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Department of Commerce is accepting applications through Oct. 16 for two affordable housing opportunities

OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson and the state Department of Commerce today announced applications are open for $212.4 million in affordable multifamily rental housing funding. This investment will help close the gap in needed units in every community statewide.

Commerce’s Multifamily Housing Unit administers funding for capital housing projects. It has two open funding opportunities for developers planning affordable housing projects, with funding sources including the Washington State Housing Trust Fund (HTF), Apple Health and Homes (AHAH), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities program, and the federal HOME and National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) programs.

“Every Washingtonian deserves an affordable place to live,” Governor Bob Ferguson said. “Washington needs more affordable housing — a lot more. This past session, we made more state investments in affordable housing than ever before. These investments will serve our most vulnerable residents and improve affordable housing statewide.”

“Affordable rental housing is one of the smartest investments we can make in our state’s future,” said Commerce Director Joe Nguyen. “When we invest in housing that people can actually afford, we’re strengthening entire communities, supporting local economies and creating a better future for everyone.”

Since 1986, the state’s Housing Trust Fund has invested more than $1 billion in capital funding and helped build or preserve more than 60,000 units of affordable housing statewide. It’s significant, but more is needed: Commerce research shows that the state needs more than a million new homes in the next 20 years to meet need and anticipated growth, and more than half of those must be affordable to people earning less than 50% of the median family income.

The two open funding opportunities are:

• HTF Multifamily Housing NOFA #MHU-2025-01: Multifamily rental affordable housing projects funded by the state Housing Trust Fund (HTF), Apple Health and Homes (AHAH), and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) programs.
• HOME and NHTF NOFA #MHU-2025-02: Multifamily rental affordable housing projects funded by federal HOME and National Housing Trust Fund programs to further the goals articulated in Washington state's 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan (CONPLAN).

Both applications close Oct. 16.

This funding is part of the Legislature’s historic $419 million, two-year investment in affordable housing, which passed during the 2025 legislative session. The overall amount includes affordable multifamily housing development, such as new construction, acquisitions and rehabilitation, that will benefit people who are low-income, have experienced chronic homelessness, have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and others who have experienced obstacles to housing stability.

This new funding round will let more communities make upgrades like those at the Salishan. For more information about these or other housing funding opportunities, visit the MHU website’s funding opportunities page. All Commerce funding opportunities are available online.

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

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OLYMPIA – LGBTQ+ small business owners and entrepreneurs can now certify their businesses with Washington state’s new LGBTQ Business Enterprise program. The statewide certification is free of charge, and will help LGBTQ-owned businesses access valuable government contracts to grow and sustain their businesses.

“It’s a particularly important moment to show our support as a state for the LGBTQ community,” Governor Bob Ferguson said. “Washington state has a thriving, diverse business community. This program ensures we are recognizing and supporting our LGBTQ business owners.”

The Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises has certified small minority- and women-owned businesses to participate in public contracting and procurement since 1983. All OMWBE-certified businesses, including those in the new LGBTQ program, appear in a certified business directory, where state agencies, educational institutions, local governments and prime contractors seek small and diverse firms to do business with.

Washington state agencies are incentivized to contract directly with OMWBE-certified businesses. OMWBE tracks state agency spending with certified business to set aspirational spending goals and will begin reporting on state spending with LGBTQ-owned businesses in 2026. OMWBE also connects certified businesses with free consultations and training.

“We are excited to partner with the Washington State LGBTQ Commission to launch one of the nation's first statewide LGBTQ Business Enterprise programs,” OMWBE Director Lekha Fernandes said. “This certification allows us to build business solutions that truly improve equity in public spending, by recognizing LGBTQ+ owned businesses in government contracting.”

Until now, there were few certification options in Washington state for LGBTQ+ businesses. One of the options, a third-party certification with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, is only recognized in King County.

“After more than a decade of advocacy from the community on this issue, I am very pleased to see OMWBE enthusiastically implementing this program for LGBTQ+ small businesses,” said Matt Landers, Washington State LGBTQ Commissioner and Secretary. “We know that the LGBTQ+ community faces economic disparities, and this recognition — along with the ongoing work of many individuals and organizations from community — can help move the needle toward a fairer economy for all Washingtonians.”

