WA Housing News

GMA Assistance, Grants, Guidance for Local Governments

Growth Management Services within the Washington State Department of Commerce provides direct assistance, grants, and guidance to help local governments meet requirements under Washington's Growth Management Act (GMA). The page consolidates resources including a Regional Assistance Map, planning guidance, housing grants, climate planning resources, and ecosystem planning information. Two open funding opportunities are currently listed: an RFQQ for on-call dispute resolution services closing April 29, 2026, and a Notice of Funding Opportunity for civilian-military compatibility grants closing May 4, 2026.

Washington BEAD $1B NTIA Approved

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Washington's final BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) proposal on February 27, 2026, unlocking a $1 billion federal investment for broadband infrastructure expansion across the state. The approval clears the way for the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) to proceed with funding deployment to expand reliable, affordable high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved communities statewide. This action represents the culmination of Washington's multi-year planning process including the Initial Proposal volumes and Digital Equity Plan.

PWB Awards $5.1M and $4.9M for Local Infrastructure Projects

The Washington State Public Works Board awarded $5.1 million in April 2026 for infrastructure projects including restoration of Lower Satsop Road along the Satsop River in Grays Harbor County. An earlier February 2026 award of $4.9 million will help eight communities plan for future drinking water, wastewater, and road infrastructure projects. The PWB, founded in 1985, has distributed more than $3.6 billion in loans and grants to over 2,200 infrastructure projects statewide.