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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19 February ICG Workshop CompilationFrame and Focus of ICG’s Work Conversation Tracker for February 19 th ICG Workshop Context The North Olympic Development Council (NODC) facilitated a workshop at the February 19th , 2026, meeting of the Intergovernmental Collaboration Group (IGC). The IGC consists of the boards and commissions of Jefferson County, WA; the City of Port Townsend; the Port of Port Townsend; and the Jefferson Public Utility District. This tracker shares the high -level outputs of the workshop activities. Context The workshop was built around the concept of frame and focus. Like a photographer decides what will be in the frame of a photograph, the ICG worked to identify what is in the frame (or scope) of their work. Once the frame and content are set, the photographer’s (and ICG’s) next task is to decide what will be in focus. The question guiding the workshop was, “What is the frame and focus of the ICG’s work together?” Workshop Participants •Amy Howard •Carol Hasse •Carolyn Gallaway •Dan Toepper •Emma Bolin •Eron Berg •Fred Obee •Greg Brotherton •Heather Dudley-Nollette •Heidi Eisenhour •Jeff Randall •Joe Wilson •Josh Peters •Kenneth Collins •Libby Wennstrom •Monica Mick -Hager •Neil Nelson •Owen Rowe •Pam Petranek Format of Workshop The workshop consisted of three main sections: •Presentation of economic data and definitions of economic development to frame the conversation •Task 1: What is in the ICG’s frame? •Task 2: What needs to be in focus? The economic data and definitions presented at the workshop are included at the end of this tracker for future reference. Task 1: What Is In Our Frame? Task 1: What Is In Our Frame? Following the context-setting, participants used sticky notes to make suggestions about what should be in the ICG’s frame. The top-two ideas from each participant were collected and themed. Following the workshop, all generated ideas were themed. High level summaries of the themes follow. Guiding questions for this task included: •What can we do together that we can’t do alone? •Where can collaboration amplify progress and success? •What gaps can the ICG fill? •Where (geographically) do our interests and needs overlap? Theme: Business Development and Support •What kinds of businesses are successful here? •Support the needs of the businesses we have here •Support entrepreneurs and provide resources •Incentivize and support business development and retention within the county •Build and grow TOGETHER our primary and significant industries •Given that ‘growing food is like printing money,’ entities collaborate to support all aspects of farms and food production, including farm workers, energy, housing, and sanitation •Embrace and invest in a BALANCED TOURISM INDUSTRY that still prioritizes resident needs Support for existing and new businesses cut across categories, but some suggestions were specifically around business development, including calling out specific industries. Theme: Climate and Clean Energy •Incorporate shared climate goals in ALL development and infrastructure decisions •Consider the the economy functions without the natural environment, not vice - versa, when decisions are being made •Facilitate local energy production, solar/wind •Climate resilient businesses focus and support •Allow light off-grid energy and sanitation areas not targeted for infill/high density The natural environment and climate change should play a significant role in development and decision-making. Theme: Food and Ag •Promote local food supply and distribution •Establish group to collaborate on agriculture and food security support/policy •Ag biz theme/coordinate and support businesses related to local food resilience and organic growing practices •Given that ’growing food is like printing money,’ entities collaborate to support all aspects of farms and food production, including farm workers, energy, housing, and sanitation Food and agriculture is both an economic development issue and a critical part of the region’s resilience and independence. Theme: Funding •Through shared commitment to economic growth can create possibility for large new investments that significantly improve our quality of life •We can make a stronger request for state and federal help if we join together for a common goal •Raise the funds to do big things together •Coordinate efforts on grant applications, timing, locations •Find projects that are appropriate for seeking joint funding •Develop econ development projects on a 5 year rolling list via PIF rather than score projects •Identify funding options for needed infrastructure Shared funding and fundraising can be a strength of the collective work. Theme: Housing •Housing is a regional issue – evaluate and plan holistically •Focus and expand opportunities to build housing of all types in existing urban growth areas and with existing infrastructure •Focus housing along transit lines •Simplify local building regulations to promote housing •Identify affordable housing tools or incentive we have not yet deployed •Track