Small Commercial Centers

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Blaine, DuPont, Gig Harbor, Langley, Liberty Lake, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, Skykomish, Snohomish, Stanwood, Sumas, Sumner, Union Gap, Yelm

Size:
Small.

Growth:
Moderate to high level of growth over the 1990s.

Fiscal:
High commercial activity, but relatively low median household income among residents in metro areas.

For more information about cluster size, growth and fiscal condition, visit 2005 cluster profile.

Economic Development
Planning

Data on this page was collected from an AWC survey on economic development.

Economic Development in Cluster 11 Communities

Percent of cities with economic development departments or staff members: 22%
- Year city began to fund department or staff member: 2000 to 2001
- Number of FTE designated for economic development purposes: .25 to 1
Percent of cities with a written economic development plan: 22%
- 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): 50%

Focus of city economic development efforts

Industry Area	% of Cities in Cluster
Retail/Service	44%
Tourism/Hospitality	44%
Manufacturing	33%
Warehousing/Distribution	22%
Residential (commuters)	11%
Technology/Telecommunications	11%
Agricultural	0%
Institutional	0%
Comments made under “other” by one or more cities: Diversification from dependence on tourism

Major city economic development strategies*

Strategies	% of Cities in Cluster
Quality of Life Improvements	89%
Infrastructure Improvements	78%
Downtown Revitalization	67%
Job Training/Workforce Development	50%

City services used to promote economic development*

Services	% of Cities in Cluster
Infrastructure	100%
Zoning	100%
Parks/Recreation Services	89%
Streamlined Permitting Process	78%
Historic Preservation	78%
Special Event and Facility Services	75%
Advanced Telecommunications Provisions	67%
Arts/Cultural Services	67%
Marketing for Businesses, Business Area, Downtown, etc.	63%
Streamlined Business Licensing	63%
Online Development Services	50%
Community Center Operations	50%

Tools used to promote economic development*

Tools	% of Cities in Cluster
Special Assessment District/LIDs	56%
Comments made under “other” by one or more cities: Traffic impact fee

Major city barriers to economic development*

Barriers	% of Cities in Cluster
Lack of Flexibility of Local Taxing/Revenue Options	88%
Lack of Skilled City Economic Development Staff	78%
Limited Number of Major Employers	67%
Distance from Major Markets	56%
Access to Technical Expertise	56%
Cost of Land	50%
Lack of Skilled Labor	50%
Lack of Private Sector Capital/Funding	50%
Comments made under “other” by one or more cities: Insufficient resources

Infrastructure improvement and expansion needs that are barriers to economic development

Industry Area	% of Cities in Cluster
Streets	67%
Stormwater	33%
Sewer	33%
Advanced Telecommunications	33%
Sidewalks	22%
Bridges	13%
Water Availability/Quality	11%
Comments made under “other” by one or more cities: Interstate interchange; Congestion on highways; Access to I-5 is restrictive

* Items noted were indicated by 50% or more of cities within the city cluster