HomeMy WebLinkAbouteconomic-development-elementEconomic Development Element
Closed Oct 31, 2016 · Discussion · 7 Participants · 4 Topics · 14 Answers · 4 Replies · 4 Votes
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PARTICIPANTS TOPICS ANSWERS REPLIES VOTES
SUMMARY OF TOPICS
WHAT STANDS OUT...? 7 Answers · 2 Replies
Copy and paste the goal that stands to you the most. Why is it
important to you?
Larry Dennison · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Jun 22, 2016 9:20 pm
1 Votes
Please add Alternative Energy Development and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in the
Economic Development Element.
Response:
Emma Bolin · Admin · (Postal Code: unknown) · Jun 24, 2016 11:10 am
Thank you for your comment! Could this also be a suggestion for the transportation
and/or utilities element? How might electric vehicle charging stations improve the
county economically?
Dean Rosenthal · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Jul 12, 2016 6:18 pm
0 Votes
My wife and I have lived in Port Ludlow for 10 years. 98% of our shopping occurs in
Kitsap and Clallam Counties. Most of our neighbors have similar statistics. That's a lot of
sales tax revenue that Jefferson County is missing. We do our share for Jefferson County
with our property tax but the county really needs more revenue. Your services are scant
compared with other parts of the country.
On another front, Port Townsend is a really neat place for tourists to visit UNLESS THE
WIND BLOWS IN THE WRONG DIRECTION! The stink from the pulp mill is anathema to
your environmental quest. Demand filters!!!! Also; the road dividers and traffic circles
probably cost a lot. It looks nice until you let the weeds grow rampant. Routine
maintenance would be nice.
Lucas Hart · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Sep 22, 2016 11:00 pm
1 Votes
Encourage economic development that sustains natural resources and open spaces,
protects environmental quality and enhances Jefferson County’s overall quality of life.
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Economic Development Element
Closed Oct 31, 2016 · Discussion · 7 Participants · 4 Topics · 14 Answers · 4 Replies · 4 Votes
I enjoy living in Jefferson County because of its open space, relatively high environmental
quality, low traffic volume and awesome small towns (Brinnon, Chimacum, Quilcene,
Hadlock, Port Townsend). This county is unique in that it has managed to maintain rural
character while surrounding towns such as Poulsbo, Silverdale and Sequim have followed
the status quo of "urbanized economic development." I can live without big box retail,
shopping malls and chain restaurants. I highly encourage county planners to focus on
revitalizing existing infrastructure to enhance economic opportunities. Fort Worden is an
excellent example of where an economy can be developed almost unknowingly behind
the curtain of beautiful preserved open spaces.
Very strict and permanent boundaries should be placed around urban growth areas.
Where this type of expansion is allowed, mixed use-high density development should be
enforced. Foresight on transportation to these areas needs to be considered - centralized
parking, preferably in areas that have existing parking lots, with shuttle services and
pedestrian/bike friendly infrastructure within new developments. This can improve traffic
safety and minimize impervious surfaces.
When new development and infrastructure is allowed, is it possible to impose a fee to
support a fund for the purchase and protection of open spaces within the county? Some
level of "no-net-loss" of open space would be a novel approach and seems appropriate
for our county. Perhaps it can purchase standing forest, stream buffers or farmland that
supports local economies? Despite the scenic beauty, Puget Sound is highly degraded
due to habitat destruction and regional economic activity. Money to improve these
systems can help local shellfish and fishing economies and tourism.
Replicating what has been done with Finn River in Chimacum is highly encouraged. This
approach provides jobs in rural areas and maintains rural character at the same time. It's
also a great community gathering place.
The current County Commissioner election has raised the issue of developing the
Hadlock/Irondale growth area. I am a home owner in Hadlock and I am probably in the
minority when I say that I am very apprehensive about starting the economic engine in
this town. Although it is largely dependent upon sewer funding (many many years
away), development will inevitably happen. I hope there are policies in place that will
keep development in check and allow for some level of public process. My hope is that
the future economic development in this area will go to support existing local
businesses, local agriculture and those who want to launch local businesses. Wooden
boat building that is tangential to the existing School of Wooden Boat Building and
Maritime Center in Port Townsend, for example.