new construction of affordable housing (rent and owned). Are we gaining or losing ground? •Identify existing rules that are preventing desirable development (max bldg. sizes) Affordable housing for a local workforce should be planned carefully. Theme: Infrastructure •We have tremendous capacity with local control of utilities •Invest in INFRASTRUCTURE that makes housing and business development more affordable •The ICG can complete larger infrastructure projects together •Identify infrastructure needed that indiv businesses cannot afford to pay for on their own in land areas we want developed •Coordinate construction timing for sharing resources, lowering impact The ICG’s role in infrastructure may be to coordinate projects for funding purposes and to identify overlapping projects that can be better achieved together. Theme: Job Creation and Workforce •Workforce development: All 14 -18 year olds have opportunity to go into most Jeff County work places for a day of observation (and possible inspiration) •Focus on creating trad schools to trades employment pathways •Build local housing construction industry and workforce •Workforce/youth: Public school focus on home maintenance skills and “Victory” garden and landscaping skills •Identify multigenerational jobs to keep families here •Together, we can take steps today to create JOBS in the future •Job growth requires support not taxation The strongest focus is on jobs and job preparation for young people to keep families in Jefferson County, with an emphasis on trades and life skills. Theme: Permits and Regulation •Make all permits easier, faster, and less expensive to get •We need a clear process and timeline for permits •We need a simple, straightforward process for permits •Review permit processes between agencies – are agencies siloed in terms of hoops developer must go through? •Could ECD act as an ambassador for developers having trouble navigating multiple agencies’ processes? A very clear message: People want to see a streamlined process for permitting. Theme: Process •Share resources and ideas - don’t reinvent the wheel (e.g., chip seal!) •Generate collaborative ideas from a diverse set of strengths and resources •ICG is a place to talk about differences and disagree •ICG can bring external and bigger ideas for inspiration •Maintain communication and coordination •Within each public agency, make cross -agency economic development a priority by assigning resources and supporting top -down •Build/strengthen TRUSTING AND TRANSPARENT RELATIONSHIPS between local leaders to enhance collab opportunities Coordination and communication will be key to the success of this partnership. Theme: Shared Vision •Articulate shared vision •Build trust to build a shared vision •Create a big picture vision of a future state of our economy/community •The ICG can help answer: What sort of economic development do we want? •Together, we can amplify an agenda/issue/need and source effective solutions that we cannot access independently •Collaboration demonstrates community support; makes any project more successful •We need less bureaucracy and more thinking how to get ‘there’ A shared vision was described as both a necessity to develop and a strength the ICG brings to their work together. Theme: Zoning and Land Use •Focus economic and housing development within existing areas (to limit sprawl, among other things) •We need to support jobs through easing zoning for industrial land •Find ways together to create more commercially available land •Identify lands where desirable development is NOT happening, Ex. Glen Cove, airport, etc. •Work w/ EDC on aligning opportunity zones w/ geographical goals for ec dev •Zoning, roads, utilities require planning in that sequence •Allow light off-grid energy and sanitation in areas not targeted for infill/high density Zoning and planning can both encourage and restrict development to areas identified as desirable. Task 2: What Is In Focus? What Is In Focus? Task 2 generated ideas for what the ICG should focus on. Participants had the option of adding a time horizon to their suggestions. The process was the same as for Task 1 and the guiding questions for this task included: •What do we need to move forward? •What do we need to learn more about? •What is a first task we might tackle together? •What are the programs, policies, and activities we should prioritize? Theme: Business Development and Support •Target and complete influx of 2 -3 new mid-large businesses •Marketing of community for business opportunity/incubation •We need to agree on the types of businesses that we want to attract to Jefferson County and develop a strategy to accomplish within the next 5 years •Pivot away from a prescriptive model of economic development and focus on eliminating barriers to broad-based entrepreneurship •Succession planning and build/maintain legacy business/brand •Build retail-sustaining infrastructure for capturing tourism dollars along SR 104 corridor •Complete resource-based synergy loop > county forested lands > Jeff Timber Cooperative > mills > port, etc. Participants shared a variety of ideas and strategies