and cluster directories, and related efforts to create or expand the activities of industry and cluster associations;
(c) Administering a competitive grant program to fund economic development activities designed to further regional cluster growth. In administering the program, the department shall work with the workforce training and education coordinating board, the state board for community and technical colleges, the employment security department, business, and labor.
(i) The department shall seek recommendations on criteria for evaluating applications for grant funds and recommend applicants for receipt of grant funds. Criteria shall include not duplicating the purpose or efforts of industry skill panels.
(ii) Applicants must include organizations from at least two counties and participants from the local business community. Eligible organizations include, but are not limited to, local governments, economic development councils, chambers of commerce, federally recognized Indian tribes, workforce development councils, and educational institutions.
(iii) Applications must evidence financial participation of the partner organizations.
(iv) Eligible activities include the formation of cluster economic development partnerships, research and analysis of economic development needs of the cluster, the development of a plan to meet the economic development needs of the cluster, and activities to implement the plan.
(v) Priority shall be given to applicants that complement industry skill panels and will use the grant funds to build linkages and joint projects.
(vi) The maximum amount of a grant is one hundred thousand dollars.
(vii) A maximum of one hundred thousand dollars total can go to King, Pierce, Kitsap, and Snohomish counties combined.
(viii) No more than ten percent of funds received for the grant program may be used by the department for administrative costs.
(5) As used in this chapter, "industry cluster" means a geographic concentration of interconnected companies in a single industry, related businesses in other industries, including suppliers and customers, and associated institutions, including government and education.
[ 2014 c 112 s 113; 2012 c 198 s 3; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7 s 59; 2009 c 151 s 1; 2007 c 228 s 201; 2006 c 105 s 1; 2005 c 136 s 14; 2003 c 153 s 2; 1998 c 245 s 85; 1994 c 144 s 1; 1993 c 280 s 12.]
Notes:
Effective date—2012 c 198: See note following RCW 70A.15.5110.
Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.03.027.
Savings—Effective date—2005 c 136: See notes following RCW 43.168.020.
Findings—2003 c 153: "The legislature finds that tourism is a growing sector of the Washington economy. Washington has a diverse geography, geology, climate, and natural resources, and offers abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing. Nature-based tourism is the fastest growing outdoor activity and segment of the travel industry and the state can take advantage of this by marketing Washington's natural assets to international as well as national tourist markets. Expanding tourism efforts can provide Washington residents with jobs and local communities with needed revenues.
The legislature also finds that current efforts to promote Washington's natural resources and nature-based tourism to national and international markets are too diffuse and limited by funding and that a collaborative effort among state and local governments, tribes, and private enterprises can serve to leverage the investments in nature-based tourism made by each." [ 2003 c 153 s 1.]
Effective date—1994 c 144: "This act shall take effect July 1, 1994." [ 1994 c 144 s 3.]

catchline: Economic diversification strategies—Targeted industry sectors—Film and video production.


title: RCW 43.330.094

text:
The tourism development and promotion account is created in the state treasury. All receipts from RCW 36.102.060(10) must be deposited into the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used by the department of commerce only for the purposes of expanding and promoting the tourism industry in the state of Washington. During the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium, the legislature may transfer from the tourism development and promotion account to the state general fund such amounts as reflect the excess fund balance of the account.
[ 2011 c 5 s 913; 2009 c 565 s 6; 2007 c 228 s 202; 2003 c 153 s 4; 1997 c 220 s 223 (Referendum Bill No. 48, approved June 17, 1997).]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 c 5: See note following RCW 43.03.220.
Findings—2003 c 153: See note following RCW 43.330.090.
Referendum—Other legislation limited—Legislators' personal intent not indicated—Reimbursements for election—Voters' pamphlet, election requirements—1997 c 220: See RCW 36.102.800 through 36.102.803.

catchline: Tourism development and promotion account—Promotion of tourism industry.