Jobs are the main driving force behind the desire for economic development. Economic
opportunity is scant in Jefferson County - but I personally do not live here for economic
opportunity. It has been hard work to find employment but I accept it because the
existing personality of this county is far more important to me.
Katy McCoy · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Sep 23, 2016 11:41 am
0 Votes
The aspects of the goals that ring loudest to me are:
1) Sustaining our natural resources, open spaces, and environmental quality. This is the
county’s greatest asset that will only get more valuable as it is lost elsewhere. That
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Economic Development Element
Closed Oct 31, 2016 · Discussion · 7 Participants · 4 Topics · 14 Answers · 4 Replies · 4 Votes
doesn’t mean everything needs to be cordoned off and preserved wild. What is most
exciting is when forests and farmlands are worked in an environmentally sustainable
manner that creates jobs and valued products. Tourists are not only attracted to wild
areas, but to communities that seem to have found answers in how to thrive and take
care of the environment at the same time. Hope and inspiration will always be a good
sell!
2) Targeted Industry Program. The reason this attracts me is that every industry has
unique needs. No one-size-fits-all-program will ever work for everyone. Makes total sense
to prioritize certain industries (your list looks good) and start working on individualized
solutions. This sets a more flexible stage for good creative work. There’s so much more
that can be accomplished while still sticking within GMA guidelines.
3) Phased infrastructure development. I mention this because as an owner of Chimacum
Corner Farmstand, it is frustrating how so many of the roadblocks we encounter in trying
to build our business all come back to septic limitations. That and the lack of housing for
our employees which again circles back to septic limitations in the surrounding areas.
What we are trying to do is consistent with the community’s rural character and history.
We're supporting local farmers who are creating rural jobs and goods while stewarding
the land. Seems to me this is just the type of economic industry the GMA envisioned.
Katy McCoy · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Sep 23, 2016 11:41 am
0 Votes
The aspects of the goals that ring loudest to me are:
1) Sustaining our natural resources, open spaces, and environmental quality. This is the
county’s greatest asset that will only get more valuable as it is lost elsewhere. That
doesn’t mean everything needs to be cordoned off and preserved wild. What is most
exciting is when forests and farmlands are worked in an environmentally sustainable
manner that creates jobs and valued products. Tourists are not only attracted to wild
areas, but to communities that seem to have found answers in how to thrive and take
care of the environment at the same time. Hope and inspiration will always be a good
sell!
2) Targeted Industry Program. The reason this attracts me is that every industry has
unique needs. No one-size-fits-all-program will ever work for everyone. Makes total sense
to prioritize certain industries (your list looks good) and start working on individualized
solutions. This sets a more flexible stage for good creative work. There’s so much more
that can be accomplished while still sticking within GMA guidelines.
3) Phased infrastructure development. I mention this because as an owner of Chimacum
Corner Farmstand, it is frustrating how so many of the roadblocks we encounter in trying
to build our business all come back to septic limitations. That and the lack of housing for
our employees which again circles back to septic limitations in the surrounding areas.
What we are trying to do is consistent with the community’s rural character and history.
We're supporting local farmers who are creating rural jobs and goods while stewarding
the land. Seems to me this is just the type of economic industry the GMA envisioned.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INDICATOR 4 Answers · 1
Replies
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Economic Development Element
Closed Oct 31, 2016 · Discussion · 7 Participants · 4 Topics · 14 Answers · 4 Replies · 4 Votes
What do you consider to be an indicator of economic development?
Chuck Forster · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Jun 23, 2016 3:48 pm
0 Votes
The number of new traded sector businesses and/or traded sector jobs may be one
reasonable indicator.
Response:
Emma Bolin · Admin · (Postal Code: unknown) · Jun 24, 2016 11:08 am
Could you clarify or define what you mean as traded sector businesses?
