HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft ICG VISION_2PURPOSE
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.
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
The economic success of Jefferson County and its population depend on coordination and cooperation between Jefferson County, Jefferson County Public Utility District, the City of Port
Townsend, and the Port of Port Townsend. While each of us contributes to economic development separately in our own jurisdiction, as the Intergovernmental Collaborative Group (ICG),
we are committed to working together to solve problems and create opportunities that go beyond our individual spheres of influence. Through a series of workshops, we have identified
sectors we believe are foundational to driving positive change:
Shared vision: What do we want to do together and where do we want to go?
Infrastructure: How do we identify and create infrastructure needed to reach our vision?
Funding: How will we pay for implementation and sustainability?
Workforce: How do we create a vibrant workforce for an expanded economy?
Housing: How do we ensure our workforce and all residents have affordable housing?
At the heart of our shared vision are today’s young people and future generations of Jefferson County residents. We envision an economy in which today’s young residents are able to make
a good living in Jefferson County whether they work in our traditional anchoring sectors like maritime trades, agriculture, and forestry, return from college to good jobs in the private
or public sector, or create new businesses as entrepreneurs. For this to happen, we need the funds to build and maintain new infrastructure to support more housing and jobs.
This effort will require cooperation between staff and elected officials of all ICG partners. The combination of partners may shift depending on the project. Sometimes, we will act independently
in ways that further our collective vision. Communication, mutual respect, and flexibility will be key characteristics of our partnership.
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.
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