“Reducing barriers and increasing access within state government is a core tenet of the LGBTQ Commission,” said Lisa Keating, executive director of the Washington State LGBTQ Commission. “The LGBTQ+ Business Enterprise program is yet another example of the commitment Washington state has for improving the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ Washingtonians.”

How to apply for certification

LGBTQ Business Enterprise is one of several certifications in OMWBE’s State Certification program. Washington state also offers a certification for Veteran Owned Businesses.

To qualify, a small business must be for profit and licensed to do business in Washington state. LGBTQ+ individuals must own at least 51% of the business, manage and control day-to-day operations, and fall under a personal net worth threshold.

Small businesses seeking state contracting and procurement opportunities are encouraged to apply. To learn more, visit omwbe.wa.gov/certification.

Ramirez recently served as federal Health and Human Services chief of staff

OLYMPIA — Today Governor Bob Ferguson appointed Angela Ramirez as Washington’s new Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services, effective Sept. 22. Ramirez recently served as chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through Jan. 20. Since January, she has advised on several projects.  

Ramirez’s experience spans more than two decades across local, state and federal government. In her recent role at HHS, she coordinated one of the largest federal departments with over 90,000 employees and a $1.7 trillion budget — the largest of any federal agency. Ramirez led department-wide initiatives, advised the Secretary and senior officials, and steered policy and personnel strategies on issues ranging from reproductive health to behavioral health and workforce development.

“Angela’s leadership, deep experience in delivering essential human services, and focus on collaboration makes her exceptionally well-suited for this role,” Governor Ferguson said. “As Secretary of Washington’s largest agency, she will provide the direction and strategic vision needed to effectively deliver critical services across Washington.”

“I am deeply honored to serve as Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services,” Ramirez said. “I’ve spent my entire career in public service, and I’ve come to realize it is a part of who I am. As the daughter of farmworkers who both experienced homelessness, I understand how life-changing public systems can be when they truly support people. Whether someone needs housing, a job, mental health care, or simply the dignity of choice — I believe in the power of government to help individuals shape their own lives. I thank Governor Ferguson for the opportunity to serve the people of Washington, and I look forward to joining an agency so deeply committed to meeting people where they are and helping them move forward.”

Before leading HHS as chief of staff and, prior to that, deputy chief of staff, Ramirez served as a Special Assistant to the President in the White House, shaping legislative efforts such as the American Rescue Plan. She also served as senior staff on the Biden Presidential Transition and on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Her positions during her 18 years as Congressional staff included serving as executive director of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and chief of staff to then-Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján, playing pivotal roles in leadership, legislation and campaign strategy.

Ramirez is a graduate of Princeton University, where she earned a degree in political economy and a certificate in Spanish language and literature. Her early career included a fellowship in the California State Senate and roles in policy analysis and local justice systems. Her community service has included volunteering at Charlie’s Place, teaching English as a second language, and mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She was named to Politico’s Power List and has been recognized as a key Congressional staffer in the National Journal.

The appointment follows a competitive national search drawing candidates from more than 11 states.

Ferguson shared his response to Bondi’s threats at the state Capitol today

OLYMPIA — Joined at the state Capitol by legislators, cabinet members and representatives from numerous organizations, Governor Bob Ferguson responded today to a letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi which included threats of criminal prosecution of Ferguson and other officials.

In his response letter and in remarks in Olympia today, Governor Ferguson made it clear that Washington will not be bullied or intimidated into redirecting state resources meant to keep Washingtonians safe to aid in President Trump’s cruel federal immigration policies.

Governor Ferguson received Bondi’s letter late last week. It cites unidentified “sanctuary policies and practices” in Washington and asserts, without any analysis, that they violate federal law.

She warns that those “using their official position to obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts … may be subject to criminal charges.”

In his strongly worded response letter, Governor Ferguson pushes back. “You seem to believe that cavalierly citing criminal statutes and personally threatening me, a democratically elected governor, will result in compromising the values of my state.”

“Never.”

“This administration’s total disregard of due process shows us all they care about is instilling fear and hurting law-abiding Washingtonians,” said Sen. Lisa Wellman, D-Mercer Island, the prime sponsor of the Keep Washington Working Act. “The last thing we’re going to do is compromise our values and help ICE terrorize our communities of color.”