Chuck Forster · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Jun 24, 2016 5:27 pm
0 Votes
Sure. Traded sector businesses are those that produce goods and/or services in a region
but sell them largely outside the region. One of the benefits of traded sector businesses
is that they bring new wealth into the community in contrast, for example, to a pizza
parlor that (I love pizza) essentially serves to recirculate money that is already in the
community.
Lucas Hart · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Sep 22, 2016 11:24 pm
0 Votes
Increase in living wage employment rates.
CHANGES? 3 Answers · 1 Replies
What would you like to see changed or added to the Economic
Development element goals? Why?
David Neuenschwander · Citizen · (Postal Code: 98376) · Aug 08, 2016 4:58 pm
1 Votes
After looking over the Economic Development Element of the Plan I see no way the
Department of Community Development or the County can deliver on any part of it.
Indeed, according MRSC, perhaps the only legal economic development activity that can
be undertaken by a County is to join and pay dues to an economic development council.
"Washington local governments are very limited as to what they may undertake in the
area of economic development. For cities, the statutory provision is in RCW 35.21.703.
The authority for counties to engage in economic development activities is RCW
36.01.085. Neither statute defines "economic development." The original intent of these
statutes was to enable cities and counties to join and pay dues to economic
development councils and consortiums."
http://mrsc.org/Home/Explore-Topics/Economic-Development/Economic-Development-Bas
ics/Economic-Development-in-Washington-State-An-Introd.aspx
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Economic Development Element
Closed Oct 31, 2016 · Discussion · 7 Participants · 4 Topics · 14 Answers · 4 Replies · 4 Votes
While it is true that EDC Team Jefferson has been tasked with Economic Development, it
is quite clear their plans and this plan do not mesh.
The plan's target sectors are:
• Health Care;
• Gerontology/Retirement;
• Marine Trades;
• Natural Resources;
• High-Technology;
• Value-added products;
• Agriculture/Aquaculture;
• Telecommunications;
• Tourism (including Native, Cultural, and Agricultural); and
• Local and Native Arts (including fine arts and crafts)
EDC Team Jefferson's target sectors are:
Health & Wellness
Food & Farm
Marine Trades
Arts & Culture
Advance Technology
Small Business & Entrepreneurs
Retail & Tourism
Construction & Real Estate
Education
In the end, this Element amounts to a lot of nice sounding words but (so far as I can tell)
it holds no one responsible for achieving the plan's goals.
This Element ought to be rewritten to simply state that the County will join and pay dues
to an Economic Development Council who will 1) prepare economic development plans
for approval by the County and 2) submit written reports of accomplishments against the
plan.
I might relent slightly to allow perhaps one page of extremely broad brush development
goals which must be addressed in the plan of the appointed Economic Development
Council.
Katy McCoy · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Sep 24, 2016 11:27 am
0 Votes
First, just formatting/readability advice. These would be much easier to understand at
first reading if each goal had a summary word in capitals, followed by a colon.
Example — EDUCATION: Encourage programs aimed at providing apprenticeships,
mentorships, education, job training and retraining, and skills enhancement that are
responsive to the changing needs of local businesses and residents.
Suggested summary words: Vision, Education, Targeted Industries, Coordinated Efforts,
Regulatory Incentives, Rural and Urban, Social Services, Tourism, Environment,
Infrastructure.
I would change the third goal to read: Establish a Targeted Industry Program that finds
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Economic Development Element
Closed Oct 31, 2016 · Discussion · 7 Participants · 4 Topics · 14 Answers · 4 Replies · 4 Votes
individualized creative solutions to promote Jefferson County’s strengths, advantages,
and potential in the following industries. (so as to emphasize the values of flexibility and
creativity in solving problems)
I would change the 6th goal to read: Encourage and support economic development for
both rural and urban lands. (It's hard now how worded to understand the intent of the
goal)
Response:
Emma Bolin · Admin · (Postal Code: unknown) · Sep 26, 2016 2:22 pm
Hi Katy! Thank you for your input! I'd like to add that the county would like to make the
Comprehensive Plan easier to read and more accessible. We welcome any suggestions
that would help us achieve this!
HOW MIGHT WE? 0 Answers · 0 Replies
How might we implement any needed changes to the Economic
Development element?
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