Strong Cities, Strong State— Economic Development in Washington Cities and Towns
Main Home | 2007 Report Home | Cluster Profiles
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Airway Heights, Algona, Battle Ground, Benton City, Buckley, Bucoda, Carbonado, Cheney, Connell, Coupeville, Darrington, Deer Park, Eatonville, Everson, Fairfield, Ferndale, Gold Bar, Grandview, Granger, Granite Falls, Harrah, Index, Kahlotus, Latah, Lynden, Mabton, Medical Lake, Mesa, Millwood, Milton, Moxee, Naches, Nooksack, Orting, Pacific, Prosser, Rainier, Ridgefield, Rockford, Roy, Ruston, Selah, South Prairie, Spangle, Steilacoom, Sultan, Tenino, Tieton, Toppenish, Wapato, Washougal, Waverly, Wilkeson, Yacolt, Zillah |
Size: Growth:
Fiscal:
For more information about cluster size, growth and fiscal condition, visit 2005 cluster profile. |
Economic Development |
Data on this page was collected from an AWC survey on economic development.
Percent of cities with economic development departments or staff members: 36%
Year city began to fund department or staff member: 1985 to 2006
Number of FTE designated for economic development purposes: .2 to 3 FTE
Percent of cities with a written economic development plan: 24%
Percent of cities using the economic development element of the comprehensive plan as their economic development plan (reported percentage is of those answering yes to previous question): 78%
Focus of city economic development efforts
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Industry Area |
% of Cities in Cluster |
| Retail/Service | 50% |
| Residential (commuters) | 38% |
| Manufacturing | 25% |
| Tourism/Hospitality | 21% |
| Warehousing/Distribution | 17% |
| Agricultural | 8% |
| Institutional | 4% |
| Technology/Telecommunications | 4% |
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Comments made under “other” by one or more cities:
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Major city economic development strategies*
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Strategies |
% of Cities in Cluster |
| Quality of Life Improvements | 83% |
| Infrastructure Improvements | 52% |
| Downtown Revitalization | 52% |
City services used to promote economic development*
|
Services |
% of Cities in Cluster |
| Infrastructure | 86% |
| Zoning | 86% |
| Parks/Recreation Services | 68% |
| Streamlined Business Licensing | 65% |
| Streamlined Permitting Process | 64% |
| Marketing for Businesses, Business Area, Downtown, etc. | 50% |
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Community Center Operations |
50% |
Tools used to promote economic development*
|
Tools |
% of Cities in Cluster |
| Community Development Block Grant | 50% |
|
Public Works Trust Fund Low Interest Loans |
48% |
Major city barriers to economic development*
|
Barriers |
% of Cities in Cluster |
| Environmental Regulations | 76% |
| Limited Number of Major Employers | 71% |
| Lack of Private Sector Capital/Funding | 71% |
| Federal/State Mandates | 71% |
| Lack of Commercial Office/Building Availability | 68% |
| Lack of Flexibility of Local Taxing/Revenue Options | 60% |
| Lack of Skilled City Economic Development Staff | 60% |
| Distance from Major Markets | 58% |
| Inadequate Infrastructure | 57% |
| State Taxes | 55% |
| Availability of Commercial/Industrial Land | 50% |
| Access to Technical Expertise | 50% |
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Comments made under “other” by one or more cities: Unfunded mandates; Minimum wage; Water moratorium; Land use planning; State’s lack of vision; City location; Retail tax-advantage of military commissary |
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Infrastructure improvement and expansion needs that are barriers to economic development
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Industry Area |
% of Cities in Cluster |
| Advanced Telecommunications | 50% |
| Sidewalks | 50% |
| Water Availability/Quality | 43% |
| Streets | 41% |
| Sewer | 39% |
| Stormwater | 38% |
| Bridges | 21% |
* Items noted were indicated by 50% or more of cities within the city cluster
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State of the Cities © 2007 Association of Washington Cities
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