“Pam Bondi is wrong,” said Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, D-Mukilteo, the companion bill sponsor of the Keep Washington Working Act. “The Keep Washington Working Act doesn’t weaken safety, it strengthens it by letting law enforcement focus on real crime.  The overwhelming majority of immigrants in our state abide by the law, are hardworking, help our economy grow, and pay taxes. By ensuring Washington’s law enforcement agencies focus on community safety rather than hunting down immigrants, the Keep Washington Working Act is supporting businesses where all employees should work without fear. Immigrants contribute to our thriving agricultural, healthcare, tech, and hospitality sectors. Every day, these dedicated individuals show up to earn their livelihoods and strengthen our communities. Washington remains — and will continue to be — a beacon of inclusion and fairness. We are committed to protecting all our residents because when everyone is valued and secure, our state not only endures — it flourishes. Pam Bondi wants fear. Washington state wants fairness.”

“Washingtonians have a long history of welcoming ALL people to our state,” said Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle. “That will not change. We will protect the safety and security of the families who are living here and following our laws. We will not weaken our state laws or put people at risk to appease this administration and its latest attempt to intimidate us.”

“As a proud Washingtonian and a representative of our diverse community, I stand firmly behind the Keep Washington Working Act. Pam Bondi's letter misrepresents the invaluable contributions of our immigrant neighbors who work tirelessly and boost our economy,” said Rep. Julio Cortes, D-Everett. “We will continue protecting all our residents because we value fairness, hard work, and the dignity of every person who calls Washington home.”

“When our communities are under attack, it is more important now than ever to ensure we protect immigrant communities and defend against the federal government unlawfully overstepping,” said Malou Chávez, Executive Director of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. “But it is also true that we need to work in partnership to improve protections and get ahead of further attacks and further harm. Keep Washington Working is an important protection for our communities and we stand behind it 100 percent. We need to do this for each and every one of our community members who are impacted, for their families and loved ones, for their communities, and for our future as a truly welcoming state.”

Video of Governor Ferguson’s remarks today at the Washington State Capitol are available here: https://tvw.org/video/governor-bob-ferguson-press-conference-2025081069/?eventID=2025081069&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Families, school officials share personal stories during Lynnwood Elementary listening session

LYNNWOOD — At a listening session Thursday at Lynnwood Elementary School, Governor Bob Ferguson joined U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen and impacted community members to discuss the devastating impacts of federal cuts to food assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

During the site visit to a local summer meals program, Governor Ferguson and Congressman Larsen served bagged lunches to children. Then, they heard personal stories from families, local nonprofits and Edmonds School District staff about how the Trump Administration’s attacks on the social safety net are disrupting efforts to feed hungry kids.

“The Trump Administration’s attacks on safety net programs like SNAP harm our most vulnerable Washingtonians, all to pay for tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans,” Governor Ferguson said. “This is not only morally wrong, it harms Washington’s economy and puts a strain on other programs that support our kids. We will continue to protect Washingtonians from these cruel policies.” 

“President Trump and Republicans are attacking food assistance here in Northwest Washington state and across the country,” Rep. Larsen said. “The long-term consequences of hungry families and children are profound. Not getting proper nutrition impacts kids’ ability to grow up strong and healthy. It impacts kids’ ability to focus in class. It impacts kids’ ability to play sports. Republicans are making these cuts because they do not care about working families. They care about the richest Americans and the largest corporations, and the Big Ugly Law is a clear indication of that.”

Approximately 1 million Washingtonians use SNAP benefits every month to purchase food. Thirty-four percent of Washingtonians who rely on SNAP benefits are children. As a result of the budget bill passed by Congress last month, known as H.R. 1, every Washingtonian who relies on SNAP will see their benefits reduced. At least 137,000 Washingtonians are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits altogether, due to new work requirements. H.R. 1 also made refugees and asylum seekers ineligible for assistance, affecting approximately 33,000 people. 

The cuts will also cause ripple effects throughout the economy and put a strain on other food assistance programs, such as school districts’ free and reduced lunch programs.

The USDA estimates that every $1 in SNAP benefits generates more than $1.50 in local economic activity. The losses in SNAP spending will translate to $360 million annually that will not be spent at grocery stores, farmers markets and other retailers. Downstream that affects the workers at grocery stores and markets, as well as the farmers who supply them.

The SNAP cuts will also shift the administrative burden to Washington state. Specifically, when the state share of SNAP benefits starts Oct. 1, 2027, it could cost the state between $100 million and $300 million per year.