Economic Development

As regional governments, all counties play a major role in local economic development efforts. Most Boards of Commissioners and County Councils provide membership and public funds for economic development councils, so that they may encourage business development and retention in their communities. In addition, counties have positions on the Public Works Board, Community Economic Revitalization Board, the Washington Economic Revitalization Team, and local Workforce Investment Boards, all of which direct public funds toward economic development in local communities.

In recent years legislation has directed counties to play a vital role in community economic development by providing additional sales tax authority for rural counties. The legislature has also asked the state’s universities and colleges to create technologies and services that can be deployed by new businesses. Partnerships with the state’s research universities, Extension programs and other colleges are encouraged for creation of new ‘cutting-edge’ enterprises.

WSAC Policy:
Counties, in consultation with cities, ports and other local governments, will provide leadership in local economic development efforts. The state must set policies that will enable local communities, whether rural or urban, to compete for new businesses and retain existing businesses. Counties also support the expansion of alternative public works methods such as day labor and design-build to reduce the cost of infrastructure construction.