title: RCW 43.330.100

text:
(1) The department shall support the development and maintenance of local infrastructure and public facilities and provide local communities with flexible sources of funding. The department shall coordinate grant and loan programs that provide infrastructure and investment in local communities. This shall include coordinating funding for eligible projects with other federal, state, local, private, and nonprofit funding sources.
(2) At a minimum, the department shall provide coordinated procedures for applying for and tracking grants and loans among and between the community economic revitalization board, the public works trust fund, and community development block grants.
[ 1993 c 280 s 13.]

catchline: Local infrastructure and public facilities—Grants and loans.


title: RCW 43.330.110

text:
(1) The department shall maintain an active effort to help communities, families, and individuals build and maintain capacity to meet housing needs in Washington state. The department shall facilitate partnerships among the many entities related to housing issues and leverage a variety of resources and services to produce comprehensive, cost-effective, and innovative housing solutions.
(2) The department shall assist in the production, development, rehabilitation, and operation of owner-occupied or rental housing for very low, low, and moderate-income persons; operate programs to assist homeownership, offer housing services, and provide emergency, transitional, and special needs housing services; and qualify as a participating state agency for all programs of the federal department of housing and urban development or its successor. The department shall develop or assist local governments in developing housing plans required by the state or federal government.
(3) The department shall coordinate and administer energy assistance and residential energy conservation and rehabilitation programs of the federal and state government through nonprofit organizations, local governments, and housing authorities.
[ 1993 c 280 s 14.]

catchline: Housing—Energy assistance.


title: RCW 43.330.120

text:
(1) The department shall serve as the central coordinator for state government in the implementation of the growth management act, chapter 36.70A RCW. The department shall work closely with all Washington communities planning for future growth and responding to the pressures of urban sprawl. The department shall ensure coordinated implementation of the growth management act by state agencies.
(2) The department shall offer technical and financial assistance to cities and counties planning under the growth management act. The department shall help local officials interpret and implement the different requirements of the act through workshops, model ordinances, and information materials.
(3) The department shall provide alternative dispute resolution to jurisdictions and organizations to mediate disputes and to facilitate consistent implementation of the growth management act. The department shall review local governments compliance with the requirements of the growth management act and make recommendations to the governor.
[ 1993 c 280 s 15.]

catchline: Growth management.


title: RCW 43.330.125

text:
The department of commerce shall provide training and technical assistance to counties and cities to assist them in fulfilling the requirements of chapter 36.70B RCW.
[ 2009 c 565 s 7; 1995 c 347 s 430.]
Notes:
Finding—Severability—Part headings and table of contents not law—1995 c 347: See notes following RCW 36.70A.470.

catchline: Assistance to counties and cities.


title: RCW 43.330.130

text:
(1) The department shall coordinate services to communities that are directed to the poor and disadvantaged through private and public nonprofit organizations and units of general purpose local governments. The department shall coordinate these programs using, to the extent possible, integrated case management methods, with other community and economic development efforts that promote self-sufficiency.
(2) These services may include, but not be limited to, comprehensive education services to preschool children from low-income families, providing for human service needs and advocacy, promoting volunteerism and citizen service as a means for accomplishing local community and economic development goals, and providing for human service needs through community-based organizations.
(3) The department shall provide local communities and at-risk individuals with programs that provide community protection and assist in developing strategies to reduce substance abuse. The department shall administer programs that develop collaborative approaches to prevention, intervention, and interdiction programs. The department shall administer programs that support crime victims, address youth and domestic violence problems, provide indigent defense for low-income persons, border town disputes, and administer family services and programs to promote the state's policy as provided in RCW 74.14A.025.
(4) The department shall provide fire protection and emergency management services to support and strengthen local capacity for controlling risk to life, property, and community vitality that may result from fires, emergencies, and disasters.
[ 2010 c 68 s 2; 1993 c 280 s 16.]
Notes:
Effective date—2010 c 68: See note following RCW 43.23.290.