for business development, without a clear overarching theme. Theme: First Steps •Articulate shared priorities and vision as first step to larger plans •Identify our strengths and weaknesses •We need a shared vision and shared view of the problem •Develop a shared vision 50 yrs w/ 5, 10, 15, 20,25, 30,35,40, 45 yr benchmarks •1st : Agree that development isn’t a dirty word •Identify a fully-supported cross-agency champion •Prioritize structured communication within ICG and with community •Priorities: Attainable housing | Infrastructure investment | Collaborative planning •Focus on 3 projects (keep it simple) •Full inventory of current businesses (type, ‘product’, size, etc.) There is strong support for creating a shared vision and plan as a first step, with some additional concrete process/structure suggestions. Theme: Funding •Identify joint econ dev projects to COLLECTIVELY SEEK FUNDING •Reorganize/recalibrate the funding sources we have •Determine what funding mechanisms are the best to meet 2 yr, 5 yr, and 20 yr goals •Bring outside money in. ID projects NOW for 5 -10 year funding •Leverage local alignment and funds to larger funding opportunities •Keep profits LOCAL rather than outside investors or business •First task: encourage establishment of Qualified Opportunity Funds to invest in Opportunity Zones 2.0 starting 1/2027 •No government incentives are going to ‘save’ us or businesses, ie Recompete or Opportunity Zones The ICG has an opportunity to leverage shared vision and goals to seek large funding and should plan for that over multiple time scales. Theme: Housing •Prioritize projects/ideas/investments that encourage housing •Focus/coordinator all electeds on affordable and workforce housing – energy efficient •Housing for workforce •We need to determine how much additional housing for working people can be built that will be supported by infrastructure that can be provided over 20 years Housing needs are tied to workforce needs. Theme: Infrastructure •Plan for and develop stormwater and transportation infrastructure to coincide with Hadlock UGA sewer dev •Expand Hadlock UGA sewer to next phase (incl. SR 19) •Identify areas needing infrastructure investment •Identify local ENERGY GENERATION PROJECTS that could sustainably meet long - term need •Address aging infrastructure and support networks WHILE planning for new •Plan for maintainability/long haul/sustainable 20+ year horizon – how do we keep what we create? •Build a path to public/private development of infrastructure •Prioritize becoming the most ‘connected’ county in WA state Infrastructure should support development in the ‘right’ places and be resilient for the long term. Theme: Learning •We need to learn more about needs of existing employers and training and education needs of workforce •Figure out what is missing from current complement of businesses, then recruit! •Learn more about what has been successful for other (somewhat) similar counties •Learn from past mistakes •Do we have adequate industrial -zoned land to meet our goals? •Learn how to address equity in investment and development decisions •Understand state, federal, and private funding opportunities and how they’re shifting •Review rules holding back econ dev Participants expressed a need to learn about the current state, whether and where there is land for commercial or industrial development, and what might be learned from others. Theme: Permits and Regulation •Reduce barriers – make it easy to start, run, build, and keep a business here •What permits are optional? Do we still want the extra process? •Less government taxation and fees and permits for BUSINESSES •Clear process and defined timeline for permitting •Reduce the burden of government •Allow for alternative for housing, shared business resources, utilities Permits are seen as barriers to doing business. Theme: Process and Roles •To move forward, we need alignment on objectives •Recognize existing potential and build on it •Engage the community in the work/communicate clearly •Support the Port as lead in economic development •Understand and leverage unique econ dev role of PORT of PT •Stop competing with each other •Embrace change Working together will require alignment, planning, and understanding of roles. Theme: Zoning and Land Use •Identify areas for shared investment and development •Plan/design infrastructure in Glen Cove in coordination/collaboration •Leave Glen Cove alone! •Identify key physical locations for economic development and the basket of tools and incentives to encourage investments •Develop a clear and prioritized list of land opportunities to a) create infra for and b) to attract biz growth •Create collective goals to support realized growth of PHUGA (housing, infrastructure, biz dev, transportation) Identifying the ‘right’ places for development and then planning infrastructure and development support is seen as key. Economic Data and Definitions of Economic Development The series of slides that follow were shown during the February 19 th ICG workshop. They are included here for context. Economic Trends in Jefferson County Median Household Income Period