PSRC seeking public comment on new regional economic strategy

I-90, Mercer Island, Bellevue
Photo courtesy PSRC

The Puget Sound Regional Council is seeking public comment on a draft regional economic strategy for King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The public comment period will run from April 14 - May 14, 2017.

"Our region is witnessing a surge of job growth, but we've also learned we can't take our economy for granted," said Catherine Stanford, President of the Economic Development Board and Deputy Mayor of Lake Forest Park. 

"This new strategy is focused on what we need to do over the next few years to better prepare for the future, and to provide more equitable access to jobs and opportunity throughout the region."

Advancing educational opportunity, improving transportation, making the region more affordable and continuing to sustain a healthy environment are among the draft strategy's key initiatives.

The region is home to key export focused industries that make it unique. These include Aerospace, Information and Communication Technology, Maritime, Military and Defense, Tourism, Transportation and Logistics, Clean Tech, Life Sciences and Global Health, and Business Services.

The strategy is designed to support these strategic clusters and grow jobs and opportunity throughout the economy. In addition, five new specialty sectors are identified in the draft strategy: Architecture and Engineering, Materials Manufacturing, Food and beverage, Recreational Gear and Wood Products.

The draft strategy establishes a set of four broad goals for regional economic development. These goals are:

1. sustain a high quality of life, 
2. open economic opportunities to everyone, 
3. compete globally, and 
4. connect the region to the world. 

A series of strategies are contained in each goal which aim to improve the whole of the economy and support the people who live in the region, as well as make the region more competitive for job growth in established and emerging industry clusters.

The strategy is expected to be finalized in May. It is being developed by the region's Economic Development District board as the comprehensive economic development strategy - a federal requirement to make the region eligible for funding from the Economic Development Administration.

Share your comments via Email, U.S. Mail: ATTN: RES Comment, 1011 Western Ave, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98104, or in person: Economic Development Board meetings at 1pm on May 3 and May 17, 2017 at PSRC, 1011 Western Ave, Suite 500, in Seattle.

Written comments received will become a part of the public record and be presented to the board prior to adoption. The strategy and related information can be found online or from the Information Center at 206-464-7532. The board is scheduled to adopt the strategy on May 17, 2017.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 entities, including all four counties, cities and towns, ports, state and local transportation agencies and tribal governments within the region.