catchline: Services to poor and disadvantaged persons—Preschool children—Substance abuse—Family services—Fire protection and emergency management.


title: RCW 43.330.135

text:
(1) The department of commerce shall distribute such funds as are appropriated for the statewide technical support, development, and enhancement of court-appointed special advocate programs.
(2) In order to receive money under subsection (1) of this section, an organization providing statewide technical support, development, and enhancement of court-appointed special advocate programs must meet all of the following requirements:
(a) The organization must provide statewide support, development, and enhancement of court-appointed special advocate programs that offer guardian ad litem services as provided in RCW 26.12.175, 26.44.053, and 13.34.100;
(b) All guardians ad litem working under court-appointed special advocate programs supported, developed, or enhanced by the organization must be volunteers and may not receive payment for services rendered pursuant to the program. The organization may include paid positions that are exclusively administrative in nature, in keeping with the scope and purpose of this section; and
(c) The organization providing statewide technical support, development, and enhancement of court-appointed special advocate programs must be a public benefit nonprofit corporation as defined in RCW 24.03A.245.
(3) If more than one organization is eligible to receive money under this section, the department shall develop criteria for allocation of appropriated money among the eligible organizations.
[ 2021 c 176 s 5226; 2009 c 565 s 8; 1995 c 13 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2021 c 176: See note following RCW 24.03A.005.

catchline: Court-appointed special advocate programs—Funds—Eligibility.


title: RCW 43.330.145

text:
(1) The department shall ensure that none of its rules or practices act to exclude recipients of temporary assistance for needy families from any small business loan opportunities or entrepreneurial assistance it makes available through its community development block grant program or otherwise provides using state or federal resources. The department shall encourage local administrators of microlending programs using public funds to conduct outreach activities to encourage recipients of temporary assistance for needy families to explore self-employment as an option. The department shall compile information on private and public sources of entrepreneurial assistance and loans for start-up businesses and provide the department of social and health services with the information for dissemination to recipients of temporary assistance for needy families.
(2) The department shall, as part of its industrial recruitment efforts, work with the workforce training and education coordinating board to identify the skill sets needed by companies locating in the state. The department shall provide the department of social and health services with the information about the companies' needs in order that recipients of public assistance and service providers assisting such recipients through training and placement programs may be informed and respond accordingly. The department shall work with the state board for community and technical colleges, the job skills program, the employment security department, and other employment and training programs to facilitate the inclusion of recipients of temporary assistance for needy families in relevant training that would make them good employees for recruited firms.
(3) The department shall perform the duties under this section within available funds.
[ 1997 c 58 s 323.]
Notes:
Short title—Part headings, captions, table of contents not law—Exemptions and waivers from federal law—Conflict with federal requirements—Severability—1997 c 58: See RCW 74.08A.900 through 74.08A.904.

catchline: Entrepreneurial assistance—Recipients of temporary assistance for needy families—Cooperation with agencies for training and industrial recruitment.


title: RCW 43.330.150

text:
The department is authorized to charge reasonable fees to cover costs for conferences, workshops, and training purposes and to expend those fees for the purposes for which they were collected.
[ 1994 c 284 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—1994 c 284: See RCW 43.22A.901.

catchline: Fees—Conferences, workshops, training.


title: RCW 43.330.152

text:
In order to extend its services and programs, the department may charge reasonable fees for services and products provided in the areas of financial assistance, housing, international trade, community assistance, economic development, and other service delivery areas, except as otherwise provided. These fees are not intended to exceed the costs of providing the service or preparing and distributing the product.
[ 1994 c 284 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—1994 c 284: See RCW 43.22A.901.

catchline: Fees—Service and product delivery areas.