Nominal In 2024 Dollars 2000 Census $37,869 $68,922 2010 Census $46,048 $67,691 2024 ACS $73,500 $73,500 Nominal Change 2000→2024: +94% Real Change 2000→2024: +7% Nominal Change 2010→2024: +60% Real Change 2010→2024: +9% Median household income includes the total pre-tax cash income of all members in a household aged 15 or older, combining earned income (wages, salaries, tips, bonuses, and net self -employment earnings) with unearned income (interest, dividends, rent, retirement, social security, and public assistance). Economic Trends in Jefferson County Median Wage (from WA Economic Security Department) Period Nominal In 2022 Dollars 2000 $13.62 $21.42 2010 $18.22 $23.37 2022 $27.01 $27.01 Nominal Change 2000→2022: +98% Real Change 2000→2022: +26% Nominal Change 2010→2022: +48% Real Change 2010→2022: +16% Economic Trends in Jefferson County Median Home Value Period Nominal In 2024 Dollars 2000 Census $157,400 $286,468 2010 Census $284,400 $418,068 2024 ACS $520,000 $520,000 Nominal Change 2000→2024: +230% Real Change 2000→2024: +82% Nominal Change 2010→2024: +83% Real Change 2010→2024: +24% Economic Trends in Jefferson County Median Gross Rent Period Nominal In 2024 Dollars 2000 Census $573 $1,043 2010 Census $751 $1,104 2024 ACS $1,250 $1,250 Nominal Change 2000→2024: +118% Real Change 2000→2024: +20% Nominal Change 2010→2024: +66% Real Change 2010→2024: +13% Economic Trends in Jefferson County Affordability Analysis Period Price-to-Income Ratio 2000 Census 4.2x 2010 Census 6.2x 2024 ACS 7.1x Change 2000→2024: +2.9x Change 2010→2024: +.9x Context: A price-to-income ratio of 3.0x or below is generally considered affordable. Jefferson County's ratio of 7.1x means median-income households need more than 7 years of total household income to purchase a median -priced home. Economic Trends in Jefferson County Labor Force Analysis Period Rate Change 2000 Census 56%-- 2010 Census 51.2%-4.8% 2024 ACS 43.3%-12.7% Note: Labor force participation decline is primarily driven by population aging, not economic distress. As the share of retirement-age residents increases, fewer working -age adults remain in the labor pool. Economic Trends in Jefferson County Demographic Shift Period Percentage Age 65+Change 2000 Census 21.1%-- 2010 Census 27.5%+6.4% 2024 ACS 36.6%+15.5% Period Percentage Under 18 Change 2000 Census 19.8%-- 2010 Census 16%-3.8% 2024 ACS 12%-7.8% Definitions of Economic Development US Economic Development Administration (EDA): Economic development creates the conditions for economic growth and improved quality of life by expanding the capacity of individuals, firms, and communities to maximize the use of their talents and skills to support innovation, lower transaction costs, and responsibly produce and trade valuable goods and services. Definitions of Economic Development Jefferson County believes that investing in our local economy, culture, and ecosystem yields benefits for current residents and future generations. Definitions of Economic Development The Port of Port Townsend is committed to promoting sustainable growth based on a ‘triple bottom line’ approach that factors economic, environmental, and social consequences into our decision -making, and which enhances the long-term wellbeing of the community. Definitions of Economic Development Jefferson PUD’s mission is to better the lives of our community through the delivery of water, sewer, electric, and broadband service each and every day. Definitions of Economic Development Economic development attracts, sustains, and retains businesses and industries which provide jobs and services as well as a tax base for municipalities like the City of Port Townsend that deliver basic services. Definitions of Economic Development EDC Team Jefferson Our mission is to support a resilient, inclusive, local economy by strengthening businesses, cultivating human potential, and building the relationships and systems that help Jefferson County thrive. We envision a Jefferson County where businesses, organizations, and community members are connected through trust, collaboration, and place -based investment, working together to create locally rooted, sustainable prosperity that supports both people and the living systems they depend on. Definitions of Economic Development North Olympic Development Council From the 2026 -30 regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy: Our vision is to build on “Connection to Place” to create a thriving and inclusive economy through a collaborative, triple -bottom -line approach resulting in economic, environmental, and social prosperity. Definitions of Economic Development International Economic Development Council: Economic development is programs, policies, and activities that seek to improve the economic well -being and quality of life for a community by creating and retaining jobs and providing a stable tax base. Definitions of Economic Development International Economic Development Council: A vibrant economy is the result of deliberate choices and actions. All communities need a person or an organization that wakes up every day charged with improving the health of the local economy.