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 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.

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.