title: RCW 43.330.155

text:
The community and economic development fee account is created in the state treasury. The department may create subaccounts as necessary. The account consists of all receipts from fees charged by the department under RCW 43.330.150, 43.330.152, and * 43.210.110. Expenditures from the account may be used only for the purposes of this chapter. Only the director or the director's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. Expenditures from the account may be spent only after appropriation.
[ 1994 c 284 s 4.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.210.110 was repealed by 1991 c 314 s 18, effective June 30, 1997.
Effective date—1994 c 284: See RCW 43.22A.901.

catchline: Community and economic development fee account.


title: RCW 43.330.156

text:
The fees authorized under RCW 43.330.150, 43.330.152, * 70.95H.040, and ** 43.210.110 shall be adopted by rule pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW.
[ 1994 c 284 s 8.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: *(1) The governor vetoed 1994 c 284 s 5, the amendment to RCW 70.95H.040 that provided for fees. Chapter 70.95H RCW was repealed in its entirety by 2017 3rd sp.s. c 25 s 9.
**(2) RCW 43.210.110 was repealed by 1991 c 314 s 18, effective June 30, 1997.
Effective date—1994 c 284: See RCW 43.22A.901.

catchline: Fees—Adoption by rule.


title: RCW 43.330.165

text:
(1) The department shall work with the advisory group established in subsection (2) of this section to review proposals and make prioritized funding recommendations to the department or funding approval board that oversees the distribution of housing trust fund grants and loans to be used for the development, maintenance, and operation of housing for low-income farmworkers.
(2) A farmworker housing advisory group representing growers, farmworkers, and other interested parties shall be formed to assist the department in the review and priority funding recommendations under this section.
[ 1998 c 37 s 8.]

catchline: Housing for farmworkers—Proposal review and funding recommendations—Farmworker housing advisory group.


title: RCW 43.330.167

text:
(1)(a) There is created in the custody of the state treasurer an account to be known as the Washington youth and families fund. Revenues to the fund consist of appropriations by the legislature, private contributions, and all other sources deposited in the fund.
(b) Expenditures from the fund may only be used for the purposes of the program established in this section, including administrative expenses. Only the director of the department of commerce, or the director's designee, may authorize expenditures.
(c) Expenditures from the fund are exempt from appropriations and the allotment provisions of chapter 43.88 RCW. However, money used for program administration by the department is subject to the allotment and budgetary controls of chapter 43.88 RCW, and an appropriation is required for these expenditures.
(2) The department may expend moneys from the fund to provide state matching funds for housing-based supportive services for homeless youth and families.
(3) Activities eligible for funding through the fund include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) Case management;
(b) Counseling;
(c) Referrals to employment support and job training services and direct employment support and job training services;
(d) Domestic violence services and programs;
(e) Mental health treatment, services, and programs;
(f) Substance abuse treatment, services, and programs;
(g) Parenting skills education and training;
(h) Transportation assistance;
(i) Child care; and
(j) Other supportive services identified by the department to be an important link for housing stability.
(4) Organizations that may receive funds from the fund include local housing authorities, nonprofit community or neighborhood-based organizations, public development authorities, federally recognized Indian tribes in the state, and regional or statewide nonprofit housing assistance organizations.
[ 2015 c 69 s 24; 2009 c 565 s 9; 2004 c 276 s 718.]
Notes:
Severability—2004 c 276: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 2004 c 276 s 915.]
Effective date—2004 c 276: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 1, 2004]." [ 2004 c 276 s 916.]

catchline: Washington youth and families fund.


title: RCW 43.330.170

text:
The office of community development of the department of commerce is directed to conduct a statewide housing market analysis by region. The purpose of the analysis is to identify areas of greatest need for the appropriate investment of state affordable housing funds, using vacancy data and other appropriate measures of need for low-income housing. The analysis shall include the number and types of projects that counties have developed using the funds collected under chapter 294, Laws of 2002. The analysis shall be completed by September 2003, and updated every two years thereafter.
[ 2009 c 565 s 10; 2002 c 294 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—2002 c 294: See note following RCW 36.18.010.

catchline: Statewide housing market analysis.


