Confirm your participation for Periodic Update grants
Commerce is reaching out to jurisdictions eligible for state fiscal year 2027 (SFY27) periodic update grant (PUG) funding. Jurisdictions should expect an email and letter from Growth Management Services seeking to confirm your participation in the SFY27 grant cycle. Your timely response will help us ensure a smooth allocation process.
Updated MFTE Handbook now available
Commerce’s Multifamily Housing Property Tax Exemption Handbook (PDF) has been newly updated for 2026, reflecting feedback from stakeholders and legislative updates made in the 2025 session.
Cities and counties with an MFTE program or those interested in creating one can use Commerce’s MFTE handbook as a comprehensive resource for information on the program.
Find more information on Commerce’s MFTE webpage or contact Katherine Mitchell, MFTE program manager at Katherine.Mitchell@Commerce.wa.gov.
Quick guide for transit-oriented development
Commerce is developing resources to support understanding and implementation of the state’s transit-oriented development (TOD) law, Chapter 267, Laws of 2025 (HB 1491).
This latest publication is a TOD quick guide for elected officials and the public. The guide provides an overview of TOD and what is required under the law.
Find the quick guide and other resources on Commerce’s Transit-Oriented Development webpage.
Rounding up new housing laws
Each year since 2019, we have compiled a roundup of new housing laws into a single document for easy reference. Find the latest edition, updated for 2026, on our Housing Planning webpage.
Read: Washington state housing laws, 2019–2026
Staff update
Barb Kincaid joins Commerce to support CHIP
Please join us in welcoming Infrastructure Coordinator Barb Kincaid (she/her) to the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP).
Barb comes to Commerce having previously worked as community development and public works director for cities and counties in Washington. She has served as senior planner for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and provided planning services to the Tulalip Tribes. She holds a bachelor’s degree in urban planning and a master’s of infrastructure planning and management from the University of Washington.
Barb lives in Olympia and enjoys time with her family and loves being outdoors.
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From our partners
MRSC: Expanded housing options for counties
RCO: Apply now for recreation access grants
The Recreation and Conservation Office’s Planning for Recreation Access (PRA) program is accepting applications for grants to fund outdoor recreation planning projects in small, rural communities and dense urban neighborhoods.
Funding can be used for comprehensive park planning efforts as well as single facility planning including site design, construction planning and permitting. No matching funds are required for this program.
Visit RCO’s PRA webpage for more information or contact RCO’s technical assistance team by emailing Edison Velez at Edison.Velez@rco.wa.gov.
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WGS: National Trail Day is June 6, explore Washington’s geology!
National Trails Day is on June 6. In the spirit of enjoying our beautiful natural world, the Washington Geological Survey invites you to check out the Washington 100, aka WA 100!
Visit the WA100: A Washington Geotourism Website to find details about 100 unique places and the spectacular geology you can experience along trails at each place.
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Upcoming events
Short Course on Local Planning
Commerce presents the Short Course on Local Planning to provide an overview of land use and comprehensive planning laws in Washington. All courses are free and open to the public.
Upcoming Short Courses
Regional Planners’ Forums
Commerce presents the Regional Planners’ Forums in partnership with the Planning Association of Washington and Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association. These forums offer a free opportunity for planners, officials and community members to talk informally about local issues, share ideas and receive updates from state and federal agencies.
Northwest Planners’ Forum
Tribal Planners’ Forum
Questions?
For questions or feedback about this newsletter, please contact Will Isern at Will.Isern@Commerce.wa.gov.
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