HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft ICG VISION_1PURPOSE
During the Covid-19 Pandemic, local government jurisdictions in Jefferson County, Washington, decided that a coordinated response was needed and Jefferson County, the City of Port Townsend,
the Port of Port Townsend and Jefferson Public Utility District (PUD) formed the Intergovernmental Collaborative Group (ICG). Since that time, the ICG has met regularly to share information,
problem-solve and work together on issues facing Jefferson County residents.
In December, 2025, the ICG recognized the need to develop a framework for collaborating on economic development efforts. While each of the ICG member jurisdictions has its own role in
and, in some cases, a detailed strategy for economic development, the ICG wanted to identify areas needing a collaborative approach and develop a framework and methodology for working
together. The intent was not, at least at this time, to develop a strategy for economic development for Jefferson County. Instead, the framework would be limited to work that the ICG
members needed to do together – things that they could accomplish through collaboration that no jurisdiction could do alone.
Through a series of meetings, the ICG developed a vision statement and identified areas of focus and next steps for creating the ICG economic development framework.
VISION
Jefferson County, the City of Port Townsend, the Port of Port Townsend and Jefferson PUD work collaboratively to create a thriving and inclusive economy built on the county’s traditional
economic foundations of small business, marine trades and forest products and spurring job creation and innovation through a triple-bottom-line approach that results in economic, environmental,
and social prosperity. Investing in our local economy, culture, and ecosystem yields benefits for current residents and future generations. The economy will create and retain good jobs
that enable young people to afford housing and raise families. In addition, a reliable tax base will be established to fund important services to support community well-being now and
in the future.
FOCUS AREAS
Through a series of workshops, we have identified key focus areas we believe are foundational to moving toward our vision:
Shared vision: Further develop a shared vision for Jefferson County’s economic well-being.
Infrastructure: Identify what new or improved infrastructure is needed to enable economic and housing development.
Funding: Identify what one-time and ongoing funding is required to accomplish key economic and infrastructure goals and where will it come from.
Business development, job creation and workforce: Develop strategies for supporting business development to create and retain good jobs and workforce development to meet the needs of
employers.
Housing: Develop strategies to ensure that housing is available, affordable and accessible to all residents.
We have selected primary elements of economic development to work on together, but we also recognize that other sectors and issues are tied to economic vitality. When opportunities arise
to support them, we will. When we are making decisions, we will consider these additional factors, particularly climate change and its effects on our communities.
Our work together is a marathon, not a sprint. We will strive for balance between improving present conditions and setting our communities up for a thriving future.