title: RCW 43.330.181

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, there is created the office of apple health and homes within the department.
(2) Activities of the office of apple health and homes must be carried out by a director of the office of apple health and homes, supervised by the director of the department or their designee.
(3) The office of apple health and homes is responsible for leading efforts under this section and coordinating a spectrum of practice efforts related to providing permanent supportive housing, including leading efforts related to every aspect of creating housing, operating housing, obtaining services, and delivering those services to connect people with housing and maintain them in that housing.
(4) The office of apple health and homes shall:
(a) Subject to available funding, allocate funding for permanent supportive housing units sufficient in number to fulfill permanent supportive housing needs of persons determined to be eligible for the program by the coordinating entity or entities under RCW 74.09.886;
(b) Collaborate with department divisions responsible for making awards or loans to appropriate housing providers to acquire, build, and operate the housing units, including but not limited to nonprofit community organizations, local counties and cities, public housing authorities, and public development authorities;
(c) Collaborate with the authority on administrative functions, oversight, and reporting requirements, as necessary to implement the apple health and homes program established under RCW 74.09.886;
(d) Establish metrics and collect racially disaggregated data from the authority and the department related to the program's effect on providing persons with permanent supportive housing, moving people into independent housing, long-term housing stability, improving health outcomes for people in the program, estimated reduced health care spending to the state on persons enrolled in the program, and outcomes related to social determinants of health;
(e) Develop a publicly accessible dashboard to make key program outcomes available to the public. Key program outcomes include, but are not limited to, the number of people served by the program and the number of housing units created by the office;
(f) Create work plans and establish milestones to achieve the goal of providing permanent supportive housing for all eligible individuals; and
(g) Oversee the allocation of community support services provider and housing provider capacity-building grants to further the state's interests of enhancing the ability of community support services providers and housing providers to deliver community support services and permanent supportive housing and assure that an initial infrastructure is established to create strong networks of community support services providers and housing providers.
(5) The office of apple health and homes must be operational no later than January 1, 2023. The department shall assure the coordination of the work of the office of apple health and homes with other offices within the department with similar or adjacent authorities and functions.
(6) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Community support services provider" has the same meaning as in RCW 74.09.885.
(b) "Coordinating entity" has the same meaning as in RCW 74.09.885.
(c) "Housing provider" has the same meaning as in RCW 74.09.885.
(d) "Permanent supportive housing" has the same meaning as in RCW 74.09.885.
[ 2022 c 216 s 5.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Short title—2022 c 216: See notes following RCW 74.09.885.

catchline: Office of apple health and homes—Responsibilities.


title: RCW 43.330.184

text:
The apple health and homes account is created in the state treasury. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for permanent supportive housing programs administered by the office created in RCW 43.330.181, including acquisition and development of permanent supportive housing units, operations, maintenance, and services costs of permanent supportive housing units, project-based vouchers, provider grants, and other purposes authorized by appropriations made in the operating budget. The department must prioritize allocating at least 10 percent of the expenditures from the account to organizations that serve and are substantially governed by individuals disproportionately impacted by homelessness and behavioral health conditions, including black, indigenous, and other people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, and other gender diverse individuals. When selecting projects supported by funds from the account, the office shall balance the state's interest in quickly approving and financing projects, the degree to which the project will leverage other funds, the extent to which the project promotes racial equity, and the extent to which the project will promote priorities of chapter 216, Laws of 2022 on a statewide basis, including in rural areas and in geographically diverse parts of the state. During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the legislature may direct the state treasurer to transfer money in the apple health and homes account to the state general fund.
[ 2025 c 424 s 959; 2022 c 216 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 424: See note following RCW 9.46.100.
Findings—Intent—Short title—2022 c 216: See notes following RCW 74.09.885.

catchline: Apple health and homes account.


title: RCW 43.330.187

text:
Subject to amounts appropriated from the apple health and homes account created in RCW 43.330.184 the department of commerce shall establish a rapid permanent supportive housing acquisition and development program to issue competitive financial assistance to eligible organizations under RCW 43.185A.040 and to public development authorities established under RCW 35.21.730 through 35.21.755, for the acquisition or the construction of permanent supportive housing units, subject to the following conditions and limitations:
(1) Awards or loans provided under this section may be used to construct permanent supportive housing units or to acquire real property for quick conversion into permanent supportive housing units which may include predevelopment or development activities, renovation, and building update costs. Awards or loans provided under this section may not be used for operating or maintenance costs associated with providing permanent supportive housing, supportive services, or debt service.
(2) Projects acquired or constructed under this section must serve individuals eligible for a community support services benefit through the apple health and homes program, as established in RCW 74.09.886.
(3) The department of commerce shall establish criteria for the issuance of the awards or loans, including but not limited to:
(a) The date upon which structural modifications or construction would begin and the anticipated date of completion of the project;
(b) A detailed estimate of the costs associated with the construction or acquisition and any updates or improvements necessary to make the property habitable for its intended use;
(c) A detailed estimate of the costs associated with opening the units; and
(d) A financial plan demonstrating the ability to maintain and operate the property and support its intended tenants through the end of the award or loan contract.
(4) The department of commerce shall provide a progress report on its website by June 1, 2023. The report must include:
(a) The total number of applications and amount of funding requested; and
(b) A list and description of the projects approved for funding including state funding, total project cost, number of units, and anticipated completion date.
(5)(a) The funding in this section shall be allocated on an ongoing basis until all funds are expended. The department of commerce shall dispense funds to qualifying applicants within 45 days of receipt of documentation from the applicant for qualifying uses and execution of any necessary contracts with the department in order to effect the purpose of rapid deployment of funds under this section.
(b) The department of commerce shall ensure that proposals that reach the greatest public benefit, as defined by the department, are prioritized. For the purposes of this subsection, "greatest public benefit" must include, but is not limited to:
(i) The greatest number of qualifying permanent supportive housing units created by the state investment, determined by comparing simultaneous applications for funding from the same geographic region; and
(ii) Equitable geographic distribution, to the extent possible, relative to need, as determined by the establishment of regional targets.
[ 2022 c 216 s 8.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Short title—2022 c 216: See notes following RCW 74.09.885.

catchline: Rapid permanent supportive housing acquisition and development program.


title: RCW 43.330.190

text:
Counties may submit a petition for relief to the office of public defense for reimbursement of extraordinary criminal justice costs. Extraordinary criminal justice costs are defined as those associated with investigation, prosecution, indigent defense, jury impanelment, expert witnesses, interpreters, incarceration, and other adjudication costs of aggravated murder cases.
(1) The office of public defense, in consultation with the Washington association of prosecuting attorneys and the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, shall develop procedures for processing the petitions, for auditing the veracity of the petitions, and for prioritizing the petitions. Prioritization of the petitions shall be based on, but not limited to, such factors as disproportionate fiscal impact relative to the county budget, efficient use of resources, and whether the costs are extraordinary and could not be reasonably accommodated and anticipated in the normal budget process.
(2) Before January 1st of each year, the office of public defense, in consultation with the Washington association of prosecuting attorneys and the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, shall develop and submit to the appropriate fiscal committees of the senate and house of representatives a prioritized list of submitted petitions that are recommended for funding by the legislature.
[ 1999 c 303 s 1.]

catchline: Reimbursement of extraordinary criminal justice costs.


title: RCW 43.330.250

text:
(1) The economic development strategic reserve account is created in the state treasury to be used only for the purposes of this section.
(2) Only the governor, with the recommendation of the director of the department of commerce, may authorize expenditures from the account.
(3) During the 2009-2011, 2011-2013, and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, moneys in the account may also be transferred into the state general fund.
(4) Expenditures from the account may be made to prevent closure of a business or facility, to prevent relocation of a business or facility in the state to a location outside the state, or to recruit a business or facility to the state. Expenditures may be authorized for:
(a) Workforce development;
(b) Public infrastructure needed to support or sustain the operations of the business or facility;
(c) Other lawfully provided assistance including, but not limited to, technical assistance, environmental analysis, relocation assistance, and planning assistance. Funding may be provided for such assistance only when it is in the public interest and may only be provided under a contractual arrangement ensuring that the state will receive appropriate consideration, such as an assurance of job creation or retention; and
(d) The joint center for aerospace technology innovation.
(5) The funds shall not be expended from the account unless:
(a) The circumstances are such that time does not permit the director of the department of commerce or the business or facility to secure funding from other state sources;
(b) The business or facility produces or will produce significant long-term economic benefits to the state, a region of the state, or a particular community in the state;
(c) The business or facility does not require continuing state support;
(d) The expenditure will result in new jobs, job retention, or higher incomes for citizens of the state;
(e) The expenditure will not supplant private investment; and
(f) The expenditure is accompanied by private investment.
(6) No more than three million dollars per year may be expended from the account for the purpose of assisting an individual business or facility pursuant to the authority specified in this section.
(7) If the account balance in the strategic reserve account exceeds fifteen million dollars at any time, the amount in excess of fifteen million dollars shall be transferred to the education construction account.
(8) During the 2017-2019, 2019-2021, and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, the legislature may appropriate moneys from the account to fund programs and grants at the department of commerce. It is the intent of the legislature that this policy will be continued in subsequent fiscal biennia.
[ 2025 c 424 s 960; 2019 c 415 s 974; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 1 s 975; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 4 s 962; 2014 c 112 s 114; 2013 2nd sp.s. c 24 s 1; 2011 1st sp.s. c 50 s 956. Prior: 2009 c 565 s 13; 2009 c 564 s 943; 2008 c 329 s 914; 2005 c 427 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 424: See note following RCW 9.46.100.
Effective date—2019 c 415: See note following RCW 28B.20.476.
Effective date—2017 3rd sp.s. c 1: See note following RCW 43.41.455.
Effective dates—2015 3rd sp.s. c 4: See note following RCW 28B.15.069.
Effective dates—2011 1st sp.s. c 50: See note following RCW 15.76.115.
Effective date—2009 c 564: See note following RCW 2.68.020.
Severability—Effective date—2008 c 329: See notes following RCW 28B.105.110.

catchline: Economic development strategic reserve account—Authorized expenditures—Transfer of excess funds to the education construction account.


title: RCW 43.330.260

text:
(1) The department shall make available, within existing resources, an inventory of grant opportunities for state agencies, local governments, and other community organizations engaged in economic development activities.
(2) In developing the inventory of economic development grant opportunities, the department may:
(a) Regularly review the federal register for opportunities to apply for grants, research projects, and demonstration projects;
(b) Maintain an inventory of grant opportunities with private foundations and businesses;
(c) Provide a resource guide for applicants for federal grants, including links to federal applications and relevant resources, and contact information for department assistance; and
(d) Consult with federal officials, including but not limited to those in the small business administration, the department of labor, the department of commerce, the department of agriculture, the department of ecology, as well as private foundations and businesses, on the prospects for obtaining federal and private funds for economic development purposes in Washington state.
(3) The department may also facilitate joint efforts between agencies and between local organizations and state agencies that will increase the likelihood of success in grant seeking and the attraction of major events.
[ 2024 c 223 s 4; 2006 c 314 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2024 c 223: See note following RCW 43.330.070.
Finding—2006 c 314: "The legislature declares that it is the state's policy to encourage the use of federal and private funds for economic development purposes and to use state resources to leverage federal and private dollars to supplement state economic development efforts." [ 2006 c 314 s 1.]

catchline: Inventory of economic development grant opportunities—Joint efforts for grant seeking and attracting major events.